INTERNATIONAL education is becoming a trend today because of its positive effects on the different aspects of national progress. Economic progress through educational benefits is seen to be a direct effect of successful international education. Four top destinations of students studying in different countries include Canada, Australia, United States, and the United Kingdom (Belford, 2017). The Philippines also attracts international students due to the low cost of education here (Wa-Mbaleka, (2013). With this trend, researchers tried to look closely on the struggles of international students.
One huge challenge for students studying abroad is communication deficiency or the lack of English language proficiency (Harvey, et.al, 2017). This problem prevents students to build network with local or native students. The lack of language fluency of the host country intimidate international students thus affecting their confidence negatively. For others, they prefer to limit their interaction in class discussions because they fear that their choice of words might be wrong. Though many participants would attest that native speakers do not mind about it, many are still conscious of their knowledge of the language when speaking with native speakers. The implication is, many international students prefer to stay with other international students or with students from their own countries to become more comfortable instead of building network with the locals.
Cultural adjustment is another challenge for them (Xue, 2018). A Filipino student taking a postgraduate study says she had to adjust with the host country’s food. Rice is available but it was not common. The seemingly lack of respect attitude of fellow students when speaking with adults bother also international students who have different orientation in their home country.
Another struggle is the feeling of isolation and homesickness (Bird, 2017). In all the studies conducted, homesickness and loneliness are common challenges. The homesickness and feelings of isolation often times become distractions in their study. Since they are having a hard time connecting with other native due to language barrier, they experience lack of social support when they feel homesick. They usually communicate with their loved ones at home through text messaging and phone calling or video calling. Many wonder, especially those who are married if their decision worth their sacrifices. A study conducted in the Philippines with African male students serving as participants admitted that they feel guilty for leaving their families at home. They also feel a sense of irresponsibility because their wives are forced to become the leaders of their family.
International students find themselves adjusting to academic expectations (Bird, 2017). Foreign countries usually have a different educational system. Western countries promote independence and innovation among their students and in doing so they have a different practice in the classroom. International students sometimes experience shock on the teaching style of their professors giving them confusion, anxiety, and discomfort.
Filipino students study abroad to finish their postgraduate study. We believe that education in Western countries are of quality and it gives significant boost on the career once they come back home. Their learnings can be applied in the country which makes the country become competitive with other countries. The endeavor, however, is not a walk in the park because of the number of challenges an international student has to face and overcome. Financial challenge is another huge concern. For a Filipino student to succeed studying abroad, he/she has to do significant preparation including the expectation of these problems and the measures to overcome them. If not prepared, Filipinos will have a hard time to cope and adjust which will be detrimental on their study.