When You Feel Like You Don’t Belong Abroad

One of the sneakiest challenges of studying abroad—something no one really warns you about—is this quiet, persistent feeling that you don’t belong.

That you’re an intruder. That someone made a mistake with your scholarship application. That maybe you’re not smart enough or special enough to be here. That they’ll figure it out eventually and send you home.

I’ve been there.

I used to think, “Why me?” Why was I the one chosen to study in this country, at this university, with this funding? Surely there must’ve been someone more qualified, more “international student material.”

It sounds irrational now, but at the time those feelings felt very real.

And if you’re feeling them too, I want to tell you something straight up: you are not alone. So many of us, especially international students, wrestle with these thoughts—I don’t belong, I’m not good enough, this is too big for me. But you have to learn to stop those thoughts before they settle in too deep.

Because if you don’t, those little lies will mess with everything—from how you study, to how you connect with people, to how you carry yourself in this new chapter of your life.

This is just insecurity talking—and it’s time you stop giving it the mic.

One thing that helped me silence those negative voices was fighting them with truth. And yes, I mean literally writing down the truth about myself—my strengths, my past achievements, the tough things I’ve made it through.

It may sound cheesy, but it’s powerful.

Because when I looked at the list, I realized I’ve done hard things before. I’ve grown. I’ve overcome. I’m capable. I’m talented. Sure, I’ve got weaknesses—but I can work on those. They don’t cancel out my worth.

When I finally opened up about feeling like an outsider, I was shocked at how many other international students said, “Wait… me too.” It was comforting, but also eye-opening. These feelings are common, but they don’t have to control us.

You have to shut down self-doubt as early as possible.

If you treat yourself like you’re less than—like you don’t matter—the world will follow your lead. And especially in a foreign country, let’s be honest: not everyone will be welcoming or accepting. Some will see you through the lens of your skin colour, your religion, your accent, or where you come from.

That’s why you have to see yourself clearly first.

You’ve got to walk tall, speak up for yourself, and take up space. Be proud of who you are. Know who you are. Walk like the King or Queen that you are—and yes, that starts in the mind.

If you believe you are worthy, smart, and capable, eventually, others will believe it too. But if you treat yourself like a mouse—afraid, shrinking, apologizing for your existence—the world will reflect that energy right back at you.

So, here’s your challenge: Feed your mind truth, daily! Tell it who you are. Remind it of what you’ve done. Speak life to yourself.

Your mind is a garden. What you plant and water everyday matters. So, make sure you’re growing something good.