In recent years, an increasing number of international nursing students have been studying in the United States. These students are faced with many problems; they must adjust to a new culture and an unfamiliar training program, as well as struggle with a second language.[1]


Students not fluent in English have difficulty understanding lectures, taking examinations, writing papers, keeping abreast of reading assignments, and expressing opinions in discussion groups. These problems, along with learning nursing theory, new technology, nursing science, and medical terminology, make it difficult to keep up the rapid pace, and to develop self-confidence. Some students perceive faculty as being insensitive, uncaring, and unsupportive, and these perceptions together with language problems compound the feeling of alienation. [2]

Often it can be an arduous task to assimilate to a new culture especially when your English is your second language, Misunderstanding is often a result because people simply cannot find a common ground and break the ice due to cultural differences. Here I will provide an example of how language can become a serious issue if left behind.


There are six challenges the international students can encounter. These are

  1. ^ Abu‐Saad, Huda; Kayser‐Jones, Jennie (1981). "Foreign nursing students in the USA: Problems in their educational experiences". Journal of Advanced Nursing (6). Blackwell Scientific Publications.
  2. ^ Abu‐Saad, Huda; Kayser‐Jones, Jennie (1981). "Foreign nursing students in the USA: Problems in their educational experiences". Journal of Advanced Nursing (6). Blackwell Scientific Publications.