Top 10 Most Common Challenges Students Face When Studying Abroad

While studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, it also comes with its share of difficulties. In order to help overseas applicants prepare, the purpose of this article is to highlight all of the difficulties associated with studying abroad.

There are a number of obstacles that international students who want to study abroad face. Every aspirant may face a unique challenge, ranging from homesickness and language barriers to climate uncertainty and financial concerns. However, in this article, we have listed all of these obstacles and offered solutions to them.

List of the Top 10 Obstacles to Studying Abroad

Students may become overwhelmed in the early stages of their study abroad experience for a variety of reasons. Take a look at the top issues that international students face when studying abroad:

1. Finding the Right Accommodation 

Most of the time, on-campus housing fills up faster, forcing students to look for other options outside of the university. If this is the case, you might have to pay a lot to get the place you want to stay. This is one of the main obstacles that international students face when they study abroad.

It has been observed frequently that certain Facebook groups engage in online fraud by displaying fictitious photos of homes and ultimately asking for a substantial security deposit. Students lose money as a result of falling for these types of scams. In the end, they realize that this kind of property never existed. In conclusion, finding a place to stay from reputable and trustworthy sources is critical.

2. Managing Money 

Despite your best efforts to budget, plan, and keep track of your spending during your stay, it can be hard to keep track of your money. You can still go broke or have less money than you need, even if you manage your money well. Make sure you know everything you need to know about your student visa before applying for a job.

The kind of work you can do and where you can do it may be restricted by the country in which you are studying. Always look for new opportunities in the classifieds and various job boards on your campus. To better manage your finances, you can also look into different opportunities for part-time or freelance work.

3. Homesickness

One of the most common obstacles students face when studying abroad is homesickness. When you are far from your loved ones, you are likely to experience homesickness. Staying active is always recommended because boredom will have a significant negative impact on you. You must make connections with others, particularly with fellow students who are experiencing the same emotions, and you must take full advantage of your new surroundings. You’ll have less time to worry about what you’ve left behind the more involved you are in your day-to-day activities.

Also Check: How to study abroad Can Change Your Life?

4. Experiencing Cultural Shock 

This is one of the most significant difficulties that international students face when they study abroad. The sudden shift in culture may also have a significant impact on you. Everything from the way people eat and perform rituals to how they get around and dress may differ from those in your home country. Sadly, this culture shock frequently results in feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and frustration. Even in situations where you are performing typical day-to-day activities, if you are not prepared to deal with these differences, it can cause a significant amount of stress.

5. Understanding Currency Differences 

It can be difficult to adjust to currency differences. For instance, one US dollar is equivalent to 500 Costa Rican colones in Costa Rica. Additionally, a €1 item actually costs US$1.40 in continental Europe. Make sure you come up with a quick conversion method for yourself so you can mentally estimate prices when you buy things and learn what the “normal” price is for staples. Locals can tell you how much you can expect to pay for these things.

Studying Abroad challanges
Studying Abroad challenges

6. Different Time Zone 

It can be very frustrating to try to travel between two time zones on opposite sides of the world and stay there. Particularly when communicating with loved ones in India. Make it a habit to make phone calls very early in the morning or even very late at night, and double-check which time is appropriate for which time zone. In your timekeeping applications, include all of the relevant time zones. Make an effort to recall the difference in time. You will be better able to deal with the differences in time zones if you do this sooner rather than later.

7. Overcoming Language Barriers 

The language barrier ranks second on the list of difficulties associated with studying abroad. It may be challenging to overcome the language barrier in countries where English is the primary language, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. It might be hard for you to speak English well. Additionally, you might not always be able to clearly comprehend what the locals are saying. Some English words and phrases may be used differently in other countries.

8. Managing Academic Standards 

There will always be new experiences that are more interesting. When you’re away from home, you might want to try a lot of new things. All you have to do is remain calm and methodical. Manage all of your academic responsibilities by making use of the planner, to-do list, and calendar apps.

9. Climate Uncertainties 

It is difficult to predict the weather until you arrive in a particular location, regardless of how much online research you do prior to your study abroad. What you wear today can be affected by factors like indoor climate control, city infrastructure, and even regional characteristics. Make it a point to only bring the absolute essentials with you, purchasing the rest once you arrive. If money is a concern, shop at secondhand clothing stores for everything you need.

10. Making New Friends 

Making new friends isn’t always easy, especially when you’re with people who speak different languages and come from different cultural and religious backgrounds. In some situations, communication becomes a significant obstacle. Due to the fact that the perspective of each person who comes to study with you is more likely to differ, it is difficult to meet people who share your interests. As a result, you should be prepared to spend time alone and choose enjoyable hobbies until you find friends.

How to Overcome the Obstacles of International Study

We have compiled some useful hints to assist students in overcoming challenges associated with studying abroad. These factors can help students get the most out of their experience studying abroad.

  • Be sure to check the university’s rankings and the validity of college credits. 
  • Look for student support services. 
  • Make connections with locals. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
  • Get health insurance. 
  • Keep a budget to cover costs. 
  • Learn the language. 
  • Get an international student ID.
Study Abroad consultant
Study Abroad consultant

Benefits of Studying Away from Home

We now understand the difficulties faced by international students studying abroad. However, taking advantage of the numerous opportunities that exist abroad makes pursuing higher education worthwhile. Consider some of the advantages of studying abroad:

  1. Experience the world
  2. Learn a new culture
  3. Improve your language skills
  4. Gain independence
  5. Develop a global perspective all while expanding your professional and educational horizons.

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