Because of the lack of support for Saudi female students in the United States and the lack of literature addressing social and academic challenges facing them, this qualitative study sought to fill the gap and answer the question of how studying abroad in the U.S. influences Saudi female students academically and socially. Since Saudi Arabia is an old country with rooted traditions that is against any new change, Structural Inertia Theory (Hannan & Freeman, 1984), Hofstede's cultural dimension theory (2001) and Schlossberg's Adult Transition theory (1995), were used as the theoretical framework for the research. These theories provided a grounded understanding to guide the research analysis. During the analysis process, the researcher divided the finding section into three main themes: (1) social challenges, (2) academic challenges, and (3) emotional and spiritual challenges. Each them included many sub-themes. The social challenges include sub-themes such as: social judgments, making friends, fitting in, mahram issues, racism and safety, balancing responsibilities, different traditions, and mobility. The academic challenges include sub-themes such as: admission and language issues, different teaching styles and laws, lack of academic support, financial hardship. While the emotional and spiritual challenges include: homesickness, stress, and missing spirituality. Since the number of Saudi female students is increasing in the United States, educational professionals might need to pay more attention to addressing their needs and ensuring that they are having a successful educational experience. According to the findings of the research, one can say that educational professionals working with Saudi female students might be encouraged to get a better understanding of the unique challenges those students are going through. Therefore, special workshops can be designed to better prepare faculty members in dealing with Saudi students in general and Saudi females in particular. Moreover, special mentoring programs may be created to assist Saudi female students during their educational experience and help them to better adjust in their new environment. It is recommended that such programs should reach out to those students since they tend to struggle in silence and do not seek help. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]