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Struggles for international students in America

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According to WBUR, over one million international students travel to the United States each year to attend college, but the struggle comes once they graduate. 

America offers several opportunities for young adults, giving many the desire to become international students at U.S. colleges. 

Elijah Howe is a student at Michigan State University from Australia. 

“There are a bunch of reasons to come to the states for school and I have actually spent time at three different American universities in three different states,” Howe said. “One of my favorite parts is seeing all of the different cultures that come together here, specifically at MSU.” 

According to the Michigan State Office for International Students, there were over 4,200 foreign students studying at MSU in 2021 from many different regions and backgrounds. 

“About 10 to 12 percent of our students are international students,” said Krista McCallum Beatty, the director of the Office for International Students at MSU during a Fox47 interview. “It’s very much part of the culture of MSU to have internationals here.” 

Sean Kerrigan is another Spartan international student that came from Ireland to play for the men’s soccer team. 

“I came to the U.S. to play college soccer and because of all of the incredible opportunities that come with being an athlete at a Big Ten school,” Kerrigan said. “It is very different than being in Ireland, but I think that is what made it so appealing.”

Although there are plenty of positives to coming to America for school, being away from things that are normal to someone can be very difficult. 

“One thing that is hard is not being able to go home for most breaks,” Howe said. “I haven’t seen my family or close friends from home in over a year and I think about that often.”

Kerrigan agreed in large part with Howe’s opinions. 

“The hardest part for me is seeing the guys with their families after our games and not having anyone there for me,” Kerrigan said.