International students face various problems

International students confront a variety of challenges while studying. These kids must undergo hardship in order to pursue a better education abroad. They leave their homeland, leaving behind family, friends, and relatives to pursue their dreams in unknown regions.In this new land, they have to find methods to survive, a new people, culture, behavior, and environment. This process is not an easy one, as these international students have to acquire a new set of skills that will enable them to adapt to these drastic conditions. Before the adaptation processes occur, these students deal with overwhelming situations that are physically and mentally challenging. The feeling of alienation is common to most international students. These students have to endure this feeling before developing solid social networks. Motivation is a necessary component if these students are to endure the challenges associated with studying abroad. This study was conducted with the aim of establishing how these students cope with these challenges. The survey incorporated 70 students who have at least two years studying abroad. All the respondents in the survey termed homesickness as their greatest challenge while studying abroad. 85% of them took less than three months to tackle this challenge.

CHALLENGES INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FACE STUDYING ABROAD

Introduction

The world is becoming a competitive place, especially in education. In a majority of countries, education is seen as a tool to facilitate both social and occupational mobility. These factors among others are a major motivator for individuals to seek education from abroad. Studying abroad comes with its own set of challenges. International students begin facing problems from the onset of stepping into their host country. The language barrier, cultural shock, climate, environment, and homesickness are among the challenges that they face. Overcoming these challenges is important for the survival of these students. The US, for example, receives over 1 million international students annually (Xiaoyun, 2013). This shows how international education is in demand. Parent want the best for their children, it also applies to education. Parents are sending their children to receive the best degrees and diplomas that the world has to offer. Countries have discovered the benefit of international education in their countries and they are specializing in offering specific programs as a means of attracting foreign students (Tamas, 2017). France is famous for offering tourism and hospitality course, the US medicine and computer science, Germany applied mathematics and China production. In addition, multiple countries are joining to open institutions of higher learning. European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the International Space Station and the United Nation Research Facilities in Geneva are some of these educational institutions.

The sources of international learning range from the individual, the family, organizations, institutions, and government. The motivation of individuals is to visit a new country and interact with people of various backgrounds while they study. Families, on the other hand, send their siblings to international countries as a method of maintaining stature in society (Wu, Garza and Guzman, 2017). A family that has children studying abroad is a source of pride. Organizations sponsor employees to learn abroad to acquire skills that will transform the company. Regardless of the source that initiates the reason for individuals to study abroad, there is much benefit to it. Studying abroad exposes the individual to new ideas and perspectives that they never had before. In addition, the experience that one gain is impossible to achieve learning in your own home country. One new social networks that become beneficial later in life. Learning abroad makes it easier for individuals to find employment in their home country. Various international institutions have flexible curriculums that change with changes in the job market. These enable students from these institutions to develop relevant and up-to-date skills.

Literature Review

Reason Why Students Study Abroad

There exist wide researches conducted by scholars on the reasons that motivate individuals to study abroad. Societies throughout the world value and appreciate the value of good education (Tamas, 2017). The right education facilitates social mobility. One is able to interact with a wide level of individuals from various disciplines. According to Xiaoyun (2013), the right education enables one develop solutions to complex societal problems. This fact makes education a very important commodity. Most families around the world try their best to ensure that they offer their children access to the best education available. This at times means sending their children to prestigious schools in foreign countries (Tamas, 2017). Wealthy families and families with powerful positions in society normally send their children abroad to study. The scarcity of jobs in the job market has meant that the most learned individuals gain access to the available jobs. Studying abroad has its advantages as these individuals get the first consideration (Jibreel, 2015). In addition, the number of people going abroad to study is on the rise. People view that studying abroad is fashionable and a trend has set. This has made people admire the idea of going abroad to study.

Challenges Students Face Studying Abroad

The lure and excitement of studying abroad shadow students that they, in turn, fail to focus on the most important thing, challenges. One of the challenges is finances. Lacking finances in a foreign country is a situation to dread. Lacking finances means cutting short your studies and looking for a method to earn a living. Most foreign countries provide work permits to international students to enable them to work. The problem is usually securing employment. Alghamdi (2016), notes that foreign students can stay months actively searching for employment without securing any. The fact that one is not a native makes it even harder. International students with language barrier find it impossible to find jobs and the jobs found are normally casual jobs that pay poorly. Therefore, for students planning to study abroad, it is important for them to be financially stable (Zerman, 2014). The student should beforehand make a calculation to see if the funds they possess will be enough to sustain them throughout the period of study. Those that aim to secure employment to finance their wellbeing should first know the unemployment statistics of the host country.

Cultural Shock

Cultural shock is another challenge that an international student has to face as they are studying abroad. Foreign countries have their own beliefs, customs, and ideologies that are different from the student’s. Knowing when and how to behave is a challenge that international students face which is at times overwhelming. The feeling of loneliness is not new to international students. Cultural shock can make students fear to associate with others. At times, they feel as if they are outcasts, as people tend to avoid associating with them. The process of handling cultural shock differs among students depending on the level of the shock. In most cases, it is recommended for one to be observant. Patience is an important virtue at this time as one absorbs and learns the new culture. In associating with people, one should be quick to reveal that they are new to the culture so that the one who one is associating with do not get offended (Challenges of International Students and Strategies for Success, 2014). Being honest at the beginning is essential, as people will be more willing to help the international student in the thing that seems new or strange to them. Before venturing into a foreign land, it is important to learn as much as one can about the new country. This will enable them to notice the pitfall and avoid getting into them.

Climate Change

The world is a dynamic place with every region having its own climate. Climate change is another factor that international students need to consider while venturing into a new country. One can find it quite unsettling to find that you own summer clothes in a winter country. Apart from knowing the weather of the host country is important to note if the place of the resident is affected by environmental catastrophes. Heat waves, sandstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and flashfloods among other environmental hazards can be disastrous and time life threatening. As an international student, it is important to know when these things happen, the warning signs to watch out for and knowing what to do in case they happen. It is also vital for the international student to visit a medical practitioner to recommend medication. Climate change can come with a variety of medical complication it is important for the international student to take precaution. According to researchers, when planning to go abroad it is essential to pack minimal clothing and buy the rest in the host country. This is not only essential to avoid packing the wrong wardrobe but enables one to blend in with the fashion of the host country (Alghamdi, 2016).

Homesickness

Homesickness is another challenge an international student has to face. No one is immune to this feeling and everyone has to learn how to overcome it. Homesickness is a terrible feeling that comes with the burdened of sadness that drives one to depression (Omachinski, 2017). A method of avoiding this feeling is avoiding it by keeping busy. Ensuring that one is fully occupied in various activities leaving no room to the feeling. It is important to find a person to confide in, especially people going through the same situation as your own. One can befriend another international student and they can share their experiences to enable them to cope. There is also the option of joining a support group to gain support. Lastly, there is the option of seeking professional help from professional counselors. Every institution of higher learning has qualified counselors that aid students cope with their situation (Xiaoyun, 2013). They also provide personalized advice is tailor-made to fit one specific needs.

Methodology

Research Design

The research was conducted to find out the challenges that international students face when enrolled in abroad. The study concentrated on ongoing students with at least two years in their studies. It was believed that these students had enough experience being foreign students and had overcome challenges associated with being foreign students. In addition, the study incorporated students who had cleared their academic program as international students. The study combined the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Participants

The survey involved a voluntary sample. The study targeted participants who were international students. These students came from various home countries including South Korea, China, Mexico, and Egypt. The survey consisted of responses from 70 participants. Of the 70-student chosen in the survey, 60 of them were undergraduates while the rest were pursuing their masters’ degrees. This number was minimal as the study limited itself in getting responses from international students with over two years studying abroad. 21 of the participant were female, 14 choose to stay anonymous while the rest were male.

Figure 1. Gender of the Respondents

Data Collection

A questionnaire was chosen as a method of data collection and included both open and closed-ended questions. The method of delivery was through email as this is a cheaper way of collecting data. The questionnaire had an option that allowed the applicant to be asked to follow up questions. The respondents were chosen at random for follow up questions.

Findings

A majority of students suffers from homesickness in the course of their study abroad. All of the students that took part in the survey claimed to suffer from homesickness. In the follow-up question, most of the respondents claimed that they deal with this feeling by keeping busy and avoiding being alone.

Suffer from home sickness

Yes

No

70

0

Table 1: Questionnaire responses

The research showed that a number of international students do a research on the host country before leaving for their studies. 82% of these students perform a type of research to familiarize themselves with what will be their new home during the time of their study.

Research

A lot

Minimal

None

25

33

12

Table 2: Student research on the host country

The study revealed that most international students take at least three months or less to overcome challenges that are associated with learning abroad. Seven of the students took less than a month to overcome challenges. Those that took less than three months were 49. 11 and 3 students took less than 6 months and more than 6 months respectively to overcome challenges.

Figure 2: Time needed to overcome challenges

Seeking help played a significant role in enabling students overcome their challenges in the process of the study. 100% of the students acknowledged that other students played a significant role in helping them overcome these challenges as they actively asked for help in times of need. All of the students that participated in the study admitted to have asked for help in times of need. Their response we as in table 3.

Response of help

Very Helpful

Beneficial

Little Helpful

Not Helpful

31

35

4

0

Table 3: Response from students

Discussion

The research was in line with the literature review and agreed with what the previous scholars’ research. In the study, all the participants suffered from homesickness. Homesickness is an inevitable feeling that all international students face. The fact that one leaves home to join a foreign land is an overwhelming ordeal. International students should note that people who have studied abroad have gone through the same processes. It is important for students to know that this is normal and learn how to cope with the situation. Developing social networks is one of the methods that can enable an individual to overcome this challenge. In addition, international students can seek help from professional counselors in case things are out of hand (Rosenberg, 2017). Most institutions of higher learning have offices specifically structured to cater for the needs of international students. International students, therefore, should make a point of using these services in times of distress. Furthermore, their various meet-ups and groups where individuals going through problems can link up and share their experiences.

The survey showed that a majority of international students take three months or less to overcome challenges. In trying to establish a reason for this observation it was discovered that student who do prior research on their host country before they enroll as international student cope easier with challenges. For example, it was discovered that students who took less than a month to overcome their challenges did extensive research before going abroad. These results were reflected in students who took more than six months to cope with challenges. It was discovered that these students did not do any research. Therefore, they had no clue of their new environment (Hospkins, 2012). This meant that they were both physically and psychologically unprepared to encounter the challenges associated with their new environment. Challenges as cultural shock, homesickness, and climate among others greatly affected these students as they lacked information on tackling their problems. These students consequently spent lots of their time trying to figure out a solution to their problems.

In the process of overcoming challenges, seeking help is the most logical thing to do. The survey showed that all of the respondents pursued help when they were stranded. As the results show a majority of students reported that, the received help was beneficial to them. A minimal number of students reported that the help they received did not benefit them. These results also show another aspect that was not considered during the design of the survey. The results show that citizens of a country are willing to help an international student who encounters problems. The follow-up questions reviled that most of the help came from their fellow students.

Recommendations

The number of international students is continually increasing every year. Students are leaving their home country in search of better education, exploration and prestige among others. Although many of these international student plans for their education abroad, they fail to realize the magnitude of the challenges involved with studying away from home. International students have a lot to deal with from cultural alienation, language barrier, loneliness, and homesickness. Overcoming these challenges is an important criterion in determining if the international student will complete their studies or not (Challenges of International Students and Strategies for Success, 2014). Institutions that accept international students have placed much concentration in making their institution an attraction for foreign students but have failed to enable international students to overcome challenges.

Individual Recommendations

Challenges are a common phenomenon that one has to overcome in their course of studying abroad as an international student. The survey conducted showed that chief among these challenges is homesickness. Psychological preparation is an important aspect of dealing with homesickness. International students need to prepare beforehand on possible strategies. One of the method that researchers recommend is keeping busy (Alghamdi, 2016). Therefore, international students need to organize their time to ensure that they are constantly busy. International students also need to develop social networks so that they can find someone to share their problems.

Prior research is essential when planning to be an international student. According to the survey conducted, students who researched extensively on their learning destination took less time in overcoming challenges. Prior research provides an individual with knowledge in associating with the population abroad (Omachinski, 2017). The more an individual research on the foreign country the better the individual understands the society of that country. The individual is, therefore, less likely to make mistakes. Prior research should also include learning about the climate of the country. This will come handy as it will enable the individual determine the type of wardrobe to carry.

Institutional Recommendations

One of the ways that institutions can help international student adjust to their new environment is by creating offices to cater for the needs of international students. These offices should have personnel with a wide experience in dealing with problems of international students. In addition, they may also include professionals as counselors, financial advisors, and mentors among others that will be in a position to give practical help to students in need. As the survey shows, nearly all international students face challenges and the time these students take in overcoming challenges can be drastically reduced if institutions are willing to help.

Peer and support groups are other methods that can effectively help international students adjust to their new environment. Being an international student is a lonely experience. Students feel isolated and out of place which at times can be stressful (Jibreel, 2015). Assigning a mentor to a student is important, as the student will know where to seek help in times of need. In addition, mentors are normal people with experience with the ability to provide support and guidance. Support groups are also beneficial, as their main aim is to give encouragement to international students to enable them to face their challenges. Furthermore, they comprise of individuals facing the same problems hence are in a position to work out effective solutions.

References

Alghamdi, H. (2016). The Challenges and Benefits of Study Abroad. [ebook] Available at: http://www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_6_No_5_May_2016/2.pdf [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Challenges of International Students and Strategies for Success. (2014). [ebook] International Students Luncheon. Available at: https://education.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/impact/docs/jan29-international-ed-lunch.pdf [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Hopkins, K. (2012). 6 Challenges for International Students in College. [online] usnews. Available at: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/08/28/6-challenges-for-international-students-in-college [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Jibreel, Z. (2015). Cultural Identity and the Challenges International. [ebook] Available at: http://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=engl_etds [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Omachinski, K. (2017). COMMUNICATION AND CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF SHORT-TERM STUDY-ABROAD EXPERIENCES ON ENGINEERING STUDENTS. [ebook] Available at: https://connexionsj.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/omachinski.pdf [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Rosenberg, E. (2017). Challenges for International Students in the United States. [online] HCCMIS. Available at: http://www.hccmis.com/blog/study-abroad/challenges-for-international-students-in-the-united-states/ [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Tamas, A. (2017). Advantages of study abroad from the students’ perspective. [ebook] Available at: http://www.iises.net/download/Soubory/IJOTE/V2N4/pp67-88_ijoteV2N4.pdf [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Wu, H., Garza, E. and Guzman, N. (2017). International Student’s Challenge and Adjustment to College. [online] Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/202753 [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Xiaoyun, X. (2013). A Research Proposal: The Level of Economic Return of Study Abroad Impact on Career Development. [online] Available at: http://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/mba_student/20 [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].

Zerman, S. (2014). The Impact of Studying Abroad Opportunities on International Students. [ebook] Available at: http://scholarworks.rit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9025&context=theses [Accessed 12 Aug. 2017].