“Shocking Rigors for International Students”

By Parantapa Mal

Challenges rise with international students nowadays. It is honestly hard in the beginning adjusting to a new life wherever you go. You can have trouble communicating with people ,whether you’re a foreigner, preventing yourself from heinous crimes, or receiving enough money to support yourself.  As a result, some different community concerns arise from a person’s safety, mental and physical health, lifestyle, and security . Today, international students encounter bountiful obstacles, from language barriers to financial problems, which impact safety, well-being, and mental health. Addressing these challenges requires communities and schools to advocate for increased support efforts and a guaranteed healthier environment for these students.

(Jack Brighton, Illinois Public Media)

(YingYing Zhang’s Funeral)

(Miller, WAND NEWS)

(The victim, YingYing Zhang)

(Miller, Wand News)

(Brent Christensen’s Car where

 Zhang was kidnapped)

For instance, tragic events like the kidnapping of Zhang underscores the dangers international students may face, which emphasizes the need for awareness measures. In June 2017, Zhang was kidnapped by a former UIUC master’s student, Brent Christensen. Christensen tried to impersonate a police officer and “promised” to take her to Zhang’s new apartment to sign a lease. He ended up taking her to his apartment and buldungeoned her with a baseball bat. Zhang died and Christensen was later sentenced to life in prison in 2019. This tragedy not only harmed this international scholar but it may showcase the challenges foreign students may experience when pursuing education in unfamiliar environments. Dark acts such as kidnappings, murders, and ransoms can put foreigners’ lives at stake. We shouldn’t be exploited by people’s kindness or impersonation nowadays and pay attention to our surroundings. It’s better to walk with friends or a big group of people to ensure safety. You may be stalked, followed, or tricked into grievous traps, which could possibly end your life. 

However, one safety precaution we can take is the similar one taken by Emily Hogan, a former graduate student at UIUC and an attempted victim of Brent Christensen. She was pursued by Christensen but  did not enter the car. Hogan’s experience underscores the importance of refusing  uncomfortable situations like coming to a stranger’s car, it is better to say no than to be exploited. As the saying goes, “Some people are like wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

(Advise Bridge Writers, Advise Bridge)

 Some international students have limited knowledge of how the healthcare systems in different countries work. As a result, not all international students may get the right treatment whenever they are sick. Some may not get the right medication, whether they are prescriptions, cough drops, or band-aids. International kids may receive a lack of adequate health insurance coverage. Through some universities. As a result, they may have to pay larger medical bills and may not get the proper help from their friends or family. The coverage may be insufficient to meet their needs or may not include services related to mental health care or specialist consultants. As a result, international students may delay seeking medical care due to concerns about the cost. There’s a US law that requires universities to verify that international students have J-1 visas. Health insurance is needed for university students before they can enroll. 

Moreover, international students may grapple with mental health problems. It can make them feel isolated and prevent them from seeking help for psychological and emotional concerns. Without proper medical tools or counseling, some international students may be stressed and unproductive during their daily lives. It is good to focus on your grades when going to school, but it’s better to look out for your health. You need to make sure your health doesn’t deteriorate. Being happy, healthy, and safe matters more than trying to receive better grades in a class or achieving a trophy in any competition.

(OnShore Kare Writers, OnshoreKare)

Furthermore, international students may face pressures paying for tuition. Some of the international students may not seek help properly for psychological or mental concerns, which exemplifies a sense of isolation and vulnerability. Without proper access to appropriate mental support services, international students may struggle to cope with the burdens of academic life, and extracurriculars, and experience other crises. One of the causes for this obstacle is encountering a stable job. Some students may need to work to pay their college loans, class fees, and apartment rent fees. Occasionally, some of the foreign students may not be expert communicators, which could at times hinder their ability to get jobs. International students may not have proper visas or greencards, which can cause them to not get proper jobs or earn enough money to support themselves. It would be terrible if students face these kinds of challenges. These experiences show how the economic and social obstacles play when a student settles in a new country.  It’s quite challenging as an immigrant to see people get difficulty getting jobs especially if you’re coming to pay for your tuition as an international student.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by international students showcase the importance of inclusive environments and constant support. By valuing safety, health care access, and financial assistance, we can assure that students can thrive in their future endeavors and academic pursuits. Institutions and communities need to create an environment where evrey student  feels safe, loved, protected, and destined to succeed. It ensures that all students regardless of their nationalities are valued and treated as equals. By reuniting an environment with inclusivity and support, we can create a brighter future for all people.

References:

AdviseBridge Writers. (2023, August 24). How Healthcare for International Students in the USA Works? AdviseBridge . https://www.advisebridge.com/blog/healthcare-for-international-students-in-the-usa 

Meadows, J. (2018, October 12). Visiting scholar from China, remembered with a garden at U of I. Illinois Public Media. https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/visiting-scholar-from-china-remembered-with-a-garden-at-u-of-i 

Miller, M. (2019, June 18). FBI interview with Brendt Christensen released. Wand We Are Central Illinois https://www.wandtv.com/news/fbi-interview-with-brendt-christensen-released/article_9e5e3ade-91fe-11e9-9e9d-c72f4a704568.html 

OnShore Kare Writers. (2022, September 7). Health Insurance for international students in the United States. OnShore Kare.. https://onshorekare.com/health-insurance-for-international-students-in-the-us/