Possible Adjustment Issues for International Students

Starting life all over again. Basic things that people associate with familiarity, comfort, and routine, such as a place to live and food, are unfamiliar and new to you. You may have problems with eating, sleeping and other normal daily activities, especially in the beginning (Ryan & Twibell, 2000).  

Financial problems. Living in a foreign country can be really debilitating if the financial situation is inadequate (Sam, 2001). You and your family may lack financial resources. Moreover, you may not be allowed to work outside of  campus and you do not qualify for loans and most financial aid options available to domestic students. 

Health. Health problems may impede your ability to participate in learning activities and may augment feelings of loneliness, frustration, and overall stress (Ryan & Twibell, 2000).

Safety. (Ryan & Twibell, 2000). Certain ethnic and religious groups may feel particularly uneasy after the September 11 events.

"Ambassador" role. You may feel like you are an informal cultural representative of your country. This could be overwhelming, tiring and sometimes frustrating, especially when what you say or do is attributed to all members of your culture. Also, you may have to dissipate horror myths about your country (Sam, 2001).

Adjusting to being a visible minority. This may be very difficult, especially if you have identified yourself with the majority group in your home country (Lewthwaite, 1997).

Separation from family and natural  support system. You naturally worry about the well-being of your family, relatives and friends. You may express homesickness in a variety of ways, such as becoming sad and crying a lot, worrying, or denying the homesickness and  keeping yourself busy (Komyia & Eells, 2001). You may also be bothered by fear and guilt that you are losing touch with your family and home culture (Lewthwaite, 1997). 

Social isolation and difficulty establishing friendships with Americans. You may find yourself making friends mostly with other students from your country or with other foreigners. One thing you may want to consider is the fact that international students who make satisfactory contacts with local people seem to be more satisfied with their academic experience and overall adaptation (Sam, 2001).  

Reluctance to participate in class discussions due to lack of confidence in English ability. Small group seminars may be particularly anxiety-provoking for you; you may think that you cannot contribute to the group and, as a result,  you may feel judged by your American peers. Also, you may feel uncomfortable asking questions in class, because in your culture questioning or interrupting the professor is not acceptable (Lewthwaite, 1997).

Pressure to have excellent academic performance. You may have to meet the expectations of family members and/or financial institutions. Very often, outstanding GPA is the only way for you to get financial help from the University; as a result, your fear of failure may become even more intense (Lewthwaite, 1997).

Stereotyping and discrimination. You may come across beliefs that international students lack English and academic/teaching abilities, that they are not culturally and socially adjusted, that they are withdrawn, lonely, nervous, and frightened. International students sometimes are seen as competitors for scare financial and educational resources and as outsiders who illegitimately displace American students ( Spencer-Rodgers, 2001; Sam, 2001). You may find that some people actively discriminate against you or other international students.        

Psychological and physical discomfort. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, lonely, misunderstood, stressed out, homesick. Also, you may have psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, general fatigue, irregularity. These negatively toned emotions and symptoms may limit your activities and overall adaptation The stress may reach crisis levels, especially in the first six months of your stay in the US (Komyia & Eells, 2001; Ryan & Twibell, 2000).

Being misunderstood. One of the things that may make you feel particularly lonely and misunderstood is the fact that, at times, it may be difficult for American students, faculty and staff members on campus to take into account the adjustment demands and pressures you are dealing with (Spencer-Rodgers, 2001).

Remind yourself that it takes time to adjust to a new situation. Also, if you are somewhat older than most college students, take it easy and give yourself extra time (Sam, 2001).

Remember your strengths. Studies have shown that your American classmates, professors, and college staff usually are aware of and respect your strengths. (Spencer-Rodgers, 2001). International students are: 

• learning about a new culture and trying new things

• determined to learn and succeed and are expending considerable financial resources and personal efforts in order to obtain high-quality education in a foreign country

• having the ability to speak multiple languages

• performing equally or better than American college students despite language and cultural barriers.

• brave and independent

• open-minded and world-minded (Spencer-Rodgers, 2001: Ryan & Twibell, 2000).

Try to be realistic about your English ability. Keep in mind that you have passed TOEFEL and maybe other English exams prior to coming to the US. If you think that you need to learn more conversational English and social manners (turn-taking rules, using expressions such as “Thank you” and  “I will appreciate it”), you may try to expose yourself to more social situations such as going to sport events and parties. Watching TV is a good (although passive) way of acquiring such knowledge.

Take risks and speak in class in order to overcome the nervousness. Start with small steps, such as asking the professor questions after class or asking short and well-defined questions in class. Once your nervousness diminishes, you can take bigger risks. The more you speak up, the easier it will get. Also, it is likely that you will receive complements and attention from others that will make you even more comfortable.

Reach out to American students and try to make them more aware of your culture. You may bring a traditional dish to class or wear traditional clothing. The more familiar they are with your culture, the more comfortable they will be with you. Also, this way you can keep more in touch with your own culture. Accept friendly hands from American classmates and acquaintances. 

Talk to other international students. There are several organizations of international and culturally diverse students on WSU campus. Mentoring a new international student can be very rewarding.

Keep in touch with family and relatives through e-mail, chat, and phone.

Take care of your health. Do not hesitate to use your health insurance and seek medical assistance on campus at any time you perceive something is not going well. Also, try to eat healthy and, if possible, incorporate some physical activities into your daily routine. You can use the free gym and swimming pool on campus, participate in sports, run or just walk on campus. Studies have shown that, as a result of physical exercise, our brains produce chemicals that make us feel more energetic and satisfied.

Keep a journal. Putting your thoughts down may help you unload after a stressful or even highly successful day. Moreover, the journal is private.  

Try to build some fun activities into your busy daily schedule: a hobby that you have had in your home country or a new thing that you have been enjoying in the US. 

Share your concerns with people you trust on campus, such as academic advisors or advisors at the Office of International Students. It is very important for your cultural adaptation that you ask people questions on practical things and cultural issues.    

Consider counseling. In many cultures, talking to a stranger about one’s problems may not be appropriate. It is understandable that if counseling is not popular in your home country, you would prefer to resort to alternative resources such as family members, friends, professors, religious leaders. However, if you decide to seek counseling on campus, you can talk to your counselor and negotiate what and  how much you will do in the counseling room so that you respect the values of your own culture and, at the same time, benefit from the counseling. Also, it is important to keep in mind  that the University counseling center is the only place on campus where confidentiality is guaranteed.

This site was last updated on August 29, 2007 by Robert A. Rando, Ph.D.