The idea of studying abroad can be exciting, but the journey can be fairly challenging. Students may face various obstacles, such as managing finances and handling academic pressures, which can be overwhelming, especially since they are far away from the comforts of their home.
This article explores common challenges encountered by students while studying abroad and provides some practical strategies to address them.
Mayank Sharma, Senior Vice President of AcadFly, Physics Wallah’s (PW) Study Abroad, has unveiled insightful strategies for effectively tackling the hurdles encountered while pursuing education abroad:
1. Language barrier
Indian students are now increasingly considering studying in countries such as France, Germany, South Korea and other non-English speaking destinations. To overcome the language barrier, Indian students should consider enrolling in language courses offered by their universities. These programmes are designed to help overseas students improve their communication skills in the local language and allow them to confidently carry out conversations with peers and educators.
Practising conversations with locals and fellow students is also crucial, as it provides a practical learning environment. Utilising online resources, such as language-learning apps and websites, can also be beneficial for improving language proficiency.
2. Money management
Studying abroad can be an expensive endeavour, but with proper planning, students can navigate the financial challenges. Exploring scholarship opportunities offered by universities, government organisations, and private institutions can alleviate the financial burden. Besides that, international student loans are also a great option to help finance your overseas education.
Creating a realistic budget and sticking to it is also essential, while prioritising expenses and seeking cost-effective alternatives for daily needs can increase savings. Additionally, many countries allow international students to work part-time, with limits on the number of hours and maximum wages earned. Seeking these opportunities, as well as paid internships or project-based work, can help students offset the cost of their education.
On moving to the study destination, familiarising yourself with the exchange rate and local currency is crucial for international students. It’s also important to be aware of variations in tax calculations, as some countries include taxes on the price of an item, while others, like North America, require taxes to be calculated separately.
3. Academic demands
Navigating a new education system can be daunting, but developing effective time management skills is key to balancing studies and personal life. Creating a dedicated study schedule and adhering to it diligently can help students stay on top of their coursework.
Seeking help from professors, academic advisors, fellow students, and seniors can provide valuable insights and guidance when facing academic challenges. Additionally, universities often offer study centres, libraries, academic workshops, lectures, and seminars to support students in improving their academic performance.
CONCLUSION
Studying abroad is a transformative experience that presents its share of challenges. However, by embracing a proactive approach, seeking support, and implementing effective strategies, international students can navigate these hurdles successfully. From honing language skills and managing finances to adapting to academic demands and understanding currency differences, each challenge presents an opportunity for personal growth and resilience.
By overcoming these obstacles, students can fully immerse themselves in the rich cultural experiences and educational opportunities that studying abroad offers, emerging as well-rounded global citizens prepared for future endeavours.