Faculty of Design
Illustration
Meet the Artist
Amanda
Chen Tsai
Illustration
“The process of finding home as an international student is a journey that is not often discussed, as well as the struggles and feelings international students face in moments of uncertainty. The target audience for this concept are international students and individuals who have experienced the challenges of adapting to a new environment. The target audience for this concept is not just limited to international students, but also individuals who have experienced the challenges of adapting to a new environment. It is important to create awareness among a broader audience about the struggles of international students, as this can lead to more empathy and understanding towards them. This project has cultural, artistic, and commercial significance as it provides a platform for discussing the issues of international students' emotional struggles. As an international student myself, I can attest that the process of finding a home in a new country can be daunting and overwhelming. Moving to a new place with different cultures, customs, and languages can be a challenging experience. It is one of those experiences that are vulnerable and that is filled with struggles and feelings that can be difficult to express. This collection of 10 illustrations and artworks provide a visual platform to discuss the issues that international students face, such as cultural shock, homesickness, loneliness, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment. By creating a dialogue around these issues, I want to help individuals who have gone through the same experiences feel seen and heard, and provide them with a sense of community.First, from a cultural perspective, the concept created for international students encourages a deeper understanding of their experiences and unique perspectives. Through the use of vivid imagery and relatable themes, it creates a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. As an international student who came to Canada at the age of 16, I have personally experienced the struggles of finding a sense of home in an unfamiliar space. Leaving behind my best friends, closest family, and the only place I had ever called home was a difficult process. I didn't know how to communicate properly in English, and I didn't have any friends in this new place. I was constantly seeking the meaning of home and trying to find it in this new environment, but even now, I still struggle to find it. Throughout this journey, I have faced a lot of loneliness and negative experiences. I have met new friends, some of whom were nice and some who were not. I have faced loneliness in school, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have even experienced depression during the high school to university application process. At times, I did not have the best relationship with myself or my body, which I now see as my home. However, through the ups and downs, I have learned how to be with myself, how to be lonely but happy with myself, and how to understand myself. I have learned how to set boundaries with negative people that come into my life, especially in a new place that I am so unfamiliar with. By discussing the challenges and emotional struggles that international students face, the artwork promotes empathy and compassion for individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Moreover, it provides a unique insight into the lives of international students, allowing individuals to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of cultures present in society. It also helps to break down cultural barriers by promoting open dialogue and understanding between people from different backgrounds. By shedding light on the experiences of international students, the artwork aims to foster a sense of togetherness and community among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.”