Challenges in studying abroad

Introduction:
Studying abroad is a unique and exciting opportunity for any student. However, it comes with its difficulties, ranging from small confusions to serious conflicts. What struggles should you expect when traveling to a foreign university? In the following sections, I will elaborate on the most common challenges.

Homesickness:
Imagine you receive an acceptance letter, pack your clothes into a suitcase, and bid emotional farewells to your parents and friends. After arriving in an unfamiliar country and moving into a dormitory full of strangers, homesickness will likely find every student sooner or later. It is normal to miss the places where you have spent most of your life and to miss your relatives and friends with whom you have a lot in common. Students tend to reminisce about happy memories of the past when they face even insignificant problems. Not everyone can make quick connections in a new place, and some students feel lonely at first. Homesickness can also be exacerbated by cultural differences. Students often exaggerate the negative aspects of the country they have arrived in compared to their homeland. Statements like, “In my country, we never cross the road on a red light!” or “People in my country are more friendly!” are common among international students.

The feeling of nostalgia usually follows students in the first three months of their studies. There is no universal solution for overcoming homesickness, but the main one is socializing more, exploring new things, and finding positive aspects of the new place of residence. It is also helpful to avoid comparisons with home countries. Why? Because regardless of what students went through in their homeland, they will usually reminisce about it with warmth and happiness due to the time spent there. From this viewpoint, any other place may seem hostile and unwelcoming.

Language Barrier:
The language barrier is the second most significant challenge for international students, according to my experience. English is the most popular language for study worldwide, which is why many universities offer programs in English, even if the national language is different. Indeed, you don’t have to know Italian, French, or Czech to study in English in these countries. However, this assumption only holds until students actually start studying abroad. They may survive on campus and in other university facilities, such as the library or canteen, with their English proficiency, but when it comes to grocery shopping or hospital appointments, difficulties arise. In many cases, internationals are displeased that citizens of the host country are not motivated to learn English, which I find unreasonable. Learning a foreign language is a personal choice, and we cannot demand English proficiency from all Czech people, for example.

Fortunately, almost all multinational universities provide free beginner courses for international students. Sometimes students can earn additional credits by taking such classes. I highly suggest learning at least the basics of the host country’s national language. It will make daily life much easier.

Cultural Differences:
As mentioned before, cultural differences can cause homesickness, but they can also lead to more serious troubles. No matter where a student is going to study abroad, they will inevitably face at least one or two cultural shocks. We are all diverse in our understanding of values, relationships, and even personal boundaries. In some countries, it is acceptable to hug and kiss each other during greetings, while in others, this behavior might be offensive. It is absolutely fine for people in another country to differ in their behavioral patterns and manners, but students should be prepared in advance to avoid uncomfortable situations and misunderstandings. Fortunately, plenty of information regarding this topic is available on the internet. Sometimes universities organize special sessions about the host country’s culture during orientation week.

Conclusion:
At the end of the day, it is clear that studying abroad comes with various challenges. The depth of their impact on a student’s well-being depends entirely on their open-mindedness and social skills. Making an effort to adapt to the new place by learning its language and cultural characteristics will significantly contribute to overcoming these difficulties.