What are Study Abroad challenges and how to overcome them?

4 Major Obstacles to Triumph: Overcoming Study Abroad Challenges

Studying abroad comes with a lot of memories, friends, opportunities, knowledge and a lot of enjoyment. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges ranging from language barriers to academic differences. Challenges may be different depending on the adaptability of the student and their personality, but everybody faces some in their journey. Here in this article, we’ve listed some common challenges that international students face and ways to overcome them. 

1. Language Barriers

Facing Language Barriers is the most common among the many challenges that international students face. Getting into a complex conversation in a foreign language can sometimes be intimidating. Consider the following strategies to overcome this challenge:

• Pre-Departure Preparation: To avoid facing language barriers, invest time learning the basics of the local language before departure. Try to learn the day-to-day idioms, local phrases etc. to make it easier, you can take language courses, use learning applications or speak to a native.

• Practice: Try to surround yourself with people with whom you can speak in the native language of your study destination. It will give you an idea of the natural conversation between you and your fellow classmates or the locals of the country.

2. Cultural Adjustment

When you move to another country for higher education, everything seems to be different from your native country, their language, their food, their culture everything. These changes are sometimes exciting, however, adapting to a new culture can be extremely challenging. Here are some ways to navigate cultural differences:

• Cultural Orientation: Orient yourself culturally through the study abroad program’s cultural orientation sessions and workshops. By participating in these sessions, you can gain insights into local customs, traditions, and social norms, allowing you to successfully navigate the cultural landscape.
• Engage and Observe:  To gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context, observe local customs, behaviours, and social etiquette. Observe the locals with an open mind, show respect, and learn from them. Deepen your understanding and appreciation of culture by participating in cultural activities, festivals, and traditions.
• Seek Cultural Exchanges: You can gain insight into the culture by establishing relationships with local students or community members. Foster cross-cultural friendships by participating in intercultural events, clubs, and volunteer activities.

3. Academic Differences

There is a very high possibility that the education system or the teaching methodology in your study destination will be a lot different from your native country and what you’re accustomed to. To adapt it quickly, follow the mentioned strategies:

• Research the Academic System: Be familiar with your host institution’s grading policies, coursework requirements, and academic system prior to departure. Understand the expectations and norms to prepare yourself accordingly.
• Communicate with Professors: Speaking to professors and academic advisors will help you understand the curriculum better. You can always seek clarification whenever needs, ask for guidance and be active in seeking assistance if necessary. 
• Time Management and Study Habits: You will have to change your study habits and adapt to the new academic system. Develop time management techniques, utilize any study resources you’re provided and interact with local students who can help you understand better.

4. Homesickness

Studying abroad is difficult at times especially because you’re away from your family, your friends, your relatives and anyone who’s close to you. This lead to the feeling of homesickness and has the ability to distract you from your studies.

• Stay Connected: Always maintain regular communication with your family and loved ones back home through texts, phone and video calls. Engage yourself in long conversations so you don’t feel left alone or missing out on anything. Share your good experiences so the family could also accept the distance. 
• Support Network: You can connect with other international students who share similar experiences. Discuss your feelings with them and try to come up with a solution, engage in discussion, and do other productive activities that could make you feel better. 
• Explore your Study Destination: You got an amazing opportunity of staying in a completely new country where the people, their culture, their beliefs everything is new to you. Make the most out of it by exploring your host country during your study duration.

Every day will feel different but you must remember your goal. Keep yourself strong and ready for any obstacle that might come your way. Try to enjoy the new experiences and embrace the beautiful changes that come with a lot of opportunities for your future. This is your very first step towards your dreams and you must love the journey as much as the destination.