Challenges of Studying Abroad

One of my favourite Chinese saying

“It is better to travel 10 thousand miles instead of having to read 10 thousand books”

You might feel overwhelmed with the opportunity of studying out of your home country, being away from your family and friends having to live the independent life that you have always dreamed of. With the hope of it being an easy transition. It is truly exciting but it is not an easy process.

Studying abroad is not just about attending classes and getting good grades. Of course these are important aspects of studying abroad as it is the core purpose of you taking the journey. It is also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders. Experience with languages, societies and culture very different from your own. It is much more than improving your future, it is also about shaping the future of your country and of the world we all share because when it comes to the refining challenge of the world, whether it is climate change, economic challenge or war and terrorism.

It is much more than improving your future, it is also about shaping the future of your country and of the world we all share. When it comes to the challenge of refining the world, whether it is climate change, economic challenge or war and terrorism. One country cannot confront them alone as they are shared problems.  That is why it is important to develop the habit of corporations, by immersing in each other’s culture in class with your classmates and in the new environment you are in. You will then realize the things that we have in common, getting past the stereotypes and misconceptions that too often divide us.

Below are the five most common challenges that students are likely going to face.

• It is most likely that students feel like they are unwanted and unaccepted at least in the first few weeks until they begin to make friends. Usually, it is quite discouraging as the student might feel like an ‘outsider’ until they can find people they can bond with.
• Falling ill, is one of the hardest things to ever face alone. Having to recover from it by yourself, without having anyone to pamper you and ask whether you are alright. Doing your own grocery, cooking and laundry is difficult when are ill and away from home.
• Language barriers. Even if you are familiar with the language having to understand slang words used can be challenging. Understanding a different sense of humour and coping with the spoken accent can be difficult.
• Culture shock. The environment you are going to is going to have a different culture than the one you are used to. For instance if you are an English person going to Saudi Arabia and you see people covering their body from head to toe it might surprise you.
• The currency can be quite different and everything could seem expensive, especially when you compare them with the currency you use back at home.

How to overcome the challenges

• Be open to experience the new environment. Try to enter into the society with no preconceived notions about the country you are going to or the people that you going to live within the duration of your study period.
• Overcome your fears, as they hinder you from having to experience it fully. True, it is not all going to be all comfortable and sweet. There are going to be difficult moments, you are going to make mistakes. But keep in mind that making mistakes is being human and it is part of life.
• Respect the people and the culture even when you do not agree with them. They will appreciate that and respect you for it.

Milena Mesfun
Eritrea
BA (Hons) Media Studies