10 types of support for international students that you likely didn’t even know existed

Studying abroad looks like a bunch of fun.

On the surface, it seems pretty simple – you find a country, live there for a year or more, take lots of photos, and then go home. 

But let’s be real, studying abroad is more than just a vacation; it’s an investment in your future.

By taking this bold step, and with help from the right support for international students, you’re gaining valuable academic experience and developing essential life skills like independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

What international students have that local students don’t

Putting time and money into pursuing your academic dream is worth it — even more so if you’re doing it abroad. 

We live in a world where the more experience you have engaging with other cultures, the more desirable you will appear to potential employers — by 64%, in fact.

You’re also happier when you study abroad. 

A 2024 research studying the impact of the student exchange programme Erasmus+ revealed that 97% of people who participated said it still positively impacts their personal lives, and 89% said the same about their professional lives. The researchers describe it as an “enhanced coming of age experience.”

In another 2024 survey, Kazakhstani students studying abroad were found to experience more positive emotions and are better at managing their stress than those studying in the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

So regardless of your reasons for going overseas, you’ll be getting a longer end of the stick — but that’s not always the case. 

Studying abroad is tough, especially since you’re starting a new journey thousands of miles away from home. 

You may face challenges at almost every point during your transition, which can make you unhappy and lose interest in your studies. 

For example, a 2024 study conducted in Germany reported a higher dropout rate among international students, citing language barriers, financial issues, and residence permit-related regulations as reasons for dropping out. 

The dream of studying abroad can also quickly turn into a nightmare when you’re dealt with high tuition fees and restrictive immigration policies. 

Japanese universities are charging foreign students 20% more in tuition than domestic students and Switzerland’s technical universities are raising their international student fees from US$845 to US$2,537 in 2025. 

Over in the US, F-1 visa regulations have been updated to enforce stricter restrictions on the amount of time students can spend outside the country while keeping their visa status. 

As a result, international students are caught in a vicious cycle of financial strain and uncertainty, which can leave them feeling unwelcome in a foreign land.

With so many challenges that come with studying abroad, you may wonder, “Is it still worth it?” 

Absolutely. 

If you embrace the study abroad experience and let yourself be exposed to new people, ideas, and new ways of life, then you just might discover why studying abroad is worth your time.

And it helps to know where you can find many types of support for international students that’ll keep you on track.

10 types of support for international students that schools may offer: 

1. Academic tutoring and counseling

Keeping up with classes while maintaining a good grade? That’s no small task — especially for international students juggling scholarships.

Thankfully, universities have got your back with academic tutoring and counselling to help manage your classes.

Tutoring isn’t just about solving equations or cramming for exams. It’s about learning smarter, not harder. Instead of reading a whole textbook before an exam, tutors offer a safe, no-judgement zone where you can ask questions you might hesitate to bring up in class. They will guide you through tough topics, helping you feel confident when exam day comes around.

And if you’re not quite sure where your academic path is heading, or maybe you’re considering switching to a different degree or programme, academic counselling can be beneficial to navigate you through those decisions.

The University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences offers free private tutoring and academic counselling for students who need academic support.

2. Writing centres

Let’s face it — university life means lots of writing. From essays to research papers, you’ll be typing away more than you ever imagined. And if English isn’t your first language, it can be extra challenging, though some degrees require less writing than others.

Don’t stress, though — this is where writing centres come in.

Writing centres are like your personal cheerleaders for all things writing. They’ll help you discover your strengths and weaknesses, and pinpoint areas to improve all while developing writing skills you didn’t know you had. 

Over time, you’ll become more aware of the writing process: brainstorming ideas, analysing topics, drafting, and revising. Plus, you can get feedback at any stage, whether you’re staring at a blank page or putting the final touches to your writing.

The University of York has a writing centre prepared to offer personalised guidance, to help you develop your academic writing and critical analysis skills. 

3. Career fairs

Graduation may mark the end of classes, but it’s just the beginning of the real adventure — your career.

Let’s be honest, job hunting can be overwhelming, and it’s often hard to know where to start. The good news? You don’t have to wait until graduation to start preparing.

Career fairs are ways for universities to show support for international students on their job-hunting journey, whether they’re looking to stay in their host country to work or to head back home.

These fairs let you explore different career paths, content with potential employers, and get a sneak peek into the working work — all in one place. 

Attending career fairs is a must because they can open your eyes to the many possibilities that lie ahead. Plus, you never know — you might just stumble upon your dream job.

In Australia, universities such as The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, and Charles Strut University host career fairs and festivals to help students connect with potential employers and gain insights into employment opportunities in land down under.

4. Buddy programmes

Attending university in a foreign country can be daunting and overwhelming. For many international students, one of the toughest challenges is making friends, according to Instarem. Even if you’re naturally outgoing, finding your people isn’t always a breeze.

That’s where buddy programmes come in. Designed to give international students a helping hand, these programmes make the transition into university life a lot smoother. They help break the ice with classmates and encourage students to open up to new peers, breaking down social barriers. 

And let’s face it, being far from home can get lonely.

But with a buddy by your side, you’ve got someone to turn to while you’re building connections and forming a solid friend group during those first few months.

Universities like Lancaster University, Heidelberg University, the University of Oulu, and Umeå University offer buddy programmes for international students to help them settle into their new life abroad and make lifelong friends along the way.

5. Cultural student organisations

Homesickness — every international student’s familiar friend. No matter how exciting life abroad may be, homesickness will come into your life like a wrecking ball.

But your remedy is in arm’s reach: cultural student organisations. These groups are where students from similar cultural backgrounds come together, creating a little slice of home far away.

These organisations often host fun get-togethers, celebrating holidays and special occasions with food and traditions from back home. Nothing beats the feeling of sharing your favourite dishes with friends who’ll enjoy it with you.

More than just food and festivities, cultural student organisations offer a safe, welcoming space for minority students. It’s where you can talk about your shared experiences and cultural challenges with people who truly understand, so you’ll never feel alone in your journey abroad. 

The University of Iowa has put a little twist on cultural organisations. They offer organisations such as Friends of International Students, Friends Without Borders, Organization for the Active Support of International Students, and iPeer Mentorship Programme for international students to connect and thrive.

6. Mental health counselling and support helplines

Research shows that international students tend to face higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to their local peers. It’s no surprise, really — balancing academic pressure, a new culture, and a life far from home can take a toll on mental health. 

When mental health suffers, it can be hard to stay motivated and focus on studies, which could lead to failing classes. The added academic pressure only makes things tougher, creating a cycle that can feel overwhelming for you, especially if you’re already dealing with stress or anxiety. 

Mental health counselling and support helplines offer a safe, confidential space where you can talk through your worries, gain self-awareness, and learn strategies to cope with the challenges of university life. 

Take the University of Alberta for example. They provide counselling and clinical services for students, especially those navigating anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, grief, trauma, and more while studying abroad. 

Here’s a list of global support helplines for you to take note of.

7. Food banks

International students know it all too well when it comes to financial struggles. And when money is tight, many find themselves cutting back on essentials — like food.

A recent study by University College London found that 81% of students in the UK, especially international students, have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. To help ease the burden, universities have stepped up by offering food banks, along with discounts on food and drinks, to support their students.

Buckinghamshire New University is a great example of this. Not only do they run food banks for students, but they also fund initiatives to subsidise food costs at campus cafes — helping both students and staff with the cost-of-living crisis.

8. On-campus clinics

On-campus clinics play a big role in overseeing and coordinating the well-being of its students by providing primary and urgent medical care at little to no cost. This is especially helpful for international students who might struggle with the high medical costs of hospitals. 

As an international student, managing your health without parental guidance is a new challenge.

You’ll build habits that will shape your well-being, learning, and overall happiness. That’s where on-campus clinics step in — offering support, guidance, and a safety net for students as they navigate this new chapter. 

On top of that, these clinics often provide free essentials like condoms and menstrual products, making it easier for students to take care of their health.

Cornell University is a good example of universities that offer on-campus health care for international students. Cornell’s Student Health Plan is a plan that caps medical services at US$10. Additionally, LGBTQ+ international students are provided with free STI/HIV screening and treatment, contraception, and more.

9. Campus security

Late-night study sessions at the library, cramming for the big exam the next day — we’ve all been there. But walking home in the dead of night can be scary, especially for female students. That’s where campus security comes to the rescue. 

Campus safety is more than just peace of mind — it plays a huge role in helping students focus and excel academically. After all, if a student constantly feels unsafe or unprotected on campus, it’s hard to stay focused in classes or during exams.

Incheon Global Campus, home to four American and one German university, takes safety seriously. They provide 24-hour security, monitor CCTV cameras around campus, and even student volunteers as “campus police”. It’s all about creating a secure environment where you can focus on what matters most — learning!

10. Language classes

Imagine attending a university in a country where English isn’t the main language — it can feel like a whole new world. Adapting to the local culture isn’t always easy, but that’s where university language classes come in support for international students. 

By offering language courses, universities provide crucial support for you, who may be struggling with the local language.

But learning the language does more than just help with daily conversations, it opens the door to fully experiencing the culture, traditions, and customs of the host country. 

Even though universities in South Korea offer plenty of English-taught programmes, you’re encouraged to learn Korean to help ease your transition, both academically and culturally.

After all, it’s all about making the most of your experience abroad.