As a international student, there will be times when you feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, you’re at a natural disadvantage compared to a native student. There may be a language barrier that makes things more difficult for you and there may be funding issues that are much more complex due to your immigration status. Of course, your immigration status itself may become an issue from time to time. The best way to get help with these issues is to start by selecting a university that’s ready for the challenges that international students face.
When you find yourself in a bind financially, you’ll want to make sure that there are financial aid staff members on hand who know how to deal with the complex issues that foreign students have to deal with. This usually requires specialized staff. The staff who deals with students from the US will generally not be able to give you the kind of help you need. When you’re looking at a university, make sure that there are people there who understand how international students get funded and how to fix any problems that may arise.
You may also find yourself in a bind academically from time to time. As a international student, you face the above-mentioned language barriers as well as cultural differences that may sometimes be distracting to your studies. Look for a university where the professors are accustomed to accommodating the needs of international students. There are some universities in the United States that are very enthusiastic about having international students on their campuses and these are generally the best choices where the professors are concerned. Some universities even have a lot of professors from other nations.
Socially, being a international student can sometimes feel a bit alienating. Make sure to take the time to make friends, even if you feel a little bit intimidated by language barriers. You’ll find that most Americans are very familiar with speaking with people who don’t speak English as a first language and will generally have nothing except curiosity about you and your culture. Don’t let feeling like you’re out of your element keep you from getting to know people. The universities that try to attract international students generally do so to not only provide opportunities for people from other nations, but also to provide opportunities for the Americans who attend their universities where learning about other cultures is concerned.
