Dear Chai-buddies!
Imagine waking up to the devastating news of a fellow student's death while on spring break! The news of the death of the Student with Ohio State University in indeed shocking and disturbing. Spring breaks are a time for students to unwind and have fun, but unfortunately, they can also be a time of danger and risk-taking. According to a Forbes article, extreme binge drinking is a common occurrence during spring break, leading to unintentional accidents and deaths. But it's not just during spring break that students face risks while studying abroad. Many may ignore travel advisories or seek out dangerous locations for a false sense of gratification, putting themselves in harm's way. As a result, parents and students alike may wonder if studying abroad is even worth it. While studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, there are also some dirty secrets that aren't often talked about. In this blog, we'll uncover some of the risks and challenges that come with studying abroad. It is better to be prepared and safe than to regret later.
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1. Loneliness
One of the major challenges of studying abroad is the feeling of loneliness that many students encounter. Despite assurances that you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet other international students or that the locals will be welcoming, it can be challenging to find your tribe and break the ice. Even if you do make friends, there may be moments when you feel isolated and unable to find support or assistance when you need it. Being far away from familiar faces and places can be tough, and building new connections in a foreign land can be a daunting task. To cope with the possibility of homesickness, it's crucial to embrace your solitude and learn to navigate challenges independently. It's also important to make a conscious effort to connect with others and form meaningful relationships.
2. Culture Shock
So, you're excited about immersing yourself in a new culture? Prepare yourself for culture shock when studying abroad! While it's true that immersing yourself in a new culture can broaden your horizons and be an incredible learning experience, it can also be jarring and disorienting. Everything from the language to the food to the social norms may be vastly different from what you're used to, and it can take time to adjust. You may encounter instances where your cultural norms are dismissed or belittled, and even fellow students from your home country may pressure you to abandon your culture to fit in. This can create emotional and mental stress, and it's important to remember that your own culture is a fundamental part of your identity. Along with embracing new cultures, it's crucial to learn to define yourself and create an identity that isn't easily shaken by others' opinions.
3. I miss my home and my space
When studying abroad, it's common for students to live in campus dormitories. While this can be a safe and affordable option, it often means sharing living space with roommates who may not be easy to get along with. This can lead to feelings of homesickness, frustration, and depression, especially if the roommate is a bully. However, it's important to remember that everyone is dealing with the stress of being away from home, and people have different ways to cope with stress based upon their upbringing. Remember that living in a dorm can teach valuable life skills such as space management, bargaining skills, team spirit, and leadership. You can turn the bully into your friend for life or strike an adjustable workaround with them. Or simply put, you can learn to break the ice between you and learn to live in a culturally diverse household. Additionally, in a dorm, you have the option to complain to wardens and change rooms or even evict a troublesome roommate. This prepares you for dealing with difficult situations and people in the future like a disgusting co-worker or toxic boss. It also prepares you to like in harmony with your spouse! So, instead of feeling down about it, embrace the challenge and use it as an opportunity to develop important skills.
4. Financial Stress
A big dirty secret of studying abroad is - financial challenge. It is no secret that many students encounter financial difficulties while studying abroad due to the high cost of tuition, travel expenses, and everyday living costs. The financial burden can quickly accumulate and leave students feeling stressed and overwhelmed. The situation can be particularly challenging for those who have never managed their finances independently.
It is essential to plan a budget and adhere to it strictly to manage expenses while studying abroad. Setting up a budget will help in tracking expenses and keeping a close eye on the cash flow. It is also imperative to explore all available options for financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, to ease the burden on your finances.
One great way to cut down expenses is to look for part-time jobs or internships to earn some extra money. Working while studying will not only help with financial support but also provide opportunities to gain valuable work experience, meet new people, and enhance language skills. Additionally, it is vital to be mindful of unnecessary expenses and cut down on them to avoid falling into a financial crisis.
Managing finances while studying abroad can be challenging, but with proper planning and budgeting, students can ease their financial stress and make the most of their experience abroad.
5. Language Barrier
One of the challenges that many students studying abroad face is the language barrier, especially if they are in a country where they don't speak the local language. This can make it hard to communicate effectively, leading to isolation and frustration. Even simple yet essential tasks like grocery shopping or ordering food or operating a bank account or buying tickets on public transport can become daunting and stressful especially if the online apps too are in local language and have no version of the language you are familiar with. To overcome this challenge, it's crucial to take language classes and practice the language as much as possible. You could enrol in a language course or hire a private tutor to improve your language skills. Additionally, you could practice by watching TV shows and movies in the local language or conversing with native speakers in your daily life. Do not be shy of making mistakes. Embrace the challenge of learning a new language and take advantage of this opportunity to develop a new skill and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to overcome the language barrier and enjoy a more immersive and enriching study abroad experience.
6. Academic Challenges
Studying abroad can come with its own set of academic challenges that are not always disclosed. The academic standards in the host country may differ from what you are accustomed to, and the coursework could be more demanding, requiring additional time and effort. It can be challenging to keep up with the coursework, especially if you are still adjusting to a new environment, culture, or language.
One of the best ways to ensure academic success while studying abroad is to plan ahead and stay organized. Get to know your professors, and don't hesitate to reach out to them if you need additional support or clarification. Seek assistance from available resources such as tutoring services, study groups, and academic advisors to help you navigate through the academic challenges. Additionally, keep track of important deadlines and create a study schedule that suits you, and be sure to balance your academic commitments with opportunities for exploration and socialization.
Remember that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the academic challenges are an integral part of the experience. Embrace the challenges, stay motivated, and take advantage of the learning opportunities that come your way. By facing these challenges head-on, you'll emerge with a greater sense of accomplishment and a set of valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your academic and professional journey.
To wrap up, studying abroad is indeed an exceptional opportunity that offers students an array of benefits. However, it's essential to acknowledge the potential obstacles and hardships that can come along with it. As discussed, some of the dirty secrets of studying abroad may include feelings of loneliness, culture shock, homesickness, financial stress, language barriers, and academic challenges. But don't let these issues deter you from pursuing this adventure.
To make the most of this experience, it's crucial to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to tackle these obstacles. Reach out for support whenever necessary, whether it's from your professors, peers, or university support services. With the right mindset and approach, studying abroad can prove to be a transformative and life-changing journey that will broaden your horizons in ways you never imagined. Remember, this is just the beginning.
Stay tuned and check out our next blog to discover why despite the dirty secrets, studying abroad should be on your bucket list.
In the meanwhile, if you are studying abroad and are facing some challenging issues and if you love to talk to someone about it - feel free to reach me here at: aamiprabhasini@gmail.com
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