Your study abroad journey will be nothing short of a rollercoaster ride where you will experience a varied range of emotions from excitement to nervousness, happiness to sadness, and pretty much everything in between.
While this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it also comes with many obstacles. So read this article to learn about the five major challenges and how you can overcome them to maximise your study abroad experience!
Experiencing Cultural Shock
No matter how much you are prepared, it is inevitable to experience disorientation with your host country’s norms, traditions, and values, which is different from yours. For instance, a firm handshake is preferred in some countries, but it may be considered offensive in other countries.
We understand you will have trouble adjusting to the local culture, and at times, you might feel clueless and frustrated. But know that it will quickly go away once you fully immerse in it. However, there are no written rules to follow, and you can only learn to overcome cultural shock by interacting more with the citizens and observing them keenly. Trust us, it is just a matter of time, and eventually, you will adapt to your new country sooner than you have thought!
Dealing with Homesickness
When you move to a different city, you tend to feel homesick, and it gets amplified when you move to a new country. It is natural to miss your loved ones back home. Your first few weeks at your uni are bound to be spent with nostalgia and sadness. And it will get heightened when you go through a rough day. You may not feel like stepping outside your student accommodation in Bradford and even think of going back to your home country.
But know this, you are not alone! Many international students like you will have migrated to study in your host country and go through the same phase. Moreover, these overwhelming emotions will eventually fade away with time soon if you quickly accept your new life and start enjoying it!
So, how can you overcome your homesickness?
Join hobby clubs or student societies, take up a part-time job, participate in volunteer activities, and enrol in classes like dance, singing, language learning, etc. Remember, the more you stay busy, the quicker you will overcome homesickness. And this will not only allow you to keep yourself busy and learn some skills but also provide you with tons of opportunities to socialise and build a professional network.
Avoid the urge of befriending people of your home country; instead, make friends with the natives and university peers of different nationalities. It will help you not only to adapt to the local culture but also to learn about diverse cultures across the world.
Overcoming Language Barrier
The language barrier is every international student’s main hurdle. You may be well-acquainted with the language of your host country, but still, you may have trouble understanding the accents or slang.
So how can you overcome it?
Polish your language skills by interacting with the natives. Don’t hesitate to ask again if you can’t understand a specific word or their accent. Most native people appreciate that you are putting effort into learning their language, and they will help you learn it!
Study the language thoroughly in your free time and ask for help from your uni professors. To go one step further, you can enrol yourself in language classes. Most universities provide these classes for international students to enhance their language abilities. Even if your university does not offer such classes, you can look for them in your area with the help of local people.
Finding Student Housing
When you shift to a new country, your safety and security become your topmost priority, and how to ensure them? Start by finding the right student accommodation. However, the process of searching for a suitable place to stay can be challenging due to the lack of adequate information on the location and rental accommodation scams.
It is always advisable to do comprehensive research, check the property physically, buy from trusted landlords or renting agencies, and, most importantly, book your accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute hustle and high rents. So whether you plan to move into Birmingham Uni student accommodation or Nottingham University accommodation, you must book your accommodation beforehand to get the best student home at the right price and your preferred location.
Managing Finances
The perks of newfound independence (living on your own in your host country) come with equal challenges and responsibilities, especially where money is involved. As a student, you might not have had solid experience managing your finances before, but now, it is time to learn the most crucial life skill: money management.
So how can you manage your finances?
While sitting inside your Glasgow student accommodation or student studio apartment in Sheffield, make a daily, weekly, and monthly budget and spend your money accordingly. We understand that sticking to a budget can be difficult initially, but try to stick to it as much as possible.
Avoid splurging your money on luxurious items; instead, spend your money wisely by purchasing necessary items.
It is essential to save money, but it is equally important to earn it. So, find a part-time job and earn some extra cash to support yourself financially.
Need help in locating the perfect student accommodation?
amber is a student accommodation booking platform that provides affordable options for booking the right home. We are upgraded with the COVID-19 policies and would be pleased to help you search for your ideal abode! Tune in to our social media pages like Facebook and Instagram for unique offers and fresh updates.
Author: Harshita Anand is a postgraduate in English Journalism and a graduate in Hotel Management. She has worked in many different industries and with people from all walks of life. Her rich experience inspired her to learn new things every day and write passionately about them!
Leave your vote
This post was created with our nice and easy submission form. Create your post!
Like what you read? Give author a thumbs up?
Bookmark this article to read later, drop a remark in comment section and share with your friends..