Discover America's
5 Athletic Regions
From snowy Northeast winters to sunny California coasts — understand climate, culture, cost of living, and NCAA opportunities to find your perfect college destination.
Choosing Your Region is a Big Decision
As an international student-athlete, your region choice affects everything from daily life to athletic performance
Climate Adaptation
Coming from a tropical country? Northeast winters can be challenging. From Europe? You might prefer similar seasons. Climate affects training, mood, and daily comfort.
Cost of Living
Your scholarship covers tuition, but living expenses vary dramatically. $500/month goes much further in Kansas than in California or New York.
Travel Home
Major international airports make holiday visits easier. West Coast is closer to Asia/Australia, East Coast to Europe/Africa, South to Latin America.
International Community
Some regions have larger international student populations and better support services. This can make your transition much smoother.
Athletic Culture
SEC loves football, Big East is basketball-focused, Pac-12 excels in Olympic sports. Find a region where your sport thrives.
Career Opportunities
Tech jobs cluster on coasts, finance in Northeast, energy in Texas. Your college location can jumpstart your post-athletic career.
Explore NCAA Regions
Click on any region to discover conferences, climate, and opportunities
US Regions
Pro Tips
- Visit campus during the season you'll train most
- Ask current international players about their experience
- Check flight costs to your home country
- Research the local international community
Complete Regional Breakdown
Everything international student-athletes need to know about each US region
Northeast
12 StatesClimate
Four distinct seasons. Cold, snowy winters (Nov-Mar). Warm summers. Beautiful fall foliage.
Sports Culture
Historic traditions, academic excellence. Basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse thrive. Intense rivalries.
For International Athletes
Large international communities. Excellent support services. Direct flights to Europe, Africa, Middle East.
Southeast
10 StatesClimate
Warm & humid. Mild winters, hot summers. Florida is subtropical. Hurricane season Aug-Nov.
Sports Culture
Passionate fans! SEC dominates. Year-round outdoor training. Football culture, growing basketball.
For International Athletes
Southern hospitality. Growing international communities. Atlanta is world's busiest airport hub.
Midwest
12 StatesClimate
Four seasons. Cold, snowy winters. Hot, humid summers. Beautiful springs and falls.
Sports Culture
Big Ten powerhouse. Deep basketball & volleyball roots. Passionate, loyal fans. Historic programs.
For International Athletes
Most affordable region! Friendly "Midwest nice" culture. Great value for your scholarship dollar.
Southwest
6 StatesClimate
Hot & sunny! Mild winters. Arizona is dry desert, Texas is humid. Year-round training weather.
Sports Culture
Big 12 competitive. Football tradition, growing basketball. Texas has massive athletic programs.
For International Athletes
Very diverse! No state income tax in Texas. Large Hispanic communities. Affordable living.
West
11 StatesClimate
Varied! California is perfect year-round. Mountains have snow. Desert areas are hot & dry.
Sports Culture
Pac-12 excellence. Laid-back but competitive. Beach volleyball, water sports. Innovation-focused.
For International Athletes
Very diverse! Large Asian communities. Best for athletes from Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands.
Ready to Find Your Perfect College?
Use our college finder to discover NCAA programs that match your preferences for location, climate, academics, and athletic level.