ABSTRACT
Purpose: Each year; college campuses in America welcome an increasing and diverse population of international students. While the health status of these students is as diverse as the countries they come from; the shared experience of coming from different cultures; different backgrounds and different systems could lead to differences in health behavior. This study aimed to identify key patterns in nutrition; exercise and use of health care services and make recommendations for health promotion interventions. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to all international students enrolled in classes for the Spring 2007. Results: The majority of international students believed healthy behaviors were important: good nutrition habits (91); regular exercise (74); and use of health care services (60). Forty-four percent of the students reported they never exercise and 56reported not to have used any health care services within the past year. Conclusion: Although international students of Western Kentucky University; USA believe in healthy behaviours; majority often do not use the health care services. University wellness programs should be designed to identify target areas for health promotion interventions among international students. In addition; orientation programs provided to these students should be comprehensive and must include perceived academic; health; social and cultural issues and how to overcome them