Ghanaian student in America reveals 5 key things African students should know before pursuing there

A Ghanaian postgraduate student in the United States has outlined key realities African students often encounter when studying abroad.

The student, who relocated two years ago to pursue a Master’s degree in Sustainability Studies, shared practical insights drawn from personal experience.

He explained that many international students arrive with expectations that studying and working simultaneously will be manageable, but the reality is different.

“A lot of us think we can school and work at the same time, but to be honest, it doesn’t really work like that,” he said. He added that visa conditions also limit work opportunities, stressing that “your student visa is for school and not for work.”

On social adjustment, he noted that feelings of doubt are common among international students.

“There are moments when you walk into spaces and ask yourself, ‘Do I really belong here?’” he said, adding that many peers appear confident, but are also navigating uncertainty beneath the surface.

He further emphasised that adaptation requires deliberate effort rather than passive expectation.

“You don’t adjust automatically. You need to be intentional about it,” he said.

According to him, students must actively engage in conversations, enter new spaces, and build connections to integrate successfully.

Highlighting institutional support systems, he pointed out that many students fail to fully utilise available academic resources.

“There are so many available resources to help you succeed,” he said, listing writing centres, career services, professors’ office hours, and mentorship programmes as key support structures often underused.

On finances, he warned that higher education abroad can come with significant financial pressure.

“You might have to start with debt,” he explained, noting that unless students secure full scholarships, loans are often unavoidable. He added that “a loan is a loan. It comes with interest,” urging prospective students to plan carefully before relocating.

His reflections underscore both the opportunities and challenges African students may encounter when pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in the United States.