What are the challenges of international students?

Challenges International Students May Encounter in University Life

Going abroad to study can be an immensely exciting opportunity for many new international students. As you embark on this new chapter of your educational journey as an international student, you'll need to adapt to some lifestyle changes.

You may encounter various challenges when studying abroad in another country. You're embarking on a fresh adventure filled with excitement and obstacles. To navigate these challenges, consider setting daily small goals for yourself. Achieving these goals consistently can lead to greater success in the future. This article will explore some of the difficulties you might face as an international student pursuing education abroad and how you can overcome them.

1. New Academic Demands and Expectations

You may encounter significant differences between the education systems of your home country and the country where you'll pursue higher education. In university, you'll encounter new tasks and assignments that may be unfamiliar to you. For instance, you'll need to write research papers that require proper citation and adherence to internationally recognized academic writing formats. It's crucial to cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism, which can result in disciplinary action. Seek guidance from faculty members on citation conventions and academic writing formats if you're unsure.

2. Faculty-Student Interactions

Expect differences in the academic environment compared to what you're accustomed to. While you may be accustomed to formal interactions with instructors, many universities abroad encourage dialogue, discussion, and questioning in the classroom. Take advantage of faculty members' office hours to seek clarification on assignments or discuss course material further. If office hours don't align with your schedule, don't hesitate to email your professors or arrange to meet them after class.

3. General Education Requirements

Some universities may require you to take general education courses alongside your major coursework. These courses may introduce you to new fields of study or help you gain a deeper understanding of your major. Embrace these opportunities, as they may lead to unexpected discoveries or friendships.

4. Meeting Like-Minded Individuals

Making friends in a new environment can be daunting, but joining clubs, societies, sports teams, or international student organizations can help you expand your social circle. Consider starting or joining a group based on shared interests to connect with others.

5. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Moving away from the country where you were born and raised, and going to another country for a long stay for education, may mean moving away from the culinary culture you are used to. Since you will be busy with various things and will go through an adjustment period until you establish a settled routine in the country you will go to for education, you may be tempted to turn to ready-made meals during this period.

However, if you choose to benefit from the meal plan offered by the university you attend, you can have the opportunity to eat healthy, even if the meals you encounter are different from what you are used to. Some universities, in addition to the food services they provide to their students, also offer nutritional counselling.

If you choose your accommodation from home rather than student dormitories and like to cook for yourself, you can find local markets that sell cooking ingredients specific to your location. You can even use this as an opportunity to cook for the new friends you will make.

6. Understanding Cultural Nuances

The transition to university life can be a difficult experience for any student, especially if you will be studying abroad. However, the campuses of the university you will attend for education will provide you with various resources that can help you in this regard and make the transition process smoother. Almost every university that accepts international students has student offices for international students trying to adapt to a new culture. You can start your adaptation process by getting information or consultancy from these offices.

To discover this new culture that you choose to live in for several years and that you will become a part of over time, you must communicate with the people who create and live the culture. Interpersonal interactions such as very simple, casual conversations not only help you get familiar with cultural elements but also help increase your self-confidence.

Try to interact as often as you can with the faculty members whose courses you take, academic advisors, individuals working in international student offices, other international students like you, and students who are local to the country and city you are visiting. Being curious about the culture of the country you go to for education and trying to learn as much as possible about this culture will be liked and appreciated by most people around you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Challenges International Students May Encounter in University Life

This article will explore some of the difficulties you might face as an international student pursuing education abroad and how you can overcome them. These are: 1. New Academic Demands and Expectations 2. Faculty-Student Interactions 3. General Education Requirements 4. Meeting Like-Minded Individuals 5. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle 6. Understanding Cultural Nuances