Based on the content provided, the sentiment of the international student can be classified as highly negative. This individual’s experience involves several aspects that contribute to their distress, as follows:
- Academic Challenges: The student expresses a strong feeling of being overwhelmed by the coursework and describes a lack of understanding of the assignments. This indicates significant academic distress, compounded by the fact that deadlines are approaching without the progress needed. The sentiments here are quite negative, highlighting feelings of inadequacy and stress related to academic performance.
- Social Integration: The student mentions feeling completely alone, having made no friends at university. This suggests a struggle with social integration, which is a key area where many international students can feel isolated. This lack of a support network exacerbates their academic stress, contributing to a negative overall experience.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: The student’s mention of misery and inability to cope indicates severe distress and mental health challenges. Thoughts of dropping out further highlight the negative impact their current situation has on their wellbeing.
- Perception of University Experience: The student’s expectations versus reality reveal a stark contrast; they thought they would enjoy university life, but instead, they are unhappy and dissatisfied. This reflects a negative sentiment towards the entire university experience, primarily due to unmet expectations.
- Family Pressure: The fear of family disappointment adds another layer of stress, indicating external pressures that may be common for international students, who often feel the weight of their family’s expectations.
There is no mention of specific UK universities or indications of shifts related to policy changes. However, the student does identify some general pain points that could reflect broader issues faced by international students:
- Lack of Academic Support: There appears to be insufficient support around understanding coursework and managing academic pressures.
- Social Isolation: Difficulty in making friends and integrating socially suggests a need for better social support systems.
- Coping Resources: A deficiency in available coping resources or pastoral care is implied by the student’s feelings of desperation and isolation.
In summary, the main themes include negative experiences with academic pressures, social integration issues, unmet expectations, mental health challenges, and family-related stress. These aspects highlight critical areas that universities need to address to improve the overall experience for international students. It would be beneficial for institutions to enhance academic support services, promote social integration initiatives, and provide mental health resources specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by international students