Challenges Of International Students Essay

In higher education, internationalization is defined as the “process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions or delivery of postsecondary education” (Knight, 2004, p. 11). As more and more international students are arriving on our university campuses each year, US institutions face the challenge and opportunity in providing these students a great and successful experience. As Urban & Orbe (2007) discovered, studying in the United States is considered as fulfilling a lifelong dream for many international students. These dreams create high expectations on universities to deliver. International students face four specific challenges, according to Tseng and Newton (2002). They are, “(1) general living adjustment, such as becoming accustomed to life in America and its food, housing, environment, and transportation: (2) academic adjustment marked by an adjustment to the American university system and the skills needed for success; (3) sociocultural adjustment, such as cultural norms and behaviors; and (4) personal psychological adjustment, such as homesickness, loneliness, or feeling of isolation and lost identity.” (Hyun et al, 2007, p. 109). Throughout this paper I will address …show more content…
Tseng and Newton (2002) mentioned 4 specific challenges, but there are other additional challenges as well. For some international students, this could be there first time visiting the United States. For others, this could be their first time leaving their country. Whether an international student is well traveled or not, they still need some extra support. Some of the other unmentioned needs of international students are acceptance, support, accommodations to support religion and culture, safety, accessibility, and help developing a network with domestic students and