Reluctance to participate in class discussions due to lack of confidence in English ability. Small group seminars may be particularly anxiety-provoking for you; you may think that you cannot contribute to the group and, as a result, you may feel judged by your American peers. Also, you may feel uncomfortable asking questions in class, because in your culture questioning or interrupting the professor is not acceptable (Lewthwaite, 1997).
Pressure to have excellent academic performance. You may have to meet the expectations of family members and/or financial institutions. Very often, outstanding GPA is the only way for you to get financial help from the University; as a result, your fear of failure may become even more intense (Lewthwaite, 1997).
Stereotyping and discrimination. You may come across beliefs that international students lack English and academic/teaching abilities, that they are not culturally and socially adjusted, that they are withdrawn, lonely, nervous, and frightened. International students sometimes are seen as competitors for scare financial and educational resources and as outsiders who illegitimately displace American students ( Spencer-Rodgers, 2001; Sam, 2001). You may find that some people actively discriminate against you or other international students.
Psychological and physical discomfort. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, lonely, misunderstood, stressed out, homesick. Also, you may have psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, general fatigue, irregularity. These negatively toned emotions and symptoms may limit your activities and overall adaptation The stress may reach crisis levels, especially in the first six months of your stay in the US (Komyia & Eells, 2001; Ryan & Twibell, 2000).
Being misunderstood. One of the things that may make you feel particularly lonely and misunderstood is the fact that, at times, it may be difficult for American students, faculty and staff members on campus to take into account the adjustment demands and pressures you are dealing with (Spencer-Rodgers, 2001).