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 -
  • 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 -
  • 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.