One of the greatest opportunities to grow academically is seeking further studies abroad. It not only offers a chance to improve your professional life but also a rare opportunity to explore different cultures. As much as studying abroad has its advantages, it also has its fair share of challenges.
In this article, we are going to explore the top challenges you are likely to face as a student abroad.
Let’s delve into specifics.
- Student visa
As if applying for an initial student visa is not stressful enough, renewing an expired visa can be a headache.
There are various reasons why student visa renewal is needed. Some of them include:
- The current student visa expires before completion of studies due to failed examinations and a leave of absence.
- A decision to take up a new course
- Extended graduate research candidature
- Visa cancellation by Department of Home affairs
To extend student visa, an application for renewal should be made not more than four months before expiry. However, an immediate application should be made when changing courses or levels of study.
- Financial problems
It is hard to know the actual expenses you may incur when moving abroad. Despite all your planning and budgeting efforts, you might find yourself running low on cash, especially if you are the adventurous type and go for unplanned exploration trips during the weekends.
Also, a little splurge is allowed. However, such activities might leave our bank account running low and possibilities of stretching your budget until the end of studies may be almost impossible
To counter it, be sure to leave an extra $300-$400 dollars back home. Let a loved one you trust have access to it, so should you need it, they can transfer the funds to you. Additionally, once you realize that funds are dwindling fast, be more conscious and only purchase necessities.
- Difference in the time zone
The difference in time zones between you and your loved ones can cause unnecessary annoyance and frustration. The constant need to double-check time zones and making phone calls either very early in the morning or late in the night is tiring.
Besides, foreign students who have a strong attachment to their family and friends might feel homesick and lonely. However, they have to find ways to cope with the emotions to do great in their studies.
- Language barrier
Most students who travel abroad for studies experience a language barrier. For example, Asians and African students may have a rough time communicating with their classmates since English is not their first language.
There are TOEFL and other language examinations that foreigners must pass before getting admitted to Universities abroad. However, they may have problems keeping up with the different accents, pronunciation, and pace of native speakers.
- Wanting to stay forever
Some students fall in love with the new place and would consider relocating. However, getting a permanent residency is not a walk in the park. Some people remain aliens in a country for many years.
The trick is to embrace these changes and realize that returning home is inevitable. In the future, you could make a return trip or apply to move there permanently or semi-permanently.