The Transition Issues of International Students

Abstract

International students are people in transition. International students must manage the transition away from their home country, manage the transition to living and learning in a new country, manage the transition of leaving the host country, and then manage the transition home. Their status as temporary sojourners in a foreign country for the duration of an academic program is a unique condition of their cross-cultural experience. Students “begin” the transition process through applying to foreign institutions, acquiring immigration authorization, gathering financial and other resources, making travel arrangements, and preparing to leave family and friends. Therefore, prior to departure for the host country, international students have invested considerable effort into their cross-cultural experience. Family members or sponsorship agencies such as government and employers are often personally or financially invested in an individual’s decision to become an international student.