1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Challenges I Face

Challenges I Face

Apr 7, 2020

I am an international student from Tokyo, Japan, studying at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. I have had a great number of difficulties and hardships since I’ve come to study abroad in the United States. 

The first difficulty is language. English is the biggest challenge, and it is hard to overcome. I have studied English since middle school, like most Japanese students. Because I grew up with Japanese, English has always been a challenge to face. I am able to understand the value of learning English because it is in high demand for every country in the world. After World War II, the world became globalized and English became a universal language. It is an indispensable language to become actively involved in the world. There are a variety of situations and environments in which people have to speak English to communicate or present their thoughts, such as international trading, business, and conferences. That’s why I am in the United States to get an education in English. 

In general, learning a new language is hard and requires a lot of work. When I was in Japan, I studied English a lot, especially grammar. However, it was hard for me to improve my English. Although the Japanese education system makes Japanese people focus on grammar, it is still hard for me to understand parts of English such as verbs and adjectives. When Japanese people write an essay, they tend to use correct grammar, but usually, they struggle with finding the right word. It is difficult for them to grasp the sense of English because they do not get any opportunities to learn about real conversational English. Most Japanese people have the same struggles as me. When it comes to listening, it is also hard for us to understand what people say and to get involved in the conversation. The meanings of a word are changed depending on the context. We never get these meanings because we have knowledge from only what textbooks show. 

In order to adjust to and overcome the difficulties of English, an English tutor is a significant resource. There are several options for English Tutoring at Chemeketa, such as the Writing Center, Tutoring Center, and International Program. I can go to these facilities to get support from the English tutors. They can help me with writing, conversations, and reading, and provide me with helpful information and tips. I ask for help from an English tutor at least once a week. I can fix my essays or understand long articles through the English tutor.

Another hardship is tuition fees. The United States is one of the most expensive countries to get an education. The tuition fees for international students are considerably higher than local students. There are several reasons for this. The U.S. government takes care of local students. The reason why international students are charged more than local students is the tax system. Usually, all students pay tuition including tax, no matter where students come from. Local students have a responsibility to pay taxes for their entire life. However, most international students go back to their home country after they graduate from school. They do not pay taxes anymore. So, the U.S. government charges international students more than state residents. Moreover, the tuition fee the international students pay goes for the foundation of scholarship for local students. These two elements are the main reasons why the American government charges international students more than the local students.

The high tuition fee is a hardship for international students. In order to get an education in the United States, we must have enough money to afford it. On top of this, there are only a few ways to make money, and we have limited time to work and with low wages. Generally, it is harder for us to get scholarships than local students. The tuition fees to get an education from America is definitely a setback to the international students. If you want to study abroad in the United States, you need to find a way to deal with tuition fees. I consider money all the time and study hard to get a high GPA to qualify for scholarships. 

Yoshinobu 'Yoshi' Enomoto of Tokyo, Japan, is majoring in Political Science at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon.

Follow us:
Written by

Yoshinobu 'Yoshi' Enomoto

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the blog post titled Turn Your Vision Into Action in 2023
Turn Your Vision Into Action in 2023
Main image for the blog post titled New Year, New Me…not!
New Year, New Me…not!
Main image for the blog post titled An Open Letter to Lycoming College
An Open Letter to Lycoming College
Main image for the blog post titled Learn to Protect Our Environment for a Living
Learn to Protect Our Environment for a Living
Read more

Check Out These Schools

University of Alabama English Language Institute

University of Alabama

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Summer English Programs Bachelor Degree
Contact
Cleveland State Global

Cleveland State Global

$15,000—$20,000 Semester

Masters Bachelor Degree
Contact
Study Idaho

Study Idaho

$1,000—$5,000 Session

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Online Certificate/Short Term
Contact

Related Stories

Introducing Student Blogger, Jiale!

Main image for the article titled Introducing Student Blogger, Jiale!
Introducing Student Blogger, Ayaka!

Main image for the article titled Introducing Student Blogger, Ayaka!
From Student Blogger, Ayaka: Women’s Leadership Conference

Main image for the article titled From Student Blogger, Ayaka: Women’s Leadership Conference
From Student Blogger, Ayaka: My first Thanksgiving

Main image for the article titled From Student Blogger, Ayaka: My first Thanksgiving

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

MPOWER Financing is the top-rated lender offering international student loans without cosigners, collateral, or credit history for global citizens, PLUS international student scholarships & career coaching! Fully online application, 96% customer...

Read more
Partner service logo for Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Choose an entire apartment, a studio, a shared room, or a private room, with 24x7 assistance from Personal Student Advisors. Book Now!

Read more
Partner service logo for The Intern Group

The Intern Group

Summer plans suspended because of COVID-19? The deadline's approaching for TheInternGroup's virtual/remote global internship program. Gain professional experience, grow your network and make your resume shine from wherever you are this summer.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I got admitted into the University of Michigan for Fall 2019. Thank you so much for your assistance.

Linda Chiahaoke Nigeria

You are an excellent guide to know the study process and have a successful results. Thanks for everything!

Alberto Luzardo Venezuela

StudyUSA.com has helped me on the process of searching for good and inexpensive colleges around the US.

Lua De Miranda Brazil

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    English

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.