International students have always had a presence here in the United States. While many US schools and programs invite international students with open arms, their experience isn’t always reflective of that. Many international students struggle here in US schools and in this article we’re going to talk about how international students can implement strategies to ensure your they have the best possible experience.
Why International Students are Struggling
1. Language Barriers
Many international students come to the US to study under an ESL program. ESL stands for English as a Second Language and refers to students who are either studying English or are not entirely proficient in it yet. Being in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language can be terrifying. Schools will generally put international students into their own separate programs at school which is good for fostering a community but can limit the student experience in many ways.
2. Cultural Differences in Education
Each country is vastly different when it comes to culture. This doubles down with education as well! In some countries, there may be a stricter hold on academics while in others it can be more relaxed. For international students in the United States, this can pose as a big hurdle. For many, they may begin to struggle when adapting to the US and its education model. When the curriculum is taught in a different way, it can take a while for the student to adjust. This can cause frustration at first and can snowball into a deteriorating academic portfolio if not adapted to! This is why many international students prefer and thrive in small learning environments like The Tenney School. The typical large classroom setting here in the US is just too big for international students, and often times this can lead them to becoming overwhelmed!
3. Social and Emotional Challenges
Being far away from home can be hard as an international student. Keeping in touch with family is important! In addition, you want to make sure you still put yourself out there and make new friends. Getting involved with after school clubs and activities is a great way to meet new people and potential friends. Most schools with international programs even have international clubs where students can meet and mingle with new friends. This is an excellent opportunity for building your social life in your new environment. Inversely, joining thematic clubs is another great idea! These clubs are generally centered around a topic/sport that interests the students in the club. This gives you common ground with everyone in that club and allows you to meet new people!
Solutions For International Students
1. Finding the Right School
The right school can make all the difference, and finding one with the right ESL program is essential having the best academic experience possible! When doing research for an international school here in the states, you’ll want to look at schools that have a dedicated international program. Generally these schools will have the best support network for incoming students and can give you the best learning experience possible!
2. Talk With You Counselors
Most international schools have dedicated counselors for international students. These counselors are a great point of contact to have with any questions or concerns you may have. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction for helping you navigate both the school, culture, and social aspects of the school. Counselors have a wealth of outside resources and information that they can relay as well! Getting comfortable with your counselor is a great way to have the best school experience!
3. Clubs, Clubs, and More Clubs!
School clubs are a great way for international students to meet other students with like-minded interests. Many schools will even have dedicated international clubs where other international students can meet each other! Don’t be afraid to explore outside your comfort zone and join clubs relating to other interests of yours. Not only is it a great way to explore those interests on a deeper level, but it can open your world to new friends and possibilities! Sports are another great option too! Look around and see what your school offers in the way of clubs to maximize your school experience.
Embrace the International Student Experience!
Being an international student can be both scary and exciting, but remember that It’s important to have an open mind and try new things. Make sure to develop a relationship with your counselor, and discuss with them your options for meeting new people and making the experience the best it can be. If you find yourself falling behind academically and don’t know where to look, look no further! TenneyTutors is a great option for many international students who wish to have some extra tutoring. Our teachers are ESL trained and ready to handle students from any corner of the globe! The best part? Our sessions are done entirely remotely, which means you have the ultimate flexibility in being able to reach your tutors from anywhere! Schedule your first session today and see how the power of tutoring can help you!