It’s exciting to travel to another country to study and begin a new chapter in your life. Experiencing a new culture, making new friends, and getting an education at the same time can be incredibly rewarding. Yet, it can also be daunting, especially if the culture is alien to you.
If you’re feeling intimidated, then know that you’re not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of international students enrolled in postsecondary institutions across North America and Europe. Here is how you can overcome some of the challenges you may face.
#1 Language Barriers
Language barriers are perhaps the most common hurdles for international students. If English isn’t your first language, then you may feel intimidated by your surroundings. To overcome this, get in touch with other international students so that you don’t feel alone. Most post-secondary institutions have many international students’ associations to choose from. Your university may also have programs to help you acclimatize to your new surroundings.
Aside from social challenges, language barriers can also present academic challenges. If you’re struggling with your coursework then stop by Homework Help Global for assistance with your essays. The writers here are highly skilled and experienced academics. What’s more, they’re native English speakers.
They work with students from high schools, colleges, and universities to develop original coursework. Some of the subjects they specialize in include physics, chemistry, biology, humanities, social sciences, engineering, finance, math, nursing, law, business administration, computer programming and much more. You can visit their website for more details.
#2 Homesickness
When you’re halfway across the world, it’s normal to miss home. However, there are many things you can do to feel at home in your new country. By socializing with other international students at your university you can bond over shared experiences. Aside from international student organizations, you can join other clubs. For example, if you’re interested in chess, you can meet other local students at the chess club. By socializing with them you can break down language and cultural barriers.
Of course, there’s nothing like a taste of family to alleviate homesickness. There are many cross-platform freeware software programslike Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger that you can use to frequently stay in touch with your loved ones.
#3 Finances
Many international students find it a challenge to stay on top of their finances. This is especially true if your place of education has higher fees for foreigners, and the exchange rate is unfavorable. To overcome, remain disciplined about your spending and budget carefully. There are many mobile phone apps that can help you manage your finances. You can also try renting a home with multiple students to save money.
Many countries allow international students to work a certain number of hours every month. You can work a little every week to offset your expenses. However, try not to overdo it, or your studies may suffer. Also, keep track of your work hours. If you exceed your quota, you could face serious legal consequences.
These are some of the ways you can adjust to life as an international student. Remember, stay adaptable, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help. More importantly, enjoy yourself. These will be some of the most memorable years of your life.
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