Top 7 Common Challenges of Studying Abroad
by ago 15 views0
Moving to another country encompasses an extreme shift in culture, language, societal norms, etc. It is important to factor in and be prepared for difficulties when living in a foreign country. The above-mentioned factors affect the student’s day-to-day life and are interlinked with each other. It is important for the student to plan for these obstacles beforehand and seek guidance for the same.
This blog will help the student in understanding the most common challenges of studying abroad and short tips to overcome it.
Contents
Common Challenges of Studying Abroad
Here’s a list of the top 7 common challenges of studying abroad to facilitate students in better planning of higher education as well as overall well-being:
1. Finances
Financial challenges of studying abroad are highly common. Loans and debts affect not just the quality of life but also the psychological state of the student. Managing to pay for the tuition fee, rent, groceries, commute, and other miscellaneous expenditures every month is expensive. It is thus important for the student to be financially smart when moving abroad.
Setting a daily, weekly & a monthly budget, and limiting unnecessary expenditures is a way of managing transactions wisely. Having a savings account, doing part-time jobs, keeping a balance sheet, and tracking bills & expenditure are some ways to take care of finances while studying regardless of the geographical location.
2. Visa / Legal Complications
Visa or legal complication is a discouraging factor for the student and the family; for instance, financial document approval, visa rejection, etc. Academic or linguistic shortcomings may also lead to visa rejection and administrative processing, which is a time-taking procedure and may cause delay in a student’s day of arrival at the campus.
Moreover, false / inadequate documentation or sub-standard interview, etc., generally leads to rejection of the student visa. The student should be eligible and have all necessary documents and visa requirements to get the same approved.
3. Language Barrier
Linguistic barriers are a common challenge of studying abroad. Despite English being the universal language, the student may find it problematic to adapt to the local dialect or face difficulty in understanding lectures. Misunderstandings and isolation are the outcomes of having had linguistic challenges while studying abroad.
Observing, practicing, and asking questions are some ways to gradually eliminate language as a barrier to further adjust with townspeople and build connections. Having a different accent can set one apart from the crowd.
4. Cultural Shift
Culture is by definition a way of life that includes language, food & cuisine, social etiquettes, attire, socio-cultural practices, etc., and the shift often induces a transition shock for the student. Culture varies from region to region and while it may overlap within a country, lifestyle, culture norms, religions and other parts of identity change as one crosses the borders.
Adapting to a new culture is a healthy way of understanding diversity and expanding the mental horizon. Building connections regardless of having different cultural backgrounds is not just necessary for survival but also for developing confidence. Cultural shift may be distressing for the student but adjusting and embracing a new culture requires time and deliberation.
5. Social Exclusion / Loneliness
Due to a different skin or accent, the student may often feel excluded from social groups in a foreign country. It becomes mentally exhausting to fit into social circles and consumes a high amount of a student’s focus. Therefore, it is essential to make an effort to find the right company or to interact with classmates and professors.
The student can seek support from the University officials to connect with someone who can be a local guide. These arrangements should be made before or during orientation. Social exclusion and loneliness are some difficulties of studying in a foreign country. It can be overcome within a few weeks or months depending on the personality of the student.
6. Homesickness / Other Psychological Barriers
Studying abroad challenges the student psychologically and emotionally as well. The student has to deal with homesickness. Furthermore, homesickness affects mental health and may result in isolation, anxiety, depression, etc. It is important for the student to not only focus on physical health but also mental health to make informed decisions and stay focused towards maintaining a good quality of life and safeguarding well-being.
7. Academic Performance
Due to the above-mentioned hurdles, the main focus of the student i.e., academics gets affected. A student facing financial, legal, psychological, and geographical challenges when studying abroad may be more distracted than the native citizens.
It is thus important for the student to make a rational plan in order to balance all aspects of life. Asking questions to the right people, entrusting in a mentor or friend, seeking guidance from the University officials, and focusing on time management are some ways a student can streamline daily tasks and adjust well to the changing environment.
Conclusion
The aforementioned challenges of studying abroad can be sorted out, provided there is ample planning and clarity. Finances, documentation, cultural shift, academics, language, mental health are some difficulties of living in a foreign country and require mindfulness as well as deliberate action.
It is of paramount importance for the student to stay patient and make healthy choices to gradually learn how to interact with peers and maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are more benefits in studying abroad than obstacles the student may face while undergoing the same. However, these factors should be catered for or planned out beforehand to make the adjusting months smooth.
