More students are pursuing their studies overseas now than ever before. There are more than three million international students worldwide and 400,000 in Australia. Some students make a smooth transition and cope well academically in the country of study. But others struggle in responding to an unfamiliar academic environment and face more obstacles in education institutions, the workplace and local communities. Many are lonely and some are personally isolated, and most become disappointed by their lack of engagement with local students. Drawing on research on international students, including 270 in-depth interviews, and the researcher’s own experience as an ex-international student, the paper explores the academic and social challenges that international students face. The paper also discusses possible ways of helping international students to make a smoother and more successful transition into the new academic environment.