Studying abroad has grown in popularity worldwide over the past few decades. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and challenges that come with becoming an exchange student or an international student.
What are the challenges of studying abroad?
Paperwork
Studying abroad requires a significant amount of paperwork, especially if you are not part of an exchange program. The process of getting accepted into a university can be quite energy-draining: perseverance is key! If you need a visa, you will need to conduct plenty of research and keep track of numerous deadlines. Frankly, it’s not the most enjoyable process. But without investing the time and the work, you’ll get nowhere.
Solitude
Making friends abroad can be challenging. Especially the first days are the hardest. While it does get easier, building new friendships and making connections takes time.
Moreover, staying in touch with family and friends back home can become difficult, especially with time zone differences. If you are in a romantic relationship and planning on studying internationally, you should be aware that the distance can strain the relationship. It gets difficult to communicate regularly and to maintain emotional closeness.
Temporary Friendships
Many friendships formed while studying abroad won’t last beyond your stay. If you are an exchange student, everyone will know that you will eventually return home. This can sometimes prevent you and/or the people around you from fully investing in new friendships.
Adjustment Difficulties
You may easily adapt to your new surroundings, or you might encounter significant challenges, such as a language barrier. It can take some time to understand cultural differences and social norms in a new country. What’s considered polite in one culture might be seen as intrusive or rude in another. This can make it harder to connect with locals and/or other international students at first.
Life Goes on Without You
Studying abroad means missing out on important events back home such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or weddings. It can be tough to see photos or videos of family gatherings or your friends celebrating on social media, knowing that you’re not there to share those experiences.
Additionally, in the event of an emergency, it might be difficult to return home quickly due to the distance between your home and the host country. You may face tough decisions about whether to return home, which can disrupt your studies and add financial strain.
Financial Strain
The cost of studying abroad can be burdensome, depending on your financial situation. The overall expenses can include housing, travel, visa fees, health insurance, day-to-day living costs, and potentially higher tuition fees for international students. These expenses can accumulate, making the experience financially challenging for many.
what are the Benefits of studying abroad?
Boosting Language Skills
There is no better way to improve your language skills than to put yourself in an environment where the language you aim to learn is spoken daily. This will help you significantly improve your proficiency and will provide long-term benefits for your career.
Cultural Exchange
You will gain insights into different cultures, cuisines, diverse traditions, and languages. It is an enriching experience that will broaden your perspective.
Developing Social Competence
Especially if you are shy and unhappy about your shyness, studying abroad is great for you. Starting anew in a new country pushes you to become more outgoing. Starting off with no social connections, you will be forced to make new friends quickly. This sounds tough, but it will ultimately help you grow.
Moreover, you might find that it becomes easier to be yourself when you start life in a new country. You won’t really care about what anybody thinks of you anymore because you don’t know anyone anyway.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
From one day to the next, you will be living in a new country. Your whole routine will be gone.
You will have to think of new ways to spend your days. By doing so, you will re-invent yourself. You will adapt to a different lifestyle. You will explore new interests and new hobbies and you will form new relationships. This experience will help you get to know yourself better.
Moreover, you will become more confident. You have to do a lot on your own with no help. This will make you more independent and subsequently boost your self-confidence.
Limited Time Frame
Studying abroad is not forever and this will make every moment feel precious. You will be trying to make the most of every minute. Therefore, be prepared to go on adventures daily with almost no time left for gaming or social media.
conclusion
Studying abroad is both challenging and rewarding. No one knows how your story will go. But studying abroad does offer a unique opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. What becomes of your study abroad time depends on your own approach and mindset. If you are considering studying abroad, choose what you feel is best for your personal goals. It is your own life; write your own story.