Being an international student is a big challenge. Students who go to foreign countries to study typically face many of the same problems that native students do -- plus some more.

One of the most immediate problems that international students encounter is the language barrier. While all students have a lot to learn about their new homes, international students do it in a new language. The language barrier can quickly compound and complicate this learning period and affect all aspects of their academic and social adjustment.

Cultural differences, too, create complications from time to time. When dealing with each other, people of different cultures can easily misinterpret each other's words and actions.

While some misunderstandings may be comical and good-natured, some may cause feelings of embarrassment or anger due to long-term difficulties. International students face the added stress of learning and then utilizing American culture.

Another problem for foreign students is their being so far away from home. Leaving home and relatives is difficult for anyone to deal with, but for international students the problem is aggravated.

Unlike American students, they can not pack their bags and go home for the weekend, for a semester break, or even for a summer. Some may not be able to go home for years. As a foreign national, there are often legal issues surrounding your ability to come back and finish your work if you leave the country.

Additionally, there are financial and time constraints (not everyone can afford to spend several thousand dollars every year to go home for a visit) and because most international students are graduate students, research and coursework may limit their schedules.

For many international students, going to a foreign country, perhaps thousands of miles away from home, and starting a new life is a very scary experience. It can be especially frightening when you do not have family near that you can call and ask for help.

If you run short of money, it may take weeks to get funds from home. Most international students suddenly find themselves in charge of all aspects of their life for the first time.

Despite all these and many other difficulties, thousands of students leave their homelands for the opportunity to study abroad every year. Many face these challenges, finish their work and go on to become very successful and often important officials and business people around the world.

While in their host country, internationals often make great contributions to that country. They bring with them a variety of very rich and diverse cultures and often are a source for learning more about the world. This is an important contribution in a world where everything is rapidly becoming internationalized.

Through their research and other works, many internationals make substantial contributions in the areas of research, technology and business. Each year foreign students bring large sums of money -- in the case of the United States perhaps billions of dollars -- to their host country, contributing positively to the economy of that country.

While international students are generally not allowed to work and are funded by parents or other sponsors, when permitted to work internationals provide valuable services and tax revenues as well.

International students are often among the best and brightest in their country before they go abroad. Many countries have very strict rules or tough exams a student must pass before they are allowed to leave their country or are admitted to another.

A large percentage of international students have scholarships, are sponsored by government agencies or foundations, or by international organizations (such as the United Nations) and selection is usually merit-based and quite competitive.

International students are an important asset to Penn State. During this week of International Festival XVI, we all have a great opportunity to learn more about our world. So get involved and EXPERIENCE DIVERSITY AT PENN STATE.