Are You an International Student?
Words by: Khushbu Savla,
Published: November 26, 2024
Moving to a new country is a bold step, but it’s also a journey filled with growth, learning, and countless opportunities.
When you leave behind your home country, family, and friends, you step into a world that’s unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming. For many, this transition can feel isolating. You have no one around who knows you, yet you muster the courage to build a new life. You say goodbye to the familiar comforts of home to embrace the challenges of a new country, language, culture, and education system—all to become the best version of yourself.
Struggles of International Students Studying Abroad
Life as an international student isn’t easy. It comes with unique struggles:
Cultural Shock: Adapting to new traditions, cuisines, and social norms.
Homesickness: Missing family, friends, and the comfort of your home country.
Language Barriers: Learning a new language or mastering accents and slang.
Financial Stress: Managing tuition fees, living expenses, and part-time jobs.
Building Connections: Making friends and creating a support system from scratch.
These are the topics most international students search for online. You’re not alone if you’ve Googled “How to overcome homesickness as an international student,” “How to adapt to a new culture,” or “Best part-time jobs for international students.”
Why Employers Should Value International Students
What’s astonishing is how often employers overlook the strengths of international students. Many companies fail to realize that international students bring:
Adaptability: Thriving in a new environment while learning to navigate challenges.
Resilience: Pushing through language barriers, culture shock, and homesickness.
Diverse Perspectives: Offering fresh ideas and a global mindset.
Dedication: Balancing studies, part-time jobs, and cultural adjustments.
Risk-Taking: Leaving behind everything familiar to pursue their goals.
More than a technical skillset, international students embody qualities like perseverance, independence, and creativity—traits that are invaluable in any workplace.
Searching for Opportunities
I’ve been there—scrolling endlessly through search engines and platforms looking for answers to “How to find a job as an international student,” “How to build a resume with no experience,” or even “How to make connections in a new country.”
Talent like ours is everywhere:
In inboxes, waiting for a chance to prove ourselves.
On LinkedIn, reaching out to recruiters and building professional networks.
In cafes, quietly working on resumes, applications, and dreams.
And I am one of them.
I am an international student who left behind everything I knew to pursue a dream. I’ve faced rejection, overcome challenges, and stayed determined. For me, and for so many like me, this isn’t just a journey; it’s a story of resilience and growth.
Tips for International Students
If you’re an international student reading this, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
Build Your Network: Join student organizations, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn.
Research Opportunities: Look for internships and jobs that align with your skills and interests.
Develop Soft Skills: Focus on communication, adaptability, and teamwork.
Leverage University Resources: Use career services, workshops, and alumni networks.
Stay Resilient: Remember why you started this journey and keep going.
Your Story Matters
International students bring incredible value to any environment. Companies need to recognize that hiring someone who has courageously embraced change, adapted to challenges, and shown unwavering dedication is an opportunity to add a dynamic, resourceful, and committed individual to their team.
So, are you an international student? Take pride in your courage. Your journey matters. Your story is worth telling, and your dreams are worth chasing.