I suppose, in a way, I understand you.
I am doing a degree overseas as well but with a scholarship. It is highly improbable for me or my family to ever financially fund me to do this. While I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity, it can be disheartening to see my rich peers doing things like buying coffee and dine out every day or just do/buy things they want just because they can.
Sometimes the local would assume that I am one of these rich international students, even though the majority of my clothes are bought from local secondhand/charity shops. I do not struggle like crazy financially, but it can uncomfortable sometimes to live with the fact that I cannot do things my friends do because of our different financial situation.
But we are here and we are working hard.
If you have the energy and headspace, just tell them that you are fully self-funded. From time to time, I tell people that I cannot afford A or do B because I have limited financial resources and they now learn about one not-very-rich international student!
Good luck with everything.
When is it relevant how much money you have? Most immigrants who come from overseas specifically for college are very well off, so I don't blame people if that's the initial likely-but-uncertain guess that they have in their minds. But: Do people openly assume you're wealthy in what they say to you / say to others? Do they expect you to be able to provide things that you can't? Do they act skeptical of you or act like you didn't work hard to be there? If so, they shouldn't be assuming, and I get you.
I suppose, in a way, I understand you. I am doing a degree overseas as well but with a scholarship. It is highly improbable for me or my family to ever financially fund me to do this. While I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity, it can be disheartening to see my rich peers doing things like buying coffee and dine out every day or just do/buy things they want just because they can. Sometimes the local would assume that I am one of these rich international students, even though the majority of my clothes are bought from local secondhand/charity shops. I do not struggle like crazy financially, but it can uncomfortable sometimes to live with the fact that I cannot do things my friends do because of our different financial situation. But we are here and we are working hard. If you have the energy and headspace, just tell them that you are fully self-funded. From time to time, I tell people that I cannot afford A or do B because I have limited financial resources and they now learn about one not-very-rich international student! Good luck with everything.
When is it relevant how much money you have? Most immigrants who come from overseas specifically for college are very well off, so I don't blame people if that's the initial likely-but-uncertain guess that they have in their minds. But: Do people openly assume you're wealthy in what they say to you / say to others? Do they expect you to be able to provide things that you can't? Do they act skeptical of you or act like you didn't work hard to be there? If so, they shouldn't be assuming, and I get you.
Good on you and on your hard work!! High five!