Academic Pressure & Self-Doubt Hat 4

Fear of Not Being 'Good Enough' and Comparison With Local Students

International students tend to compare his or her academic results, cultural skills, and language abilities with those of peers who are natives to the country. Such a comparison could increase anxiety and less who engage in academic work.

Ways to cope:

Put perfection aside and focus on every step of the progress. Compare progress not in short intervals of one day, but see how much been done in one or more weeks, or months.

Appreciate and know that there are different lenses a person can see things from. Being in a different country can provide a perspective others do not have.

Learn from others by teaching and helping them. Looking to develop with peers is another opportunity to engage students in order to understand how others learn.

Meeting Students' and Professors' Expectation

Professors in some academic settings expect students to work autonomously, identify and question concepts, or communicate during various tasks. This can be stressful for students who have been conditioned to a more passive, lecture-centered style of learning.

Ways to cope:

Make sure to study the syllabus to understand what is required to get a mark and determine how you can participate constructively.

In the first week of the semester, you should go to office hours to meet your teacher and clarify expectations.

Look through previous assignments or mock papers to get a sense of what is the expected formatting and detail.

Imposter Syndrome: Did I Really Deserve to Be Here?

Some students struggle with a sense of belonging, even in competitive programs. This lack of confidence results in withdrawal and avoidance of participation.

These are some ways to cope.

Create a “wins” list to help you remember your strengths. Document promotions, positive comments, and accolades.

Recognize that the process of overcoming difficulties is a vital aspect of your personal development; the same is done many times by others, even the locals, and it is done behind the scenes.

Seek support from your peers, older students, alumni, or even professors. They will help you by reassuring you that your struggles are typical and will pass.

Helpful strategies for everyday life.

Put large assignments or projects that seem insurmountable into smaller, more achievable, and easier tasks to lessen the sense of overwhelm.

Seek academic assistance, through the writing center, tutoring lab, or a peer review group.

One way to practice self-compassion is to allow yourself to mess up without excessive criticism.