International students will encounter a lot of challenges. First of all, they will be cut off from important social connections such as family, friends and acquaintances. Students who are not familiar with travelling abroad will have to contend with the loneliness of being in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people—at least, until the time comes when they can find friends and gradually adapt to their school community. Since studying in another country will also mean bigger expenses, some students will need to have part-time jobs to augment their source of funding to cover tuition, books and school paraphernalia, and living expenses. Thus, it is important for these students to find support wherever they can, even in online blogs such as this one.
Beyond the difficulties of university life for an international student lies its rewards. This blog will also talk about how an international student's world-view is expanded, how meeting other students of a different race and culture broadens his or her understanding of other people. The student will also have plenty of opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of his or her host country. However, the best reward of all is the opportunity to apply whatever knowledge the student has gained from his or her host university that he cannot gain from studying in his own country.
I hope that the information contained in this blog will help other students who are looking to study abroad prepare for this experience.
