Overcoming Challenges of Studying Abroad: Tips & Solutions

Many parents dream of sending their children abroad to get a global education and the interest is equally shared by the children as well. Families work hard to make this dream come true and so we see many students leaving home at an early age and heading off to foreign shores in search of a bright future. While there are many benefits of doing so, there are some drawbacks too. The challenges some students face don’t always work to the student’s advantage, but they can surely overcome challenges. Read on to know more.

1. Homesickness: Homesickness is one of the major problems that most international students face. Many of these students are very young adults who have never lived away from their families. To find themselves alone and without the support of their parents and immediate family members becomes challenging. Along with this, giving up the comforts of living a very cosy life at home and being exposed to real life becomes difficult. However, this is a great learning opportunity and the students end up acquiring crucial life skills in the process.
2. Language problems: Many students choose to enrol in universities situated in non-English speaking countries such as Germany or Spain. In such places, language becomes a huge barrier. Though the teachers and students on campus speak some English, the locals hardly do and getting by becomes challenging.
3. Financial limitations: Most students pursue their higher education in a foreign institution either with a student loan or with the help of a scholarship. Some even take up part-time employment to pay for their expenses. In all these scenarios, money is tight. As a new student in a foreign country, you may have to face a constant money crunch and live on a very tight budget. Though challenging, it teaches you invaluable money management skills so don’t get disheartened by it.
4. Adjustments in food and living: Every country has its own culture and tradition which reflect heavily on its food. Students who move to a new country often struggle to adjust to the local food. For example, an Indian student who is completely used to having a diet of rice and lentils finds it difficult to adapt to a diet dominated by cheese and pasta. This apart, the accommodation rules vary too. If living on campus, you may find it hard to share your dorm room with a stranger who speaks a different language and eats different food, especially if you have always had a room of your own in your house.
5. Different approaches to education: Education is not the same in every country. The teaching methodology, examination patterns, etc differs greatly between countries. Students who are used to a set way of learning find it extremely difficult to adjust to a new system all of a sudden. This takes time but most students pick it up quite quickly and this hardly affects the overall grades of the good students.

Conclusion 

These are some of the most common roadblocks that students face when they move to a new country in search of education. However, these are just temporary shortcomings and with time, things begin to fall in place. Most students make a seamless transition. So if you are currently going through a challenging phase after shifting to a new country, just hang in there. The tides will change soon and you will begin to experience all the benefits and advantages that your new life promises.