Studying in another country seems like a dream—new experiences, a better education, and opportunities for the future. But behind this exciting journey, international students face tough battles that many don't see. The biggest challenges? Missing home, struggling to find a job, and sometimes, falling into harmful habits like addiction.
Missing Home: A Deep, Silent Pain
At first, moving abroad feels exciting, but after a while, loneliness creeps in. You miss your family, the comfort of your culture, and even small things like your favorite home-cooked meal. Festivals and special occasions feel empty without loved ones. It’s easy to feel alone, and when you add school stress on top of that, it can lead to sadness and even depression (Nadal-Vicens & Beresin, 2024).
As Indian students, most of us grow up in families that are deeply connected. We are not usually allowed to go far from home, and moving abroad is a huge step, especially because many of us come right after completing secondary school with little life experience. I know this feeling all too well. It has been over a year, but I still miss home every single day. Time differences make it hard to stay in touch with family, and sometimes, it feels like no one truly understands what you’re going through. Many of my friends feel the same way—we’re all trying to adjust while juggling studies, work, and personal struggles.
Struggling to Find a Job: The Financial Weight
For many international students, working is not just about making extra money—it’s about survival. Tuition, rent, food, and other expenses pile up fast. But finding a job isn’t easy. Work restrictions, competition, and limited opportunities make it difficult. Some students end up taking exhausting jobs with long hours, often working 60-80 hours a week while still attending classes. This leads to extreme stress, lack of sleep, and burnout (Nadal-Vicens & Beresin, 2024).
I had to move out of town just to find a job because there were hardly any openings where I lived. Trying to balance work and studies is exhausting. Many students are in the same situation, constantly looking for a way to make ends meet while keeping up with school. For Indian students, this is even tougher because many of us come from backgrounds where parents have always supported us, and we have never had to work before. Suddenly being responsible for all our expenses is overwhelming.
Addiction: A Dangerous Escape
With all this stress, some students turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to escape. At first, it’s just an occasional thing—something to help with stress or fit in with friends. But for many, it quickly turns into addiction, affecting their health, studies, and relationships. The worst part? Many don’t seek help because they’re scared of being judged or simply don’t know where to go for support (Nadal-Vicens & Beresin, 2024).
I have seen friends start using alcohol and weed to cope with stress, thinking it was harmless. But before they knew it, they were trapped in a cycle of addiction. They started skipping classes, losing focus, and drifting away from their goals. The lack of mental health awareness and support makes it even harder for them to break free. Back home, these things are not as common, so many of us don’t know how to handle them when we see our friends struggling.
A study by The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital highlights these struggles, showing how international students deal with language barriers, loneliness, and financial difficulties. Many avoid seeking help due to stigma or lack of knowledge, making them more vulnerable to stress, depression, and addiction. Discrimination and cultural differences add to their struggles, making them feel even more isolated (Nadal-Vicens & Beresin, 2024).
Finding Hope and Moving Forward
Despite these struggles, international students continue to push forward with strength and determination. But universities and communities need to do more. Better mental health support, job opportunities, and addiction recovery programs can make a huge difference. It’s also important to start open conversations about these issues, so students don’t feel ashamed to seek help.
Being an international student isn’t just about studying abroad—it’s about facing and overcoming challenges every day. The road is tough, but with support, awareness, and understanding, students can rise above these struggles and build the future they dream of.
- Written by Sardeep Singh
References: Nadal-Vicens, M., MD PhD, & Beresin, G. (2024, July 8). International college students: Challenges and solutions. Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds. https://www.mghclaycenter.org/parenting-concerns/young-adults/international-college-students/