What struggles do international students face in the US?

I've heard that international students face unique challenges when studying in the US. What are some common struggles they encounter, and how do they typically overcome them? I'd love some insights to better prepare myself.

As an international student studying in the U.S., you're likely to encounter several challenges, some of which are common among new students in general and some peculiar to international students.

One common challenge is the cultural adjustment. The U.S. may be quite different from your home country in terms of lifestyle, communication styles, and social norms. For example, in some societies, it's common for students to remain silent unless directly asked a question, while in many American classrooms, spontaneous involvement is often expected and graded. Many international students find joining a cultural exchange or international students' club on campus helps them note these differences and adjust better to the cultural norms.

Secondly, homesickness and the feeling of being isolated might be more prominent among international students because of distance and the lack of familiar social support. This is often magnified by language barriers. Attending social events, joining clubs or organizations, or finding a part-time job on campus are some of the ways to build a support network and mitigate feelings of isolation.

Another significant challenge can be understanding the U.S. education system, like the grading system and classroom expectations. Every institution has its own rules, so it's essential that international students go through orientation processes, use resources provided by the international office, and ask questions when in doubt.

Financial pressures can be quite high on international students too. It's important to understand the costs involved, budget wisely, and avoid unnecessary debts. Work-study opportunities or scholarships for international students could also be explored to cope with the financial burden.

Lastly, navigating immigration laws and maintaining correct visa status lies solely with international students, which can be daunting without proper guidance. It's crucial to stay in constant touch with your institution’s international student office who can provide accurate information and necessary support.

Preparing for these challenges ahead of time and utilizing the available resources can greatly alleviate these problems and make your experience much smoother.