Abstract
This chapter explores the experiences of Black African international students in higher education in the UK and examines the dilemmas they face as they decide whether to go abroad to study, and whether to stay once they arrive. Black-African international students face a number of particular challenges in embarking on the decision to study abroad, including financial pressures and the uncertain process of obtaining student visas, and they also frequently experience isolation and discrimination once they arrive at their host institutions. These challenges affect their subsequent ability to adjust to life abroad. In order to cope with the difficulties they may face, Black-African students utilise a range of coping mechanisms, including a preference for support from co-nationals, other Africans and religious organisations, rather than assistance from university services.