Dear students,

As the semester draws to a close, are you feeling stressed by academic pressure and a series of upcoming exams?

This guide analyzes some common stress sources for international students during final exams, aiming to offer practical tips to help you navigate this challenging academic period smoothly.

Identifying sources of stress

For international students studying in China, stress may stem from multiple factors, including academics, culture, and environment. It's not only a test of knowledge but also a concentrated challenge of cross-cultural adaptability.

1. Academic expression barriers and comprehension in a Chinese academic context

This represents the most fundamental academic challenge. Even if you communicate fluently in daily life, high-pressure tasks such as writing end-of-term papers, taking closed-book exams, or delivering presentations require precise and professional academic Chinese, which can be particularly demanding.

You may face challenges in accurately using technical terms, constructing arguments that align with Chinese academic conventions, and reading vast amounts of Chinese literature. This can lead to frustration — understanding the material but struggling to express it clearly in writing or speech — causing anxiety and draining confidence.

2. Pressure from different teaching and assessment models

China's educational system and assessment methods may differ from what you're used to. Final grades for many courses are largely determined either by a single closed-book written exam or by the completion of a lengthy academic paper written in Chinese, often with strict formatting requirements.

Furthermore, collaborating with Chinese classmates on group projects can also be stressful due to differences in communication habits, division of labor, and time perception. In the tense atmosphere of exams, quickly adapting to these unfamiliar elements poses an unavoidable source of stress.

3. Cultural adaptation stress intensified by a busy schedule

During final exams, personal time is severely compressed, leaving little room for socializing or exploring new environments. At this time, the perception of cultural differences can be magnified. You might feel isolated from being unable to access local study resources, such as reference materials and past exam papers, as efficiently as Chinese classmates. Failing to integrate into exam review groups is also discouraging. In addition, daily life inconveniences such as eating habits or climate may become more pronounced, which can significantly drain your emotional energy, multiplying academic stress.

Recognizing these stress sources is the first step to overcoming them. Stress does not stem from personal inadequacy but is a common and normal experience in the cross-cultural academic journey.

Stress management tips

When facing stress, complex methods are often difficult to maintain. The real path to relief lies in actions that are simple, specific, and immediately actionable.

1. Start with the smallest action to break the stress cycle

When you feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, the best solution is not to think, but to do and talk.

• Ask one specific question

This is the most direct way to dissolve academic anxiety. If unsure about a concept or assignment requirement, immediately stop overthinking on your own. Pick up your phone and send a brief query to a classmate or teacher. For example: "Regarding the third argument of the paper, is it proper to develop it this way?" Proactive communication turns vague worries into clear tasks.

• Take one physical break

Set an alarm every 50 to 60 minutes of study. When it rings, leave your seat. Get up to fetch a glass of water or gaze out the window for a minute. Such a brief "forced break" helps clear your mental anxiety, prevent fatigue buildup, and make subsequent studying more efficient.

2. Establish a steady rhythm to build daily order

Creating your own sense of stability is crucial during the unpredictable final exam period.

• Uphold one daily ritual

Reserve one simple, identical routine task every day. For instance, drink a glass of warm water from the same cup every morning, or tidy your desk every night before going to bed. Such predictable small rituals provide a solid sense of order amid external chaos.

• Find one physical study zone

Try to avoid studying alone in your dorm all day. Head to the library or a public study room at a set time every day. Being in a shared learning environment offers silent companionship, easing loneliness while creating positive, motivating boundaries for your focus.

3. Make specific preparation in advance to dissolve the anxiety of the unknown

Much stress stems from imagining the uncertainties of an exam. Replace them with practical preparation.

• Take a full-length simulation

For your most important exam, take a full mock test one week in advance, strictly adhering to the actual duration and procedures. This helps you become familiar with the exam's pace and reduces anxiety caused about the unknown.

• Prepare exam materials in advance

The night before the exam, gather, check, and pack all required items like ID, stationery, and a calculator. This simple act prevents the next-morning hurry, allowing you to enter the exam hall with ease and calm.

Key reminders

Stress management is similar to health management. When self-regulation has a limited effect, seeking professional support is necessary. If you persistently feel down in spirits, suffer from insomnia, or have difficulty concentrating, contact your university's international student office or psychological counseling center. This is the most responsible way to manage your well-being.

Cultivating good habits is important for long-term stress resilience:

• Maintain regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet to keep your body and mind active.
• When you have negative thoughts such as "I can't do this," try writing them down, then write a more reality-based thought, such as "I have prepared well and can take it step by step."
• At the end of each day, think of one small thing you did well; this helps build confidence.

The path of study is also a journey of personal growth. We hope these stress management tips help you approach your exams with courage and confidence.

Source: Official WeChat account of the China Scholarship Council (ID: "gh_afaa09c3e5f3")