3 challenges to combat when planning to study abroad

In order to give themselves or their children the best education possible, many young adults and their parents dream of studying abroad. While studying abroad may sound exciting, it's important to think about the difficulties that may arise from living in a foreign country. The decision to study abroad must be carefully thought out, mentally and financially prepared and last but not the least, willing to make sacrifices for the long-term goal. A student should examine the following four challenges carefully before pursuing his/her academic goal abroad.

1. Financial barrier

Financial management is one of the first difficulties that students encounter. Students frequently have a tendency to overspend initially, which can lead to financial stress later. Understanding currency exchange rates and prioritizing needs over wants when making financial decisions are very crucial. In order to live within their means and learn how to prioritize their expenses, it is necessary for the students to learn these skills. They will gain stability and financial independence as a result, both of which will be beneficial over time.

2. Language and cultural barrier

Language barriers and the difficulty acclimating to a new culture brings forward additional difficulties for the students. Students frequently experience homesickness and a sense of alienation, which can result in stress on the emotional and mental levels. Students must be ready to adjust to a new environment and learn the local language and customs. They can meet new friends and find people who share their interests by participating in social activities and events on campus or outside the campus as well. Students can become more ingrained in the community and feel more a part of their new home by taking part in local traditions and customs.

3. Mental Barrier

Students may face physical ailments in addition to the issues already mentioned, and it can be challenging to balance their workload, classes, assignments, exams and self-care. During important events like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings, homesickness can be especially difficult. For students to remain optimistic, they must learn coping mechanisms for these emotions. Creating a network of friends and classmates who share your struggles or have been through them before is one way to get through this obstacle. This can foster a sense of community among the students and help them feel less alone.

Conclusion

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience that presents a wealth of chances for professional, academic, and personal development. Thoughtful planning, readiness, and the ability to overcome obstacles are also necessary. Students who decide to study abroad must be flexible, resilient, and open-minded. They must master effective communication and problem-solving techniques as well as the capacity for independent work.

Studying and living abroad is an exciting and demanding experience that necessitates careful planning, mental acuity, and monetary management. It's critical for students to be aware of the difficulties they might experience, such as handling their finances, adjusting to a foreign culture, and overcoming physical illness and homesickness. Students can overcome these difficulties and fully benefit from their study abroad experience by developing a network of friends and classmates, taking part in local traditions and customs, and remaining upbeat and motivated. Students who study abroad have the chance to grow personally and academically and gain the knowledge and self-assurance they need to succeed in a globalized society.

Having resided overseas for a period exceeding three years, I encountered various formidable challenges as a 19-year-old student. Nonetheless, these challenges can be surmounted through diverse approaches. Although the methods of overcoming difficulties may differ for extroverted and introverted students, the ultimate objective remains unchanged, yielding distinct forms of learning for the students. It is advisable for students to adequately prepare for these challenges prior to embarking on their study abroad journey. From my personal experience, I successfully overcame my mental and homesickness issues by immersing myself in the local language and culture, accomplished through active participation in university clubs activities and societies such as the Sports and International Students club. While managing financial stress, the efficacy of club involvement was limited. Instead, monitoring exchange rates and engaging in conversations with fellow international students from Bangladesh about their everyday lifestyles and expenses provided me with valuable insights on effectively managing my finances.

*The writer is currently working as a Senior Executive at The Daily Star, who studied in Sunway University, Malaysia.