I still chuckle when I remember telling my roommates that I’ve never set foot in places like Krispy Kreme, Chick-fil-A or Taco Bell — because those don’t exist in Nepal. Their jaws drop when they see a video of a traditional Nepalese wedding, where customs completely differ from what they’re used to. The surprise only grows when I explain that we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or Halloween. Instead, we have our own vibrant festivals that fill the calendar — it’s currently the year 2080 B.S. in Nepal!
These instances are just a glimpse into the countless differences that international students like me face daily. It’s the little things that can sometimes feel overwhelming, from struggling to understand different accents while ordering food to grappling with feelings of isolation. We often find ourselves navigating a world that feels foreign, longing for connection but unsure of where to find it.
Whether we’re figuring out new phrases, adjusting to different social norms or just trying to make new friends, the journey can be both exciting and intimidating. We often find ourselves caught in a tug-of-war between diving into new experiences and holding onto our cultural roots. On top of that, we’re navigating the complexities of seizing every opportunity while facing the challenges that come with being an international student in the job and internship market, such as communication barriers, cultural differences, limited opportunities due to the requirements of visa sponsorships, and time constraints.
Truly, it’s a brave thing to leave everyone and everything you’ve loved thousands of miles back to be somewhere you’ve never been before. It is difficult to miss home so badly and still have to make it to all your classes with a heavy heart. It’s equally tough to replace the delicious food and warm table conversations back home with rushed lunches on campus. To have no one to take care of you when you’re sick or when you need to get something off your chest can be painful. Most of us have come here alone, but along with us have also come the hopes and expectations of the people back home.
For me, leaving my little sister back home was the most difficult part, and I am sure every international student has one or more such people whose memories make their heart ache a bit. It only gets worse when everyone back home is celebrating and enjoying and you realize that maybe you should have celebrated a little more with them when you had the time.
Not every international student has the privilege to go back home during holidays. Some of us live really far away, not to mention the heavy price required to make a trip back home, which might be equivalent to a year’s worth of campus expenses.
Facing challenges is a part of the journey, but within those struggles lie valuable lessons. We develop independence, learn to manage our finances, forge friendships, seek employment and take charge of our lives. If we’re fortunate, we encounter wonderful individuals who recognize that our journey as international students can be a bit more challenging.
Personally, I’ve been lucky to meet incredibly kind people in every corner of campus, whether in my dorm, classrooms, dining halls or when I’m doing my office hours in the SGA office. I hope every international student finds their place here, and I encourage everyone to reach out to any international friends you may have, reminding them that your support is there for them as they navigate their journeys. And maybe, you can take your international student friends to get some late-night Waffle House.