Challenges faced by International Students, going to US Universities

As a foreign student deciding to go to college in the United States, you will go through many new exciting experiences. However, you may also encounter many obstacles and hardships, a few of which will be highlighted in this article.

One big issue encountered by many students is the language barrier. Many say that it feels isolating to be living in a country where no one speaks their language. This can lead to feelings of homesickness and loneliness, where students feel like they must go through their entire college experience alone. This problem can be resolved slowly as a student gets acclimated to their new life in America, and starts to understand the culture and customs there. The use of translators, effective school to student communication, visual methods of communication, and more can help students overcome this issue as well.

Another issue that affects many students new to the US is dealing with finances. For some students, they will need to learn how to use a new currency (US dollars). This can be difficult for those who have spent their whole lives using their native country’s currency. An easy way to get used to this change in currency is through the use of a currency converter calculator that can be found online. For example, a student who is used to using Japanese Yen can use a converter to find that around 110 Yen is equal to 1 US Dollar. This comparison can help the student get used to the prices in the USA in terms of their own native currency.

It is also important to remember that very limited financial aid is offered to those who are coming to study in the USA from different countries. An international student is not eligible for the student loans that a student already living in America would be eligible for. The International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) is a good place to start researching scholarships and grants for international students. Students wishing to study abroad should also realize that they cannot depend on employment in the USA to pay for their tuition. Immigration regulations are very strict, and many have rules that must be followed when coming to the USA while carrying a student visa. F1 visas allow for international students to work part time (less than 20 hours a month) on campus, but the pay from these jobs will not be sufficient enough to pay off student tuition. The fact that most international students are not allowed to work in the United States is also another issue that many learners face. They will have to pay for tuition and all other expenses through their family or student loans from their home country.

WHAT ARE THINGS THAT STUDENTS CAN DO TO ADAPT TO LIFE IN THE USA?

1. Join student clubs– Many universities have a large variety of clubs that range from athletics to culture. (An example of this are Indian Student Associations, which are focused on making a strong Indian community in that specific college.) Clubs like these can help introduce an international student to new people while still keeping them rooted to their heritage.

2. Attend local events– While it may be scary to go out, the only way for international students to be able to make new friends is through meeting new people. Going to class is extremely important, but going to parties, get togethers, and other social events can help international students meet new friends and build lasting connections.

3. Volunteering- While most international students cannot work in the United States, they may be allowed to volunteer in certain places. International students may be able to volunteer in places that they find interesting, and this can help them start to build connections with the staff and learn more about what working in America is like.

 Know that you have support– While it is hard to be moving to a new country without family, it’s important to remember that there are people around you that support you. Roommates, professors, relatives, counselors, and more are all people that might understand you and the hardships you are facing. Many of them will do their best to support you both physically and mentally. Even though you may feel lonely, you are never alone. Talking and spending time with the people you see a lot will only help you build lasting connections and relationships.