What is the hardest thing about studying abroad

The excitement of studying abroad, experience a new life, exploration and freedom are pretty pictures painted by the tales we’ve heard from fellow students studying abroad. Sure enough, studying abroad can be fun, but takes a little bit of adjusting to get used to.

For those planning to embark on this life altering journey, we talk about the common challenges you could face along this experience

1. Finding it difficult to fit in

• Regardless of where you decide to study, feeling out of place is almost a certain experience.

• A different language, unfamiliar faces, new norms, and a different way of life are aspects of studying abroad that will take time familiarizing with.

• Do not be discouraged; try building friendships, meeting and mingling with students of different nationalities. And soon enough, you will begin to realized how welcoming and encouraging they truly are, and this should help you feel more safe and welcomed in your new country.

2. Finding the right accommodation

• Finding accommodation is an essential aspect of settling in a new country.

• Universities offer accommodation to students on the campus or through affiliations. And with the number of students applying for accommodation it becomes increasingly difficult to find a suitable place to stay within a budget.

• , fake posts and advertisements make it difficult for international students to filter genuine listings; which in turn can lead to a loss of large sums of money.

• Hence, it becomes increasingly important to look for accommodation through recommended and legitimate sources.

You can seek the help of fellow students to help you in this endeavour.

3. Managing Finances

• Irrespective of which country you choose to pursue your international study at, there will always be that initial struggle of understanding currency conversion.

• With so much to grasp and adapt, it is difficult to plan and execute a budget to track your expenses.

• Unless you plan to study in a country where the Rupee is stronger, you may end up will little to no money to satisfy your stay overseas.

• The good news, however, is that you will be able you work part-time and earn on an hourly wage; but be sure you doubly check the restrictions on your student visa.

• An ignorant step could leave you to face serious repercussions.

4. Language barriers

• Most English speaking countries require their students to clear examinations such as the IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.

• Students coming from countries where English is not the first language, could find speaking and understating the language difficult.

• Throughout the world English is spoken in different accents, a particular item can be referred to by a different English word, e.g. Spring onion and scallion refer to the same vegetable.

• Hence, students may find understating the locals a challenge. Befriending natives and conversing with them is the best way to practice and perfect.

5. Feeling Homesick

• Almost every student that has chosen the international academic path has experienced homesickness.

• You will remember your family and loved ones most on festivals, and events for which you cannot be present or miss a scrumptious home cooked meal prepared by your mother.

• Boredom can get to you; keep yourself occupied with a hobby – perhaps, you could pay your guitar while singing along, bond with friends, or even video call your loved ones back home.

• The more you keep yourself occupied, the lesser you will have to deal with homesickness.

6. Feeling lonely and anxious

• You may have some bright days and some dull ones- just the part and parcel of life. Making new friends in a foreign land can be difficult.

• Start with your classroom, dorm, and progress to participate in university culture groups and clubs which are the best ways to break the ice.

• Class work and meeting deadline can cause stress.

• Confide in friends, eat well and take good care your body and mind.

• If anxiety and depression overwhelm you, approach a university counsellor or psychologist and seek their assistance. Communication is essential.

• Know that you are not alone.

7. The Climate

• No matter what you’ve heard and how much you have researched, you will only experience the climate of the country when you arrive.

• Your research will help you pack appropriately for the weather. But bear in mind, what may work for the climate in your country, may not necessarily work for the climate in your new country.

• Carry only essentials and purchase what you need when you get there.

• If you find the items a little too heavy on your pocket, you can always opt to budget shop at a thrift store.

8. Cultural Shock

• Culture shock is common to experience. Language, clothing, food, habits, streets, supermarkets, transport will be unlike what you are used to back at home.

• While, this experience is imperative and could leave you feeling confused and frustrated, you can always seek the help and assistance of friends and senior college mates to help you get through.

• Mingle with native students, observe and emulate, and you will learn.

Do not worry; give yourself the time to settle and you will do great.