So you complete high school in your home country, get on a plane and venture solo to the United States to begin the next chapter of your educational career; leaving your family and friends behind. You're hopeful for your ever-so-bright future and enthusiastic about the new life you're about to create for yourself.

Now you're in the States, doing great in school and seizing big opportunities, but little did you know that there be new kinds of struggles ahead of you.

Here are some inevitable struggles that international students studying in the U.S. know too well...

1. Trying to find Scholarships/ Grants for Non-Residents

Is that even a thing?

2. Spelling certain words differently

COLOUR me confused!

3. Converting from your beloved METRIC SYSTEM

Oh, America!

Is life not complicated enough?

4. Getting used to the different holidays

Um ok. But I mean, if it means I get to sleep in today then, By all means!

5. Being all alone during the holidays

... and trying to make the best of it

6. Perfecting the art of smuggling your favorite foods through customs

You gotta do what you gotta do

7. When someone tries to pronounce your name

"What did you just call me?!"

8. Responding to the usual, "How is your English so good? You're foreign"

For your information, those of us that actually grew up speaking the language, it is more insulting that it is a compliment so please, Move along now before I break something.

9. Addressing stereotypes

I kid you not! I've had to reassure some guy that children in Nigeria do not, in fact, ride to school on the back of giraffes and we do not have monkeys on the street that steal our lunches. I've heard even more ridiculous stories from fellow international students, you wouldn't believe!

10. Hearing people talk about how far away they live from home, when they live just 4 hours away

Interesting...

11. Not talking to your parents for days because of time difference

12. No Work-Study, No off-campus employment, Sorry!

What can I say... It's hard out there for an international student

13. Adopting a new family every Thanksgiving

Any takers?!

14. Being able to recognize a fellow country-mate just at a glance

Ayy, I see you!

At the end of the day, we know we can overcome whatever it is that comes our way. We've had a lot of practice. No borders, physical or mental, can stand in the way of our goals. We're fighters like that!