What resources are available to help me with academic challenges?

Universities often provide academic support services such as tutoring, writing centers, study groups, and academic advising.

How can I manage my finances effectively as an international student?

It's important to create a budget, seek scholarships and financial aid, explore part-time job opportunities on campus (if permitted by your visa), and consider living within your means to manage financial concerns effectively.

What steps can I take to adjust to a new culture as an international student?

Engaging in cultural exchange activities, joining student organizations, participating in cultural events, making friends from diverse backgrounds, and being open-minded can help ease the cultural adjustment process.

2021-06-23 |

Study Abroad

8 Most common fears of international students

What are common problems for international students?

By Grad-Dreams

General

8 MOST COMMON FEARS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

1) Homesickness

It is known to all those who plan to study abroad that they have to go through a lot of changes on a routine as well as on a personal basis. You’ll miss home and at times feel lonely, but it is completely natural. You’ll miss those fights you had with siblings and family members and there is nothing to feel guilty about. But the restrictions and small concerns your parents had for you will start making sense while you proceed to live on your own. Nonetheless, thanks to technology you can keep in touch, talk, take advice, express your problems, and make required transactions. Recharge for an unlimited calling plan, involve yourself in various activities and you’ll soon learn that this entire experience has molded you for the better and future hardships in life.

2) Financial Matters

Financing and arranging funds are probably the most challenging part for students as well as their parents while planning to study abroad. But with proper planning and counseling, you can easily cross the financial obstacles. You have various options to compensate for your financial burden like applying for college & community-based scholarships, on-campus jobs such as assistantships, cafeteria, and bookstore jobs, off-campus internships, etc. Arrange for an account containing at least $200 for any emergencies and secure it with your parents so that you don’t use that money unnecessarily. Student loan options are also feasible such as Erasmus for Masters courses in Europe.

3) Health & Safety

While studying abroad, you’ll have to accept the fact that you also have to be independent in terms of self-care and awareness. Some tips to be secured – insure yourself by buying an international cover and carry prescriptions if you already suffering from some ailment/disease, get emergency numbers such as ambulances, fire brigades, local police, and medical practitioners and put them on speed dials, give your whereabouts to at least one friend/family member to help you in case of any emergencies, know your routes, law, and guidelines from local authorities, carry limited cash while traveling, carefully spend and beware of pickpocketing.

4)Discrimination/Alienation

A common issue, but not everyone talks about, is the massive discrimination students face on a daily basis. Be it the institution’s authorities or other students, they are often given opportunities based on biased behavior. There are also issues of bullying and alienation with students who come from other countries. These problems are not personal and students can hardly do anything about them except strictly reporting such issues straight to the authorities. Such behavior is not accepted in any of the institutions and students gain all support from the college authorities as well as law enforcement.

5)Fear of failure

With all the responsibility of studying abroad away from family with a considerable amount of finances involved, you may feel insecure about your performance or doubt your abilities. Like all other fears, this is also common and needs time for you to get through. Understand yourself, if you have come this long you have already succeeded in a lot of things – you cleared your entrance exams, scored enough, arranged finances responsibly, and above all performed wisely in academics. Reflect on your failures and why they scare you and try doing things that scare you. You might fail but it will help you realize failure isn’t as scary as it seems.

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6)Language Difficulties

Language is the most overcome issue by international students, yet it persists. Learning a new language and a course along with communication in a foreign country is a burden and a struggle for international students. Students are already coping up with the new culture and adjusting to the new lifestyle, so adopting a new language is tough. Firstly, you don’t have to learn the whole language in one/first attempt. Try to learn important phrases such as ‘help’, ‘please’, ‘give ’, ‘what is the direction’ ‘ which way is..’ etc. so that you’ll easily convey essential things and purposes while living and studying in any respective country.

7)Worries about missing out

Most of the students planning to study abroad studies are young and so are majorly concerned with adaptation issues. They are just starting to rely on themselves and take responsibility; hence, in such situations, their confidence can be below. Students may feel that they are missing out on events, family time, friends’ gatherings, and festivals back home. But, the reality is moving abroad for studies and entering into a completely different lifestyle can facilitate you with new events, novel experiences, and a greater view of life in a new atmosphere. You will also find many things related to your country in most of the study-abroad destinations.

8)Cultural Shock & Difficulty Making Friends

Even if you have traveled to different places, still you may need some time to adjust to the new culture, languages, customs, religions, and beliefs. It is fine that you make mistakes or don’t speak the language correctly; locals will understand and help you. Another way to get along is by attending local events and cultural fests to understand new people and their beliefs. Making new friends will be a task but take your time to get away from the feeling of ‘unwanted’. Be yourself; make efforts to show qualities like politeness, kindness, and humor and it will help to make genuine friends in any part of the world. You will also find groups in your community and share your concerns or just hang out to get a home feeling.