As an international student, one of my biggest struggles was adjusting to the different teaching style and language of instruction. In my country, the education system was more direct and to-the-point, but here, everything is so nuanced and implicit.
It took me a while to understand that the key to success wasn't rote memorization, but rather critical thinking and applying what you learn to real-world scenarios. It's cliche, but it's true: school isn't just about cramming for exams; it's about understanding the logic behind the information and being able to apply it.
I had to change my study methods completely, incorporating more visuals and hands-on exercises. I also reached out to classmates and professors, which was especially helpful. It wasn't a smooth sail from there on either, but recognizing that my struggles were more of a learning curve helped me persist, and I eventually found some triumphs in these little wins.