Are you considering studying in a foreign country? Are you feeling overwhelmed with thoughts of the potential difficulties and fears that come with studying abroad?
Don’t worry! We are here to help.
We understand that studying abroad can come with challenges and concerns about being far from home and family. However, we want to reassure you that there are ways to overcome these difficulties.
In this article, we will discuss common fears and challenges associated with studying abroad and provide you with tips and advice to make the experience of studying abroad more manageable. So, keep reading to ease your anxieties and prepare for a successful educational journey abroad.
Are there really difficulties and fears about studying abroad?
If you hear a student say that moving to a foreign country for studying was much more challenging than expected, it may indicate that they didn’t do proper research and planning before choosing a country to study in.
We want to prevent you from making the same mistake. Therefore, if you’re planning to study abroad, it’s essential to educate yourself about the potential difficulties and fears that come with it and learn how to overcome them to avoid being overwhelmed by uncertainty.
While studying abroad can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, it’s important to note that it’s not without challenges.
To prepare yourself, you should be aware of the five common difficulties and fears that come with studying abroad and learn how to manage them effectively. This will help you make the most of your educational journey while minimizing any unnecessary stress or anxiety.
What is said about the difficulties and concerns about studying abroad?
Studying abroad can be a golden opportunity for many students, but it can also bring with it some difficulties. Here are the top 5 difficulties to take into consideration:
1. The language barrier
Imagine that you have been accepted into a foreign university and have just arrived in the host country, only to realize that people speak a different language, which you have no prior knowledge of. This language barrier can be a significant difficulty and concern for international students, as it may affect their academic and social life.
However, there are many institutes and courses available in foreign countries to teach international students the language of the host country, which can help overcome this barrier. These courses can help diligent students become proficient in the required language within a short period.
For instance, Turkish universities offer a preparatory year for international students who wish to study in Turkish but have no prior knowledge of the language. This one-year program prepares students to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in Turkish. After passing the preparatory year, students reach the required level of language proficiency and can study any major in Turkish.
Moreover, private Turkish universities largely adopt English as the primary language of instruction, so they don’t require proficiency in Turkish. One of the benefits of studying abroad is that daily interaction with people in the host country can also help reduce the language barrier. Through this interaction, students can get to know the local dialect and understand the uniqueness of the host country’s language, which can reduce any feelings of alienation.
It’s important to note that mispronouncing a word or faltering in sentence formulation is nothing to be ashamed of, as most countries highly value international students who travel to their country for education. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help and practice your language skills with locals as this can improve your overall experience of studying abroad.
2. Feelings of loneliness, alienation, and difficulty establishing friendships
Feeling lonely and shy in a new environment is a common concern for international students. Being away from family and friends can make it feel like you’re missing out on important relationships. However, staying connected through technology can help reduce feelings of isolation. Many universities offer Wi-Fi networks and resources for video calls and messaging.
Additionally, remember that you are not alone in your experience. There are many other international students who are also seeking new friendships and connections. You can meet them by attending orientation events or joining student organizations. In countries like Turkey, universities have many student clubs and societies that provide opportunities for socializing and participating in fun activities. These groups can be specifically for international students or include them in their membership.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can expand your social circle and establish long-lasting friendships with people who share your educational goals.
3. Cultural differences
Cultural differences can be a shock to many international students and are often cited as one of the challenges of studying abroad. When studying in a foreign country, you may find that the culture is vastly different from your own, and you may be surrounded by customs and traditions that are unfamiliar.
Rather than being surprised by new habits and asking “Why do they do this?” or “Why are they behaving like this?” you can overcome cultural differences with an open mind and a willingness to explore new cultures. It can be difficult to accept new cultural norms at first, but as the first few months pass in the foreign country where you are studying, the difficulty will quickly diminish and everything will become more familiar.
After that, you will enjoy discovering new things, and you will have many interesting stories to tell your family and friends about the situations you experienced during your studies abroad. If you encounter something unusual while traveling, don’t leave room for cultural misunderstandings. Instead, ask the local people about what you would like to know. You will find that most people are happy to talk about their customs and share their culture with you.
4. The high cost of living
When we talk about difficulties and concerns regarding studying abroad, it is important to consider financial challenges.
Considering living expenses, tuition fees, and other financial costs is crucial, and no student should overlook them. It is necessary to carefully plan a budget before deciding to study abroad.
Sometimes studying abroad can be very expensive, while other times it can be less costly than studying in one’s home country. The cost of studying abroad depends on the country you are going to.
For instance, some universities in European countries have high tuition fees, as well as additional expenses such as living expenses, accommodation, and travel. Students may feel stressed as a result of the high cost of living, so it is crucial to choose a study destination carefully to avoid financial crises.
However, other countries have lower or moderate living expenses and university costs that are very suitable for international students. For example, studying in Turkey is less expensive than studying in other European countries, and the cost of food, housing, and drink is not high.
You can overcome challenges related to high costs while studying abroad by:
- Choose countries that fit your budget, such as Turkey, which is a popular destination for international students.
- Apply for scholarships for additional financial support.
- Applying for health insurance to reduce treatment expenses and medical visits.
- Choosing university housing that is cheaper than off-campus housing.
- Learn about the most important ways to save by sharing with your colleagues and searching for available discounts.
- Choose a public or private university that can afford its annual fees.
- Asking where to get books and study materials at the lowest cost from local people.
- Keep some extra money to cover any unexpected expenses.
- Set a specific budget to control your daily and monthly expenses more consciously.
5. Fear of residence and lack of housing
Do you feel burdened by the costs of housing and accommodation when studying abroad, and do you consider them to be some of the greatest difficulties and concerns of studying abroad?
Certainly, the burden of housing and accommodation can be alleviated if you know that safe facilities are available to you!
As an international student, you have several options available to you when it comes to housing and accommodation:
- On-campus housing:
Living on campus is a wonderful opportunity for international students, and a safe experience that can alleviate your anxiety about housing, which is considered one of the greatest difficulties and concerns of studying abroad.
It is a safe place with unlimited facilities and services to help you focus on your studies and be with students of similar age and academic level.
- Off-campus living:
In most countries, this option will be more expensive than the on-campus student housing option.
However, you will have a lot of independence and self-reliance, as you will be the one choosing the place of residence and handling services such as cooking and laundry, as well as paying for utilities such as electricity and gas.
After you know what is being said about the difficulties and concerns about studying abroad, know that everything has a solution!
In Studyup, our role is to help you overcome the challenges you face, and when you overcome them, you will live a unique learning experience
And if you feel that you still have concerns, write to us to find out how to overcome them and we will give you all available solutions.
