Moving to Study in a new place could be quite tricky, particularly when moving from areas far from home and loved ones.
Adapting to the culture of a new country can breed some form of remorse initially but it's all part of the challenges of being an international student.
Take Canada for example; Canada is a famous center for quality education, with an increase in the number of its international students every year. Still, a large number of her students face challenges when they arrive in Canada for the first time.
As mostly suggested, the best way to subdue a possible problem is to prepare to face the challenge; occasional issues and difficulties should not put the purpose of Study abroad to a halt.
In light of these, barriers to studying abroad and the solutions are outlined;
1. Language Barrier
The major problem in studying abroad is the language barrier if it is different from your first language. It could be quite frustrating having to master a language as a condition for communication. Over time, many students who study abroad often accept communication barriers as a fascinating facet of living abroad and do make sense of the lifestyle. While other students may feel lonely and homesick, it could be an opportunity for learning.
2. Shocking Cultural Differences
Cultural difference is an addition to the language barriers. Every country has a distinct culture, and most students studying abroad may find it challenging to integrate with that regard. Another shocking cultural difference is learning to live with roommates. Adapting with roommates with a different culture might sometimes be challenging, but it might be an advantage later on. Loneliness might also be an issue when surrounded by other people who are a contrast to your interest, fashion, appearance, language, and other areas of interest.
3. Finances–and spending habit
Irrespective of efforts to curtail running into financial trouble waters, by planning, budgeting, and tracking expenses throughout the semester, it's possible to overshoot your budget. Sometimes, it could be challenging to control your finances when in another country, and it could be more challenging to reconcile living expenses and study expenses while studying abroad. Financial stress might take a toll on your health and overall study experience abroad.
4. Academic Challenge
Starting classes in a new college or university could come with its challenges. The language-related barrier can mostly contribute to the problem, considering courses that are strictly foreign language-oriented. The first issue will be understanding, and then lagging in getting the assessments cleared, due to poor participation.
5. Longing for home
As previously mentioned, under loneliness, for many students abroad, this can be a real problem. Living thousands of miles away from friends and family could give the feeling of isolation. Around the world, students are facing issues of homesickness. Aside from cases of extremity, it is perfectly ok to feel homesick, and not letting it cripple your experience abroad is vital.
6. Time zone differences
Trying to negotiate two time zones on opposite ends of the world can be quite frustrating. There is a need to continually check what time is suitable for each time zone and cultivating a habit of calling at odd hours.
7. Understanding currency differences
Getting familiar with currency differences could tend to be a complicated process. As prominent as most foreign learning challenges are, the differences in the currency will not hurt.
Solutions to study abroad challenges
1. How to Handle Cultural Differences in studying Abroad
Familiarity with local cultural practices and terms frequently used. Getting a translation dictionary will assist the skill of mastering the mother tongue of the host country fluently; installing a language translator on smartphones will help too. Make friends with the locals and ask for a guide on how to be more genuine with strangers.
More importantly, not allowing the fear of offending or speaking prevents interacting well with the different cultures abroad. Over time learning and mastering the language, culture, and other practices with patience and consistency will pay off.
2. How to deal with Finance Challenges studying abroad
There are a few easy ways out of many, to earn some money while studying abroad. Just doing a background study and observing the community's interests and needs. Utilize all the options available and below are some suggestions that have proven to earn money while studying abroad;
- Explore scholarships that meet academic needs, as there are lots of scholarship opportunities available to International students studying abroad
- Considering the laws in the host country abroad, working part-time may be allowed.
- Prepare meals at home instead of buying food at restaurants.
3. How to deal with Academic Difficulties
Having a balanced time while studying abroad is vital. Limit social relationships and parties. Set goals to guide the academic pursuit and always be prepared for the unplanned or change in situations. Having an organized timetable and a well-outlined, a to-do list to support schoolwork is vital. Don't ever be scared to ask for help from the course instructors and guidance counselors.
4. How to Deal with Homesickness while Studying Abroad
There are several ways to prevent getting worried about the lovely memories of family and friends back home. Partaking in new interests, joining clubs, or embarking on new adventures and meeting new friends or acquaintances for advice will do. Enrolling in yoga class, practicing meditation, doing some journaling, or engaging in other self-knowledge activities might help deal with homesickness and related illnesses.
5. How to Deal with Currency Difference
Have a good currency conversion mentally to determine the prices of goods. It's easier to buy things when the real cost is known. The locals could guide on the price range and differences.
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