Ottawa, October 4 - Do you remember that day at the airport? Your family and friends were there�sad about your departure but excited about your new adventure in a different country. A new nation had welcomed you, offering you a fresh sense of independence. You landed, passed through immigration, and officially became an international student. However, international students often face challenges that are different from those of locals, and these experiences vary from person to person. By identifying some of the challenges faced by international students, this journalist hopes to help them overcome these hardships and make them feel represented.

The language barrier

�Languages make you feel at home anywhere� - Edmund de Waal

English and French learned in classroom settings often do not apply to regular conversation.

Language can be a major obstacle to cultural and social integration. Not being familiar with the dominant languages of a country can hinder a student academically, as assignment instructions may be unclear and exams become more challenging.

Although adaptation is possible, many students feel isolated and eventually withdraw, creating further barriers to integration.

The only way to learn a language is by practicing�making mistakes and finding someone to help correct them. Discussion groups in French or English are a great way to learn in a supportive environment.

Until you feel comfortable with your new language, remember that non-verbal communication is always better than not participating at all!

The feeling of starting all over again 

�[...] As long as you know how to start again, nothing is totally lost� - Fleurette Levesque

Building a social network is an important part of adapting to a new environment. It often feels like you're starting from scratch-- making new friends, learning to cook new dishes, and adopting the societal norms of the country where you are studying.

This sense this relearning can help one become open-minded and achieve effective integration. 

It's not a question of denying one's origins, rather, it's a question of adapting to one's surroundings. It's about getting involved in the day-to-day environment while retaining one's identity.

Integration is a two-way process, as retaining one's cultural traits while embracing new values allows for sharing the benefits of one's culture with local students as well.

Personal uncertainty 

�Our doubts are traitors, and rob us of what we might often gain good because we are afraid to try.� - William Shakespeare

Everyone experiences moments of self-doubt. Times when the feeling of incapability overpowers the sense of self-worth. Thinking they don�t belong in a place full of talented people. But what is often forgotten is that everyone has talent to offer, and no one�s experience is comparable to anothers�. 

Don�t wait for others to validate you and celebrate yourself. Acknowledge your victories before starting new challenges. Remind yourself that you matter. If you�re here, it�s because you deserve to be. 

No one can fully describe the strength it takes to leave loved ones behind for an uncertain experience. But by taking that step, the opportunity obtained from daring to step out of your comfort zone will be instrumental to personal development.

You�re not here just to study; you should also take advantage of all that this new system has to offer, rather that be culturally, personally, and professionally.

The journey of an international student is filled with unique challenges. However, these challenges also offer opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. By embracing this new journey, international students can not only adapt to a new culture but thrive within it. Embrace your position, and let your experiences shape you into the best version of yourself.

Works Cited:

CAPRES (2019). �tudiants internationaux en enseignement sup�rieur.

https://oresquebec.ca/dossiers/etudiants-internationaux-en-enseignement-superieur/