What Can Build Anxiety While Studying Abroad?

Embarking on a journey to explore life ahead of high school is thrilling and exciting, and you have tons of things on your mind that you want to do once you enter university. The excitement, curiosity, and thrill are the good parts of the picture. However, deep down, your anxiety, nervousness, and fear might be creeping in from time to time which may increase tenfold if you are moving abroad for studies. Well, you are not alone; this is a common response to a shift, and you must relax and sit back as we are going to share with you some factors that can cause you anxiety as you enter this overwhelming time. Read this blog to know the things that can build anxiety while studying abroad and how you can address it patiently. 

5 Things That Can Build Anxiety While Studying Abroad

Here are 5 things that can build anxiety while studying abroad:

Homesickness

Homesickness is the common response to being away from home; it can be intense if you are going away to a faraway land for a long period of time. Attachment and affection for your family, friends, pets, home, or city can bring you a feeling of nostalgia and longing. There are some physical symptoms of homesickness, such as nausea, headache, and stomachache. Apart from that, you might notice changes in your appetite, mood swings, uneven sleeping patterns, and feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. You may also lack the spirit to interact and participate in day-to-day activities.

Language Barrier

The language barrier is one of the most common difficulties for students studying abroad and this can be one of the reasons for your distress. It can be intimidating to try to do something as basic as ordering meals or looking for directions when you are in a foreign nation where the main spoken language spoken is not your own. Frustration, alienation, and worry may be the result of not being able to communicate effectively.

Issues Regarding Finance

For many students, the thought of making the financial commitment required to study abroad causes excessive strain. The costs associated with studying abroad include not only tuition fees but also lodging, transportation, a visa, and other administrative expenditures. While studying abroad, it can be difficult to manage financial issues, but there are things you can do to make it easier.

Academic Pressure

Many students find the increased academic rigour and competition that come with studying abroad to be quite challenging. Anxiety, tension, and pressure are common reactions to the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar learning environment, curriculum, or professor. Concerns about how you’ll do academically in your new environment are natural. There’s a chance you’ll feel inadequate because of the school’s educational method or because of the competition there.

Social Isolation

Some students may feel anxious about studying abroad, despite its potential to be a life-changing and exhilarating experience. Anxiety might worsen when it becomes difficult to make new friends and create a support system. Students who study abroad often face the challenge of social isolation, which can amplify feelings of homesickness and anxiety. There are a number of factors that might contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, such as being in an unfamiliar environment, not knowing the language, not having any friends, and missing loved ones back at home.

Also Read: 10 Top Things to for Students to improve their Mental Health

Tips to Reduce

We have already discussed what can possibly cause anxiety while studying abroad. You should know what to do when you get overwhelmed and the anxiety hits. We are sharing with you some tips that you can use to prevent and control your anxiety. Some ways to calm your nerves are listed below.

1. Before you travel, plan, and do research. Your sense of readiness and calmness will increase as a result of this.
2. Maintain your social networks by contacting loved ones back home and meeting new individuals in the new country. Having others to lean on can make you feel more at ease and at peace.
3. Be kind to yourself; do what you need to do to keep your body, mind, and spirit healthy. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep and rest.
4. Be aware of your obligations, activities, and critical deadlines. Keeping your life well organized can help you feel calmer and more in charge.
5. Don’t be afraid of change or new experiences; instead, embrace them. The ability to adapt to unexpected situations with less stress can be attributed to a clear state of mind.
6. Don’t suffer in silence if you’re frightened or anxious; it’s always advisable to talk to someone you trust. There are counsellors, support groups, and other options accessible to you. Your mental health must be your first priority.

Look at the Bigger Picture 

We hope that from this article, you have a much better understanding of the potential origins of your fears and concerns about pursuing further education in a foreign country, and you can now adequately address your problems. No matter how many emotional and physical discomforts and hurdles come your way, never let your motivation slip. Always remember that there is a way out of every problem, and you can get over your difficulties one way or another. Look for solutions, seek help and support from friends and family, and if the problem persists, see a professional.

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