International Students' Challenges
Speech difficulties - pronunciation and definitions may differ from American English.
- Culture trauma - face new tasks such as learning to drive in a strange environment.
- Overwhelming abundance of choices - their homeland libraries may only offer meager textbook collections.
- Acute homesickness -
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trips back home may be few and far between.
- plagued by complicated visa paperwork.
- New weather patterns - unfamiliar snow and grey skies may depress them.
- Financial difficulties - American cost of living may be much higher than they expected.
- Incredible pressure to succeed -
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fear of failing their one chance to earn an education.
- fear of shaming their families.
- fear of wasting their parent's money.
Ideas from power point presentation notes entitled: “Responding to the Needs of International Students: Tips For Staff Members,” International Student & Scholar Services, University at Buffalo, February 10, 2006. This resource is not available to the general public.