Preparation for Academic Student Success (PASS) is a 3-week experience designed to help international students prepare for a successful start to their academic journey. Students are equipped with the academic language skills, cultural understanding, and learning strategies they need to feel confident and connected as they begin their studies. This pre-academic program is designed for international students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who have been fully or conditionally admitted to degree programs for the fall semester. It may also be suitable for students admitted to other universities in the United States, especially in the University of Nebraska system.
Why attend the program?
Academic Language Skills
Join workshops where you can polish your English oral and written communication skills for the classroom.
Classroom Culture
Learn how Americans navigate the college classroom including asking questions, taking notes, and interacting effectively in pair and group work.
University Policies and Procedures
Learn about important University policies including academic integrity, Title IX, and more.
Campus Life
Become familiar with the UNL campus and learn about important resources to help you succeed in your daily and academic life.
Program Information
Program Dates
July 28 to August 15, 2025
You are advised to arrive on campus July 26th or 27th. Airport transportation from the Lincoln (LNK) airport to the UNL campus will be provided on those days. Note that we cannot provide transportation for the airport in Omaha; therefore, we highly recommend participants use the Lincoln airport only.
Program Costs
Program Costs: $3000
This cost includes all workshops, activities and events, housing, food and transportation for the the three-week program.
Housing
Housing and food are included in the program costs and will be arranged for you by the program coordinator. The coordinator will provide more details about the exact locations as that information becomes available.
Housing
Because living on campus is an essential part of the overall experience, each participant will be assigned a roommate (whenever possible) and will stay in one of our traditional style residential facilities. A linen package will be provided that includes sheets, pillow, and comforter (blanket). A daily towel exchange is also included. Note that bathrooms and showers are communal on each floor and separated by gender. You can learn more about traditional style halls at the housing website:
Meals
Participants will eat at one of our several campus dining centers on campus. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the meal plan. You can learn more about the facilities by visiting the following website for dining services:
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is mandatory for UNL students. Those who are already registered for fall classes will have their coverage beginning August 1st. Instructions for claiming UNL health insurance will provided in orientation. Non-UNL students are highly encouraged to have health insurance for the duration of the PASS program. These student are encouraged to check with the school they will be attending full-time to see if they can claim their health insurance early. If not, it is recommended that the student purchase travel health insurance for the duration of the PASS program.
Application and Payment
Application:
You will apply for the program using the online application below (or click on one of the Apply Now links on this page). You will receive email confirmation once the form is submitted and the PASS program coordinator will reach out to you with more information by email.
Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
Application Fee: None
Payment Information:
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a link to our online payment system along with detailed instructions. Payment is handled through a third party vendor called StarRezEvents. Note that a $90 fee will be added to your bill to cover the credit card processing fee.