International Students Belonging

Students face a whole range of difficulties when it comes to pursuing an education internationally. Language barriers, culture shock and the overwhelming feeling of being home sick, are just some of the milestones to be overcome.
Too often international students find comfort, and the much needed sense of belonging, in surrounding themselves with students with the same ethnic background/s. Of course this is typically predictable behaviour, however to what extent is it beneficial in an increasingly diversified world? In my experience, the underlying issue comes with integration, or the lack thereof. Effort needs to be exerted by the academic institutions, and both the foreign and domestic students, to actively support and facilitate their inclusion. The students also need to know where to turn for assistance in adjusting to the foreign environment, which is where the University should play its role. Our world is blanketed with diversity and thus exclusion gets us nowhere.
Being immersed in a foreign language can be frustrating at times. Basic communication and exchange becomes problematic and may deter social interaction all together, leaving the internationals lonely and possibly full of
In the aspects of beliefs, tradition and perhaps more importantly, food. As a Muslim, consuming food that is deemed Halal (approved and prepared as by Islamic Law) is very important, but unfortunately not readily available. Particularly in cases like mine, where the university is not located in a metropolis. The burden of inconvenience that is the search for Halal food, only adds to the long list of obstacles. My friends and colleagues with Hindu and Vegan backgrounds, who are also particular in their dietary plan, faced similar dilemmas. On the topic of religion, places of worship can also be hard to find in a foreign