Obstacles Faced By International Students

International students battle with several different obstacles in the process of moving to the United States to seek a better education. The number of international students studying in the United States, as of today, is 975,000 (Turner). Many international students have the desire to study in the land of opportunities for its quality of education, which allows them to obtain a respectable degree in their choice of major. Many of them come to America not knowing the English language very well, but still, challenge themselves because they are devoted to learning. College can be stressful, especially when you are being exposed to a new environment with people who speak a different language than your first language. For many students, the transition

Kwon Yangyi, a college student, did a study regarding international students and some of the factors that affects them. One interesting conclusion from Kwon’s study was that female international students were more subject to homesickness, isolation, and loneliness. This is understandable as females tend to be more family oriented than males. Moving to a foreign country where you might not know anyone, may put these international students in a state of depression due to being away from family. This realization that you have to form a new life in a different country away from your love ones can add to the depression. Staying in contact with family is important for international students. Maintaining communication with their love ones will help them to feel less lonely in a new place where they may not know anyone. Finding things to do that they enjoy can also help them feel more at home. Additionally, keeping a positive mindset will help these international students adapt faster to their new environment by helping them to start focusing on the positive aspects of moving to the United States. International students must grow up a little faster when they move here because they have to learn to do many adult activities like finding a place to live, finding transportation, and finding a job. All of

For example, you must relearn things such as how you talk to elders and how you act around your peers. Many international students come from countries where their morals and values differ from that of American morals and values. Learning English can be challenging. “According to Helen Pinnock, Senior Education Adviser at Save the Children UK, children are approximately 12 years old before they fully master their native language. Before this point, children are not able to pick up a second language as quickly as older children or adults” (Elsworth). Having that language barrier can cause frustration among students. For instance a foreign student may misinterpret what another person is saying to which could possibly have a negative impact on the new student. Language is very important when attempting to get to know someone. It allows us to help each other and learn from one another. Matthew Murrie, an English Instructor at Westminster College, points out how in college most interactions happen outside of the classrooms. Most international students are afraid to approach other students, which makes it hard for them to find new people to interact with (Hopkins). Making new relationships with domestic students can help improve foreign students’ English and allow them to learn about American culture. Extracurricular activities are a great opportunity to get