The study analyses cross-border experiences of international graduate students in two universities, one in Australia and the other in the United States of America, during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand how this impacted their learning and wellbeing. COVID-19 crisis led to dramatic changes in higher education institutions worldwide, affecting the academic and social life of international students, and as well opening windows of opportunities for them. International students of African and Asian backgrounds were purposely selected for the study. Data were collected with an open-ended qualitative questionnaire and analysed thematically. Findings indicate international students had mixed experiences, including stress and hardship, isolation, fear and insecurity, frustration and helplessness that affected their academic and social lives and wellbeing. Other students however developed strong connections, resilience, confidence, and optimism for the future. The shared cross-border experiences raise awareness to the global impact of COVID-19 in higher education. Findings have implications for how universities could respond to the needs of international students, which must be inclusive, equitable, and human-centric, during unforeseen crises.