美國的全球學生流動比以往任何時候都要多，特別是很多國際學生選擇在美國高等教育學習。現在有越來越多的國際學生接受在美國高等教育機構就讀學位課程，而不僅僅是短時間遊學。由於逗留時間較長，許多國際學生在國外期間讀書期間，會帶著他們的配偶和家人來陪伴他們。「國際學生的配偶以及簽證身份如何影響他們在美國的生活」是高等教育實踐中出現的一個新問題。儘管缺乏關於這個問題的文獻，但很多美國高等教育學校已經做了足夠的工作來了解他們的需求，以及可以做些什麼來幫助這個獨特的人口。這篇文獻綜述重點討論了當前可用文獻中涉及的五個主要觀點：入抵達前的注意事項、國際學生配偶面臨的障礙、上述障礙的處理結果、應對機制、改進建議。

There is more global student mobility occurring than ever before in American, especially while a lot of international students choose studying in American’s high education. More international students are enrolling the degree programs in American higher education institutions, not just coming by themselves for short periods of time anymore. Because of the longer length of stay, many international students are bringing their spouses and families with them during their time abroad. The spouses of international students and how their visa status affects their lives while in the American is an emerging problem of practice in higher education. In spite of the lack of literature available on the subject, enough has been done to gain a picture of their needs and what higher education can do to help this unique demographic. This literature review focuses on five major points covered throughout the current available literature: pre-arrival considerations, barriers faced by spouses of international students, results of said barriers, coping mechanisms, and suggestions for improvement.