3 challenges to study abroad and ways to tackle them
The number of Indian students opting for higher education abroad is rapidly increasing. In fact, Indian students studying in foreign universities form one of the largest groups of emigrants, thanks to the vast range of opportunities and exposure. However, every student, including Indians, face certain roadblocks while pursuing their study abroad dreams. There are various challenges to pursuing study abroad study abroad opportunity also brings forth several challenges, the common ones being homesickness, culture shock and application process. But the good news is, there are ways to cope with these challenges. Here are the main challenges for Indian students going to study overseas and ways to overcome them.
Choosing the right course and finishing the application process
The most important decision that an Indian student has to take while going abroad to study is choosing the right course in the right university in the right city. Students often tend to get carried away and follow the herd mentality and go for courses that are conventional or glamorous in the most popular universities, rather than following their own ambitions.
The fix: Help your youngster find her aptitude through counselling. He can also take help of AI-enabled platforms to choose a suitable course. In order to overcome application and test preparation challenges, students can also take the help of study abroad counsellors, who guide the students through the entire application process till their admissions.
Financial challenges
Finding a course in a university situated in a student-friendly city is a difficult job. Meeting the high education and living expenses often end up being the constant source of anxiety for students wanting to go overseas. Arranging the funds is also a hard and complex process, starting from applying for loans to waiting for approval, and the complicated documentation process.
The fix: Guidance from overseas study consultants may come in handy here. They will be able to help with information about student loans and scholarship opportunities.
Cross-cultural barriers
Apart from financial and application worries, students going abroad for studies also need to deal with several cross-cultural barriers as they have to co-exist with people from multi-cultural and trans-national backgrounds. They need to adjust in the domains of food habits, language, and lifestyle and many more.
The fix: Motivate your kid to research well about the destination where they are going to spend the next few years of their lives. Also, help him find online resources to learn about the customs and culture of that place. This will help them to better adapt to the new environment. Reaching out to Indian alumni of the university will also be a good idea. In fact, many foreign universities have a separate cell for international students to help them with their queries.