by Chaejin Lee

At first glance, international students at Cal State Fullerton blend seamlessly into the campus crowd. They study in the library, chat in the Titan Student Union and laugh over coffee between classes. But behind these familiar college moments, many face challenges invisible to most domestic students.
Language is often the first barrier. Even for those fluent in English, conversations can feel like a test of confidence.

Language is often the first barrier. Even for those fluent in English, conversations can feel like a test of confidence.

“The professor asked a question about U.S. markets, and while others answered with ease, I stayed quiet, afraid my accent or lack of background knowledge would make me stand out in the wrong way. I felt completely out of place,” said Andres Giraldo Suarez, a student from Colombia.

For others, the challenge goes beyond language. Saeyeon Kim, a student from South Korea, shared that everything felt new at first, and that uncertainty made her lose confidence.

“I was always cautious because I wasn’t sure how my actions or words would be perceived by others,” Kim said. “It was even harder since English isn’t my native language. But now, after about two months of living in the U.S., I think I’m slowly finding my rhythm and getting used to things.”

Kim added that the diversity at CSUF was eye-opening.

“In Korea, people are usually more careful about expressing opinions that differ from others, especially when it comes to political or gender-related topics. Those subjects are not easily brought up in casual conversations,” Kim said. “But in the U.S., and in my classes at CSUF, I’ve seen people freely share their thoughts and disagree openly. I’ve started to feel more comfortable doing that myself, too.”

Names can also carry unexpected weight. Some international students choose an English name to make introductions easier, while others proudly keep their original names, even if professors stumble over pronunciation.

Kim has experienced both sides. Her original name often stood out during roll call, making her feel isolated, so she eventually decided to use an English name in daily life.

“I started using my English name, Claire. People find it much easier to pronounce and remember, so it just makes communication smoother,” Kim said.

Practical challenges often add another layer of complexity. Japanese student Saaya Aoyama, for instance, explained how not owning a car limited where she could go.

“I could only go places within about a 15-minute walk from campus. But my local friends who have cars were really nice and often took me to places like LA. That made me very happy,” she said. “It helped me see more of California and made me feel included.”

Similarly, Kim joined a surfing class but had no car to get to the beach.

“At first, it was awkward to ask for rides,” Kim said. “But eventually, I became close with the friends who offered to give me rides. It actually became a great opportunity to make friends.”

Suarez shares similar struggles in his transition to the United States.

“One of the biggest challenges for me was comparing myself to others,” Suarez said . “Over time, though, I learned to shift my mindset. Being an international student is not a limitation; it’s an exponential advantage. We develop resilience by overcoming countless challenges, and adaptability by being brave enough to start over in a new country, far from home, and still succeed.”

He also shared that homesickness was one of the hardest parts of studying abroad.

“Birthdays and holidays are the toughest moments,” Suarez said. “Spending my own birthday without family was difficult at first, but I’ve learned to surround myself with amazing friends who have become like family to me.”

He added that joining student organizations and getting involved on campus helped him grow both personally and professionally.

“Being proactive has made all the difference for me. One of the best decisions I made was getting an on-campus job,” Suarez said. “It not only helped me cover some expenses, but also gave me the chance to gain experience, develop new skills, and connect with amazing people.”

Despite these struggles, many international students find strength in the community. Cultural organizations and international clubs become safe spaces to share traditions, celebrate holidays and speak their native languages without fear of judgment.

“I joined a Japanese club. I was happy to make friends who can speak Japanese even while living in the U.S.” Aoyama said.

Korean student Yurim Hwang described joining events hosted by the Korean Asian Student Association,
“It’s great to meet people from different countries who all understand what it’s like to be far from home.”
These shared experiences reveal a deeper truth: international students are constantly learning how to adapt — not just academically, but emotionally and socially. They are redefining what it means to belong, teaching the wider campus about empathy, resilience and global perspective.

As, “When I stopped trying to “fit in” and just started being myself,” Yurim Hwang said. “That’s when I began to feel accepted for who I really am.”