Nathaniel Mekuria
ENGLISH 1102
Professor Weaver
April 23, 2022
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative journeys of a student’s life. It offers a chance to experience new cultures, make lifelong friendships, and gain a unique perspective on the world. However, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies for international students as they face a myriad of challenges while pursuing their dreams of quality education in a foreign land, particularly in the USA for this research. From navigating financial hurdles to overcoming language barriers and adapting to new school systems and customs, the road to success can be tough. This essay will look at these struggles and discuss possible solutions to help international students overcome these problems, making their time abroad more enjoyable and successful.
International students almost always show great dedication and strong academic skills, making them stand out as top students in their home countries. They often go through tough selection processes that demand high grades and outstanding commitment to their education. However, financial struggles can significantly hinder their progress and overall experience. The article by Chow and Choi (2019) refers to the challenges that international students face in paying for their education and living expenses while studying abroad. These financial struggles can include high tuition fees, expensive living costs, and limited access to financial aid. The authors say that “currency exchange rates also play a significant role in the financial challenges faced by international students. The fluctuation of exchange rates, particularly when a home currency loses value compared to the U.S. dollar, can have a significant impact on the affordability of education and living expenses” (p. 53). International students who mainly depend on their parents or their savings that are in another country’s currency now have to pay more in their home currency to pay for their education and life expenses.
Another big financial struggle international students go through is their limited access to scholarships and grants. In an article by Arthur, N, named International Journal of intercultural relations, Arthur (2017) explains that international students are less likely than domestic students to earn scholarships and other forms of financial aid. The author notes that universities in many countries, including the United States, have limited resources available for international students. According to a journal by Business Insider, International students end up paying up to three times more than in-state students at public universities (https://www.businessinsider.com/). This is due to several reasons, including the fact that many scholarships and grants are only available to citizens or permanent residents of a particular country. Additionally, international students may face language barriers or cultural differences that can make it more difficult for them to navigate the scholarship and financial aid application process. As a result, many international students must rely on personal savings, loans, or financial assistance from their families to finance their education.
To finance their education, these students consider alternative methods to cover their expenses. In the article mentioned above by Arthur, N, In the author’s explanation, it is revealed that some international students use creative strategies to deal with their financial difficulties. Some of these strategies include finding temporary employment options (part-time jobs), reducing their outflow, or even looking for financial assistance from close friends back home. The study also raises the potential that some students turn to unconventional or illegal means of covering fees, including but not limited to working beyond the scope of allowed employment and engaging in unlawful activities. Although these techniques may provide temporary comfort, they may have negative impacts on the student’s intellectual and personal growth. Arthur emphasizes the need for university educational institutions and government agencies to be engaged in making policies to provide nurturing.
Addressing the financial struggles of international students has become an increasingly important issue as more students choose to study abroad for their higher education. One way institutions can help alleviate these concerns is by providing various support mechanisms. As Shah and Nair (2018) state, “scholarships, financial counseling, and work-study opportunities” can significantly contribute to helping international students manage their financial concerns during their studies (376). By offering scholarships, universities can reduce the financial burden faced by these students, making it easier for them to focus on their education. Financial counseling services can also help international students navigate the complexities of tuition payments, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad. Moreover, work-study opportunities allow students to earn money while they study, further reducing the financial stress they experience. Universities should also work together to develop accessible and affordable housing options and minimize accommodation costs.
Students who travel to foreign countries to seek education experience struggles and challenges that are life changing. As much as it is an opportunity for growth and a chance to explore new and unique cultures, most of what these students face is far harsher than that of domestic students. Universities and colleges should address the financial struggles of international students, as it is the biggest challenge they face. A variety of merit-based scholarships, as there aren’t enough for international students now, better-paying work-study opportunities, because these students are not allowed to work out of campus by law, and financial counseling to help students with their expenses are a few implemented steps in a few universities to help these students. Universities that invite and educate international students should work toward creating affordable education and housing for students. These students are great investments and universities not only ensure their own growth and success but also contribute to the intellectual, social, and economic development of the host country.
Work Cited
Chow, Peter, and Sunnie Choi. “The Financial Burden of International Students in Higher Education: A Global Perspective.” Journal of International Students, vol. 9, no. 1, 2019, pp. 50-68.
Arthur, N. (2017). Financial challenges faced by international students: Strategies for adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 61, 109-124.Top of Form
Friedman, Zachary and Shira Spector. “Foreign students pay up to three times as much for tuition at US public colleges.” Business Insider, 19 Sept. 2016, https://www.businessinsider.com/foreign-students-pay-up-to-three-times-as-much-for-tuition-at-us-public-colleges-2016-9. Accessed 22 Apr. 2023.
Shah, Mahsood, and Chenicheri Sid Nair. “The role of institutional support in addressing the financial concerns of international students.” Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, vol. 40, no. 4, 2018, pp. 376-390.