By: Tarah Jeannis, contributing writer
On Saturday, Oct. 20, Saint Leo University threw their annual Family Fall Festival. During this time, university students enjoyed many activities set up by SGU and were able to invite their families to spend a day with them on campus. While most local students enjoy the company of their families, most international students are unable to have their families visit. On this day, it was a reminder that international students are away from their families and friends back home.
“I am really close to my family when I am at home, and not seeing them as often and sharing meals is tough,” said Javeihm Blanchette from St. Kitt.
For Blanchette, the most difficult part of being away from home is being away from his friends and family. Whereas non-international students and local students can have their parents come to visit, it is more of a hassle when a family is in another country. Traveling may be costly and could interfere with work. Sometimes the absence of family can affect an international student’s journey in college.
“My experiences as an international student have been both great enjoyments and troublesome ordeals,” said Ryan Marshall from Bermuda.
“Life here is very similar to life back home, but there are a few small differences. Like back home, you get to know everyone and it feels more like a community. It upsets me when I don’t see my family because even though families go through things, I miss them.”
Marshall and Blanchette are a few of the many international students who face homesickness while being in school
“I think every international student knows that they would have to be somewhat self-dependent when they left their country to attend school,” said Blanchette.
“The path to get here was very difficult because when I came to study in the United States in 2009 I spoke no English. Saint Leo University welcomed me very well — a beautiful school with an awesome program,” said Regis Schaffer from Brazil. However, like many other foreign students, he also faces homesickness.
Regis explained that among social differences, he missed the food in his country. “The food is also very different from what I was used to eating in Brazil. There is also a huge difference in the system of education.”
Blanchette explained as an international student-athlete that foreign students are faced with many trials: among those are overcoming language barriers, finding recreation off campus, and making new friends. Being far from home is difficult for most students, but campus life presents many challenges that may be difficult to tackle at first but will strengthen one in the end.
“College prepares you for the future in many ways, so I just have to deal with it,” said Blanchette.
