International students may have troubles in classes when they first arrived. Cultural differences present very real
personal and professional challenges in academics.
Language issues are immediately apparent. Because of the language limitations, it is not easy for international student to fully understand what the professors say or what the professors want at the beginning, not to mention participating in class discussions. And professors may not be able to understand the needs of international students if they do not speak out themselves. The language problem could also indirectly increase the workload burden of international students. For example, if an American student can finish a book in an hour, an international student who do not speak English at home may have to consume three hours to finish.
Nevertheless, it is not only just a matter of English
language proficiency for foreign students, intellectual and emotional boundaries will be tested and study habits will be challenged in a U.S. university.
Usually, international students are academic stars in their home country. And it becomes a challenge when they are no longer the superior student in a foreign university. In fact, it is easy for international students to get depressed when they are no longer keeping the grades they are used to achieving.
In addition, the culture of education differ from country to country. For example, universities in the U.S. are more focused on class participation than any other countries. The way international students get used to for study may not be approriate for studying in the U.S. And the educational approach in the U.S. may looks unfamiliar to international students who are accustomed to expect more guidance and help from teachers. Foreign students may lack knowledge of how to find and use information to accomplish their purposes.
International students need assistance to overcome difficulties originating from cultural and linguistic differences and enhance their academic performance. However, when they have troubles in their classes, they may not be able to find the causes of academic problems and know where to turn for help.
Actually, the question remains whether our university has been able to give their international students sufficient help and the attention required for adjusting them in a foreign land.
The best way to deal with it is to ask student, teachers and universities together to take the responsibility for developing
intercultural understandings and pay enough concerns to international students.