Student spotlight: "Studying abroad isn't like what you see in the movies or on instagram"


A realistic look on the cons of studying abroad.

Studying abroad can be one of the most life changing experiences in your whole life,that being said,it’s not all fun and games. Leaving the comfort of your home to study in a foreign country comes with a pack of responsibilities.

While the allure of studying abroad often evokes images of exciting adventures,it's crucial for you to understand the flip side of the coin.We're here to shed light on some of the disadvantages of studying abroad.

 

  • Language barriers : 

If you are traveling to a foreign country that doesn’t speak your mother tongue language then You will need lots of practice to be able to independently communicate with people, colleagues and instructors. The good news is,by the end of your course, this will have your language capabilities stretched. 

  • Culture shock : 

Culture shocks are very common,but still pretty normal.You have to train yourself to be mentally flexible enough to adapt to these changes.when traveling to a foreign country,you are more likely to get exposed to different food,traditions and even humor.

  •  Homesickness :

    this usually happens during the initial stages of your studying abroad journey, you will need to push yourself to establish a new routine and stay in contact with your home to avoid severe homesickness feeling.Homesickness over diminishes over time once you become more accustomed to your new surroundings establish a sense of belonging in your host country.
  • Financial burdens :

      The cost of tuition, accommodation,groceries, travel and other expenses might be a burden for you in your studying abroad journey.There are ways where you can deal with this burden through part-time work and savings, you can also consider using budgeting apps to manage your finances effectively and finally scholarships, find a multitude of studying abroad possibilities on Yadros
  • Social challenges :

    making new friends can be challenging for some people who find it difficult to Initiate Conversations and participate in social activities.To overcome social challenges, try to avoid only hanging out with students from your country, this might be a lot more comfortable for you to join groups with people from your country who share with you the same culture and same sense of humour, however, you need to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

                                                                             

“You can never understand one language until you understand at least two” 


- Geoffrey Willans

In conclusion, while traveling overseas to study is an undoubtedly invaluable experience, it is also very important for you to approach it in a balanced way, which does not diminish the chances of traveling but rather emphasizes the importance of your preparation.In addition,remember that it's okay to seek help with any of the mentioned burdens whether from fellow students or counselling services to help maintain a positive outlook.

 

Related topics : 

10 Ways to deal with homesickness

The cost of studying abroad

Studying abroad advantages and disadvantages

 

 





About the author :


Reem Mahmoud
Student

A senior mass communications student at Cairo University.

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