The opportunity to meet with people from different countries of the world is a lure for international students among other things.
That explains why the number of people who want to study abroad is on a steady rise.
In fact, nearly 300,000 students are enrolled at Australian universities alone.
Its for this reason I decided to make visible some challenges facing international students. You will also find solutions to these problems in other to have a better study experience abroad.
Studying in a foreign country is interesting and insightful. Especially, studying at choice destinations like Australia, USA, Canada, and the UK.
However, it comes with it’s own unique challenges. The good news is, you can overcome these challenges with persistence and sheer determination.
This post examines the barriers international students often encounter when adapting to a new academic environment, culture, and suggestions for overcoming such challenges.
Challenges facing international students abroad
1. Finance
Studying abroad is expensive, especially in US and UK where overseas students tuition are relatively high.
Though an international student is allowed to take up per-time work for specified hours which varies from country to country, it can be very challenging for many students.
If you wish to study in London, UK for instance, you’ll need to budget at least £1,265 (US$1,800) per month. The equivalent of £15,180 (US$21,500) a year.
I did a research with several Canadian universities. And I found that the average tuition fees for international students in Canada is CA$25,159 (US$19,00+) per year.
Add up cost for books, academic materials, fares, accommodation, food, side attractions, travel, shopping and it’s way beyond the budget of some students.
That’s why scholarships are very important for international students. A fully funded scholarship saves the day.
Also, some countries are work-friendly for international students, such as Sweden and South Korea.
Though your studies landed you in a foreign land, but due to financial constraint, you might need part-time work.
In most countries, international students are allowed to work 20 hours per week.
2. Communication
It is very common for international students to struggle with coursework, especially in countries where English isn’t the official language like China.
Even in English speaking countries like Canada and Australia, some international students still don’t meet up with coursework due to the high level of written and spoken English. That’s compared to the inferior one in their home countries.
It makes it difficult for international students to cope with lectures, seminar presentations, tutorials, and social gatherings.
If you do want to work while studying, learning the official language of the country is important as it’s often a requirement for jobs.
Some countries offer considerable support for specific languages even if it is not their primary language.
For example, Sweden is English-friendly and regularly ranks as one of the top destinations in the world for non-native speakers of English. That means you can study in Sweden without any basic knowledge of Swedish.
The instruction language of most universities in China and Japan is Chinese and Japanese. Therefore, incoming international students are required to spend one year learning the Chinese or Japanese language before commencing studies.
Students who have excellent scores in IELTS, TOEFL, or other English tests are not immune to this struggle in English-speaking countries.
Having to communicate with people using English as a second language can be very tough because of local slang, accents, and context (culture).
Even if you think that you are wrong or are too shy to start a conversation, try to go out and talk to people.
If you make mistakes, care less because it is a good way of learning new things. That way, you will get to integrate, make friends, and learn a lot about the language, environment, country, and other stuffs.
The good thing is that most universities receiving international students have language support system that you can take advantage of and make your experience a remarkable one.
3. Culture
Some cultural differences might surprise you while you are abroad. From food to dressing, religious beliefs, etc., it could make a difficult first time experience.
The cultural shock one has to go through while trying to adjust to life in a new country is one of the foremost challenges international students face.
The ways that things are done in the country you chose to study is definitely going to be different from the way you do things in your home country.
In the UK where my friend study, the culture is quite enjoyable and you have to find a way to adapt, especially at the start of your course.
Studying in UK is a great way to learn more about the British culture and UK way of life.
People from Thailand are used to placing their hands together and bowing, whereas giving a firm handshake is common practice around Australia.
Doing some research on the internet or asking people around your residence can both be fruitful.
4. Homesickness
It is natural to miss home, especially if you are studying across shores far away from your home country.
That is, away from familiar territory, friends and family, unless you already have family and friends there.
This is a very common challenge. But as you know, life isn’t a bed of roses.
Make an effort to talk to friends and family back in your home country regularly. Also, step up efforts in making new friends among the locals.
Step out of your shell and adjust. After all, it’s going to be your home for a couple of years.
Most foreign universities offer professional counselling services to help international students overcome difficulties that come with being away from home. Take advantage of such services to help you adapt.
You may also join clubs where you can make new friends who share similar interests with you.
Also, most Universities have a robust students’ union and you can get actively involved.
These activities will not only help you adjust to life in your new country, it will also help your emotions.
5. Food
Don’t expect to stumble on familiar meals you are used to in your country.
One major challenge facing international students is the new menu they have to adjust to.
Whether you are studying in Europe, America, Asia, Australia or Africa, you could be embarrassed at the sight and taste of meals you are not familiar with. Be open to trying new things on the menu.
In the first months, you can frequent native restaurants (African dish, Chinese restaurants, etc.) serving your familiar dishes. After wards, try out a couple of foreign meals.
A bite, two, and yet another day will help you adapt gradually to the new food available in that country.
Someone said challenges are what life is about. There’s no exception for international students.
I hope you liked this post? Please leave a comment below to reach out.
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Maxwell is a Dietitian with passion for showing people hope. With nearly a decade experience helping people make key decisions on education and career, you can find him almost everywhere on this site. From answering admission and scholarship questions to creating tutorials and helping others live their best lives though nutrition. Connect with me on Twitter.
At least I’m conversant with English