International students: rising above the challenges

“I’ve always wanted to become a nurse, right from when I was a child,” says Faith Aidamoisa, who came from Nigeria to study nursing in the UK.

“The UK is home to so many international students from all over the world,” says Faith, who’s now in her third year of an adult nursing master’s degree at Teesside University. “So studying here is an opportunity to learn about many different cultures.”

But it’s not always plain sailing. “I’m enjoying it and I’ve had good days with my patients. Being able to care for them at all stages of life is always my motivation,” she says. “But as an international nursing student, there can be many challenges.” 

I thought I had enough saved but it's worrying me now 

Financial pressures are particularly tough. “You have to show proof that you have enough money to support yourself,” Faith explains. “But since I started the course, my currency has devalued against the pound and it’s now costing me 4 times as much. I thought I had enough saved, but it’s worrying me now.”

The rising cost of living in the UK has exacerbated the issues. “We have to pay for food, accommodation and even transport to our placements – something other students can claim,” she says. International students have no access to loans or bursaries, while visa requirements mean they’re only allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time. 

Faith feels many international nursing students lack the support they need to thrive in their studies. “Financial responsibilities can lead to severe mental health issues,” says Faith. “You have little or no time to raise the funds you need, while also having to manage academic and social stresses.” 

On placements, Faith says international nursing students may also face bullying, harassment, microaggressions, and social discrimination.

Although students must demonstrate that they have very good English as part of their student visa application (see more information above), they may still face prejudice, Faith says. 

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A course representative at her university, Faith was elected earlier this year to the RCN Students’ Committee to represent the Northern region, where she hopes to use her role to speak up for the needs of international nursing students. “We’re an essential part of the UK’s nursing workforce,” says Faith. “We need to recognise there are problems and then act on them.” 

Among Faith’s ideas is a ‘buddy system’ for international nursing students, where they’re linked with another student who can support them through their studies. “This  could be with students in the same year of study, at different levels of study, or with an experienced nurse and a student,” says Faith.

“The main purpose is for the student to have that one direct contact in placement who they can learn from, share the same values or goals with, and who in some way, can also relate to their struggles, providing emotional support where needed,” she adds. She would also like to see more protection for those students who raise concerns.

We're an essential part of the UK's nursing workforce

With a background in public health – including a master’s degree at Leeds Beckett University – Faith has been involved in volunteering and community projects, both in the UK and Nigeria. She was also a delegate to the United Nations 68th session of the commission on the status of women (CSW68), which looked at the empowerment of all women and girls. “One of my future goals is to combine both my public health and nursing experience, getting into research and education,” she says.

Whatever struggles international nursing students face, it’s important to keep going, Faith advises. “Put your best foot forwards,” she says. “And if you don’t understand something, you should always say. Don’t let your confidence be shaken. We need to be resilient.”