Professor Dr. Md. Yamin Hossain
Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi.
When international students come to the US for higher studies, they encounter various challenges. In particular, linguistic differences, educational methods, personal habits, and cultural gaps bring about certain specific difficulties. Below is a detailed discussion of these issues:
1. Weak Communication Skills:
Despite having good scores in the TOEFL exam, international students often struggle to adapt to American English. The accent, choice of words, and style of speech in American English can feel new and complex to them. In everyday life, especially in class or in social settings, it takes time for students to fully grasp and get used to these differences. Additionally, there often remains a gap in listening and comprehension during conversations, which becomes a particular challenge in class discussions and while communicating with professors.
2. Adjusting to the Study Methods:
The teaching methods at American universities can be very different. There are assignments, quizzes, exams, reviews, and presentations spread throughout the semester. This step-by-step evaluation system is new for many international students. They are usually accustomed to a major exam at the end of the semester, so it can be difficult for them to cope with the continuous workload. Submitting assignments on time and maintaining study plans become new challenges for them.
3. Not Being Used to Work as a Teaching Assistant:
Many international students have to work as Teaching Assistants (TA) alongside their studies. This role can be new and challenging for most students. Especially for those who have never taught or worked as an assistant before, managing classes, helping students, and grading exams can seem tough. Furthermore, linguistic and cultural barriers make it even more difficult to perform this role.
4. Lack of Familiarity with Weekly Planning and Routine-Based Work:
Many students find it hard to balance their studies and daily responsibilities. In US academic institutions, students are encouraged to develop their own weekly plans and routines. However, a lot of international students struggle to manage their time and organize their routines properly, which increases their workload and leads to further difficulties.
5. Limited Access to Native Foods and Managing Cooking:
International students often suffer from a lack of foods from their home country. Since local food often does not match their tastes, they feel the need to cook for themselves. But as many are not used to cooking, managing daily meals becomes challenging. This can sometimes lead to physical and mental weakness, which eventually has a negative effect on their studies.
6. Lack of Public Transport:
Public transportation facilities are limited in many American cities. As a result, students need to arrange their own transport, which is new and often costly for them. Those without a car generally face difficulties commuting within and outside of campus, which disrupts their daily lives.
7. Lack of Free-Writing or Paraphrasing Skills:
Many international students feel weak in free-writing or paraphrasing in English. They find it difficult to express ideas in their own words. This problem especially affects academic writing tasks, such as preparing research papers, assignments, or presentations.
8. Trouble with Troubleshooting in Research and Proposing New Ideas:
In research, many students feel hesitant to solve problems or propose new ideas. They often become overly dependent on their supervisor, which hampers independent thinking and creativity in research. If students develop self-confidence and problem-solving abilities, they will be able to excel in research.
Solutions:
1. Improving Communication Skills:
International students need to practice daily conversations to improve their English communication skills. By interacting with locals, they can get used to the pronunciation and variations of American English. Listening to TV, radio, or podcasts for language development can also be an effective method.
2. Planning Studies:
Proper time management is essential for students. Weekly routines and planning for studies will help reduce the pressure of regular tasks and assignments. Building the habit of working at specific times and breaking up daily work into small steps is a good strategy.
3. Gaining Skills as a Teaching Assistant:
Students can perform well in a Teaching Assistant role if they are prepared in advance for their duties and learn about teaching strategies. Taking advice from senior Teaching Assistants and starting off with small group classes can be helpful.
4. Changing Personal Routine and Work Style:
To manage weekly tasks and assignments, students should develop a personal routine. Listing out tasks at the beginning of the week and cultivating the habit of finishing work on time is necessary. By following a plan and routine, it becomes possible to balance studies and other responsibilities effectively.
5. Food Management:
If they can’t find food from their home country, students can buy groceries from local markets and learn to cook. Learning simple recipes will make daily meal management easier. Becoming familiar with local food and dining at local restaurants can also help adapt to new tastes.
6. Solving Transportation Problems:
In areas without public transport, students can consider using bicycles, scooters, or ridesharing apps. Those who can afford it may buy a used car or arrange for car rentals. Renting an apartment close to campus is also a potential solution.
7. Developing Free-Writing and Paraphrasing Skills:
Students must practice free-writing and paraphrasing regularly. Setting aside time each day to write their thoughts and practicing rewriting texts in their own words is important. It is also essential to seek advice and practice various writing styles to become proficient in academic writing and research papers.
8. Gaining Creative Thinking and Troubleshooting Skills for Research:
Students should develop the habit of working independently to foster creative thinking and propose ideas in research. Analyzing different problems and trying to find solutions will help them in coming up with new ideas. Alongside taking guidance from supervisors, they should also practice thinking for themselves to ensure originality in their research.
To overcome these challenges, students should strive to adapt patiently and diligently, and be proactive in seeking help when needed.
Note: Collected from Facebook———-https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15W4Po5sGk/
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