6 Obstacles Faced By International Students In College
Enrolling in a U.S. university presents an exhilarating opportunity for new international students. However, as you begin this new chapter abroad, you’ll need to adapt to some changes. Embarking on a journey to study in another country involves overcoming numerous hurdles. It’s a thrilling adventure brimming with excitement and obstacles.
Setting small daily goals can be instrumental in navigating these challenges. Accomplishing these small objectives will pave the way for greater achievements in the future. Here are some prevalent challenges international students may encounter and strategies to surmount them:
1. Assignments and Expectations Will be Different
International students attending a U.S. university will encounter a fresh educational system with assignments and standards that may be unfamiliar to them. For instance, they may encounter tasks such as composing research papers that necessitate source citation and adherence to MLA or APA formatting guidelines.
Properly acknowledging the work of other researchers through citation is imperative when completing assignments to avoid plagiarism. This concept may be unfamiliar to many international students, and a misinterpretation of it could lead to severe disciplinary measures, ranging from assignment or class failure to university expulsion.
When uncertain about how to properly cite or attribute an idea or quote in their assignments, students can seek guidance from their professors. Additionally, professors can provide clarity on the formatting requirements for papers.
2. More Casual Professor Interactions
Certain international students might originate from academic settings where interactions between instructors and students are more formal. However, in U.S. classrooms, active dialogue, exchanging ideas, and asking questions are integral components of the learning experience. Therefore, it’s crucial for international students to grasp these expectations in order to fully participate in their education.
Numerous professors hold regular office hours, providing students with the opportunity to seek clarification on assignments or address any queries. If your schedule doesn’t align with your professor’s office hours, you can either communicate via email or speak with them after class to arrange a suitable meeting time.
3. Required General Education Courses
Other international students may find it unexpected that, in addition to their major-specific courses, they are required to take general education (GE) courses. These GE courses serve to introduce students to a diverse array of subjects.
Perhaps you’ll discover a newfound interest that you were previously unaware of. Maybe you’ll encounter fascinating individuals whom you wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s possible that your course will be more manageable than anticipated, leading to an improvement in your GPA.
4. Connecting with individuals with shared interests
Participating in an academic club, sports team, or social organization can serve as an effective method for forging new friendships. One of the most intimidating aspects of transitioning to a new school, neighborhood, or country is the challenge of making new acquaintances.
We recommend that students explore clubs that align with their interests, such as an international club or sports club, and consider reaching out to the school’s student union for information. Additionally, students can explore the potential of establishing affinity groups. For instance, if your university doesn’t have an e-sports program but you’re interested in it, consider initiating one. Similarly, if there’s a lack of a cricket club and you’re passionate about the sport, why not take the initiative to create one?
5. Discovering nutritious food choices
In the United States, the term “the freshman 15” refers to the weight gain frequently observed among college students during their first year as they adopt less healthy eating habits away from home. Although research indicates that the average weight gain falls within the range of 4 to 10 pounds rather than 15, experts emphasize that this outcome is not inevitable.
If you’re enrolled in your school’s meal plan, rest assured that there will be healthy food options available to you, even if they differ from what you’re accustomed to eating. Make the most of the nutritional counseling services offered by your dining service. Additionally, consider exploring local grocery stores that stock ingredients for preparing homemade dishes.
6. Grasping cultural nuances
Transitioning to college can pose challenges for any student, but campuses offer an array of resources to assist. For international students navigating the adjustment to a new culture, the first step is often to reach out to your school’s international student office.
Try to actively engage with faculty, academic advisors, the international office, as well as other international and domestic students as much as possible. By interacting with individuals who can offer support and insights, students can better understand U.S. culture and navigate their college experience more effectively.
