By Ania Melgar
Being a foreigner anywhere is never easy and it can be even harder when you are student. Nonetheless, being an international student is a great honor and an adventure. Even though being an international student is fun and exciting there are also some difficulties in various aspects of studying and living abroad. I’d like to share my experience on what challenges I’ve faced as an international student and what you can do if you find yourself feeling the same way.
Homesickness
The unfamiliarity of a foreign place can make you feel like you’re a tourist at first. This is the time when you are excited and curious to explore everything. After a couple days, reality hits you and realize that you won’t be seeing your family and friends from back home for quite some time. This thought can make you feel lonely and is a big challenge that most students abroad face.
Now, thanks to technology, you can talk with your family and friends through Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc. and this can help you feel connected to others. However, you may be tempted to spend most of your free time calling home and talking to your old friends to feel a sense of safety and comfort. However, it’s important to remind yourself that you went abroad for a reason–you wanted to experience new things and broaden your horizons.
Although it will be difficult, you need to get out, make new friends and create a support network in this new environment. Try to be open to as many opportunities to meet new people as possible. Go to social events that take place in your university or that you get invited to, join clubs and RSOs (registered student organizations), etc. This makes it easier for you to start meeting new people. Baby steps can lead to big leaps!
Fitting In
Aside from missing family and friends, international students might struggle with adjusting to new surroundings. You will find that people behave differently, the food is probably different from your country, and there is a different way to socialize. In this kind of situation, the best you can do is be open to new experiences and meeting new people while allowing them to learn about your culture and sharing their viewpoints with you. Join clubs, organizations, volunteer, go to sports events or attend festivals! There is so much that you can do on and off campus.
Remember that the locals want to get to know you and learn more about you. As an international student, you have a unique opportunity to not only immerse yourself in a different culture but help others get to know where you’re from and what life is like for you back home. Listen to what others have to say and also find your own voice in sharing your experiences–let others get to know you! You might just find that you have more in common than you thought.
Academics
Since there is a lot going on, it might be easy to focus on everything but your schoolwork. It is important to remember that the academic experience is what made you want to study abroad in the first place. It can be a challenge if you discover that the U.S. classroom expectations are different than those in your home country.
It is important that you talk with your instructors if you do not understand something in class. Most professors in college have office hours that are there for students to discuss anything class-related. Ask your advisor if there is a student mentor that could help you and connect with them. Also, find a good study group for your more challenging classes, which could help you learn better, collaborate with other students, and give you an opportunity to receive a little extra help clarifying assignments and coursework.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation–reach out! There will always be someone to help you if you ask. It can sometimes be tough to approach someone about needing help, but it’s the best thing you can do for yourself, so don’t hesitate! Most people will be happy to lend you a helping hand wherever they can.
