Introduction

Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of culture shocks, currency conversions, and caffeine-fueled study nights – the study abroad journey has just begun!

Isn’t it exciting to have a dream to study abroad? Like most Indian students dreaming of studying abroad, you must also be very excited. But this journey can be challenging. The process of applying to study abroad is still easy but to actually go to a different country and settle down there is where the real struggle starts. Starting an education in a different country can help you with numerous advantages and opportunities but it also requires patience and preparation. Because adjusting with the new culture of the country can be a task.

This blog will guide you on how to plan your abroad studies, study abroad costs to be incurred, challenges faced by Indian students abroad and how to overcome them. With the right guidance and patience, you can easily overcome these challenges.

Challenge 1- Cultural Difference

The first challenge of studying abroad for Indian students is coping up with the cultural differences. Since you will be going to a new country, you will find everything different, like festivals, language, customs, rituals, etc.

How to overcome it:

• Stay open minded: Be open to the new culture and traditions and accept them wholeheartedly.
• Participate in Cultural Activities: It will be easy to accept the new culture if you participate in it. Take part in the events organized by the university.
• Connect with other Indian students: You will find clubs and associations formed by other Indians. In these associations, you will find a sense of home.

Challenge 2: Language Barriers

Fun Question: How do you say “study abroad for Indian students” in German/French? Learn the local language and find out!

As an Indian student studying abroad, how good are you with the language of your chosen country? If not much, then it could pose a challenge, especially in non-English speaking countries. Even Indian English is different from US, UK, or Canada as the accent differs.

How to overcome it:

• Language classes: Get yourself enrolled in language classes of the particular language of the country you are interested in.
• Practice Regularly: Keep practicing by conversing with the locals in their language.
• Use language apps: Duolingo and Babbel are some apps that you can use to learn the new language.

Challenge 3: Financial Management

Worried about emptying your bank account? Smart budgeting can help you manage your study abroad cost effectively!

Another challenge faced by Indian students is to maintain their finances. The study abroad cost can really empty your pocket. The cost of higher studies abroad includes tuition fee, accommodation, living expenses, and others.

How to overcome it:

• Create a budget: Create a proper bifurcation of budget and track your spending activities.
• Look for Part-Time jobs: To reduce the burden on your savings, you can always go for a part-time job and earn while learning.
• Explore Scholarships: Various scholarships are available for international students in foreign countries to help reduce the tuition fee.

Challenge 4: Homesickness and Loneliness

The major challenge of studying abroad is missing home. You live in a new country with no family, friends, and familiar food near you. It is obvious to feel homesickness.

How to overcome it:

• Make new friends: The best way to deal with homesickness is to make new friends. When you become comfortable with people the homesickness will go eventually.
• Stay Connected: Be in touch with your friends and family through call or video call.
• Be a part of Indian communities: To find support in foreign country, you can become a part of Indian communities.

Challenge 5: Academic Pressure

The education system in other countries is based on practical learning as compared to India, where the focus is on rote learning. So, Indian students find it way different. So, it could be challenging to cope up with it.

How to overcome it:

• Manage your time: Maintain a schedule of your tasks and complete them on time.
• Ask for help: Don’t stress much and ask for help to your peers, professors, or seniors.
• Seek academic support: The universities have various services like study groups, private counselling, and academic workshops. So you can take advantage of that.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a big decision but with proper guidance and patience you can do it! There are many challenges that students face while going overseas for higher studies. These challenges could be language constraints, budget issues, academic pressure, etc. But, don’t lose hope as your dreams are bigger than the challenges. You can overcome any challenge with the proper mindset and a little outside help and excel in your international study abroad program.

FAQs

1. How should I deal with homesickness?

Make friends!! That’s the first step. Apart from that, I participate in Indian community’s events and clubs in the university. Be in touch with your family constantly through video call, calls, and text messages.

2. How to manage my expenses abroad while studying?

Create a plan and follow it. You can also look for part-time jobs and scholarship options to cover your tuition fee and living expenses.

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