The back-to-class experience: Contrast between domestic and international students

Students return to St. Thomas University for the winter semester, marking the start of a new term on campus. (Credit: Sabrina Zabatiero) 

Coming back to class can be tough. For some, it means returning to a familiar environment, reconnecting with friends and resuming routine.

For others, it involves starting over in a new country, adjusting to a different culture, different food and life far from home. 

While students share the same campus, local and international students often experience the return to class very differently.

For Jane Metcalfe, a third-year domestic student, the memories of first arriving on campus years ago are marked by ease and reassurance. 

“I was very shocked at how pretty the campus was and I was very surprised by how friendly and helpful everybody was,” she said. “My parents were here with me too.”

That experience contrasts with what international students often describe. 

Isabella Pacheco, a second-year student from Honduras, describes the return to campus as emotionally charged. 

“After two days, I started feeling depressed and also so out of place … it's still very hard coming from home and from your own culture, from your own food and having to get back on track with everything,” she said. 

She said that being alone is the hardest part. 

“Back home, I was always with someone … and right now I’m all by myself.” 

She also highlighted one privilege that many domestic students might not notice.

“They can at least go back home on a weekend and come whenever they want.”

Metcalfe said she recognizes this gap. While her own return felt familiar, she said international students often face added pressure.

“I think international students have it harder,” she said. “I’m only like a province and a little bit away from my family. I can only imagine being countries and continents away.”

As the campus fills again, local and international students navigate the return to class in very different ways. (Credit: Sabrina Zabatiero) 

From inside residence life, Maria Cassata sees those struggles play out daily. 

As a residence advisor in Vanier Hall, she said adjustment often takes longer than students expect. 

“You think you've done it in the first little bit and then it kind of hits you in the second semester, when winter hits and a lot of things are happening that don't typically happen in September and October, when it's warmer,” she said. 

Cassata said that the cold, darkness and isolation are challenges local students are usually prepared for, but international students often aren’t.

She also highlighted a lack of awareness about the support systems already in place.

Cassata said many students, especially those coming from abroad, don’t know about STU’s resources until they are already struggling. 

According to her, students often wait too long to ask for help, either because they don’t know what resources exist or because they feel unsure about reaching out.

Still, not every international experience is the same. Gauthien Gatineau, who recently arrived from France, said his transition has been largely positive. 

“Everyone here is here to help us … it makes it easier,” he said.

Gautineau highlighted that accessible professors and the presence of other French students helped him adapt quickly.

While students return to the same classrooms and walk through the same buildings, their starting points are far from equal.