8 most common challenges students face while living abroad 

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A group of students having fun with smartphones and tablets after class

Studying abroad is one of the most sought-after dreams for many students. It comes with its own unique set of experiences like seeing a new country, making friends from different cultural backgrounds, and seeking education from the best institutes in the world. But much like everything else in this world, it comes with its fair set of challenges as well, and there are many problems students face when they move out of their home country.

In this article, we shall explore 8 of the most common problems faced by students while making the transition into a new country. 

 

Finding the right accommodation 

One of the first problems faced by international students is finding the right student accommodation provider. In many cities, housing with proper infrastructure is either extremely expensive or available far away from the campus. Finding student accommodation in European cities like Leeds and York and American cities like Seattle, Boston, and Texas is somewhat easy. Whereas, it is extremely difficult to find student housing in New York City. 

It is advised to do thorough research before finalising a student accommodation and to be wary of Facebook groups or advertisements that may be scams. Students can connect with alumni of the universities or expats from their countries to get a better understanding of the rents and suitable locations to put up. 

 

Managing finance 

Managing finance properly is a usual problem faced by students living abroad. This is because many students are on a strict budget that needs to be utilised for accommodation, high tuition fees, food, living expenses, and travelling. And sometimes, there can be emergencies that can burn a hole in the pocket. 

To get better at managing their finances, students should maintain a monthly financial planner to track expenses and also keep some amount of their savings for a rainy day. They may also join part-time work, if permitted, to support their monthly expenditure. 

  

Culture shock 

A sudden cultural shift, i.e., change in food, clothing style, and way of living can be overwhelming for a student. The culture shock needs to be addressed by coping with differences before it becomes another grave problem students face. 

 

Homesickness 

As students face the problem of doing everything alone without their familiar support system, they are overcome by a feeling of homesickness which is another common problem faced by students. Occasions like birthdays and festivals are often celebrated alone and can be painfully lonely. 

To overcome this challenge, one needs to keep themselves engaged with different activities and focus on making a reliable support network of their own. 

 

Making friends is difficult 

Establishing new connections with people from diverse cultural backgrounds can be another challenge for students. Communication is the key to make new friends, and students must ensure to communicate well with others. Another way to make friends is to join student clubs and group activities that they love and make friends with those who have similar tastes and hobbies.  

 

Language barrier.   

The language barrier is one of the problems faced by students that is often ignored. Many think that studying in English-speaking countries like the US and UK won’t be a problem for students. But the truth is that even English words and phrases differ from country to country and language can prove to be a problem for students who find it difficult to understand the new lingo and accent. 

Similarly, European countries like Sweden and Germany do not have their first language as English. Students can take up basic language courses before heading for their education. 

 

Struggling with the time zone 

Students normally take up courses in universities that are far away from home. This comes with the problem of struggling to keep up with different time zones of the foreign land and home.  

To stay connected with loved ones, it is important to keep a track of the time zones and work out a suitable time to connect with their loved ones. 

 

Climate Uncertainties 

It is one thing to read up on everything online about the climatic conditions of the new country and it is another thing to experience it. And sometimes the climate can be so unpredictable that no amount of preparation can actually help face climate uncertainties. 

Students need to carry the essentials keeping in mind the weather conditions in the country. They should also leave a considerable budget for purchases of clothes and accessories that may help them to face the climate changes. 

Conclusion 

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to study abroad and while there may be many problems faced by students during their stay initially, one can easily overcome them in a few months and adjust to the new lifestyle. What is important is to face the challenges and enjoy the journey.