What to Expect in the First Week of Studying Abroad? 

Assume you’ve overcome all the main obstacles to your wish to study abroad. The question that now emerges, and which is also a huge concern for you, is how you will deal with all of the changes that may come as a result of the apparent shift in the milieu. This adjustment can be detrimental for individuals who have been conditioned their entire lives to live in ease and luxury. As a result, being ripped from their comfortable existence is invariably a tremendous setback. In this article, we have curated and shortlisted some pointers to help you get accustomed to such a shift. These will give you an idea about what to expect in the first week of studying abroad. 

Also Read: Study Abroad Challenges for International Students

What to Expect in the First Week of Studying Abroad? 

Students who intend to pursue their education overseas may face a myriad of setbacks or issues during their initial stay in a foreign land. This is why one must keep abreast of what to expect while studying abroad. Having an idea about the hurdles beforehand will provide you help you mentally prepare for what to expect and how to deal with them. 

Read through the blog to know more about the challenges that one may face while studying overseas. 

It Can be Difficult to Find the Right Lodging

Moving out of your nation to a foreign land for the first time may result in you ending up facing various issues. Students who do not book their on-campus accommodations at the time have to resort to residing outside the university campus, which can be quite expensive in one’s pocket.  

Difficulty in Adjusting to a Different Time Zone

Students moving to a foreign nation for the first time may find it confusing to deal with an unfamiliar time zone. This is due to the fact that we have been accustomed to a certain time zone all our life. Therefore, when faced with a different time zone, it can get really confusing and frustrating. 

Difficulty in Managing Finances

While studying abroad, one of the major hurdles students face is managing their finances. There may be times when you end up with little to no money at all, which can be quite scary if you are living in a foreign nation on your own.

Language Barriers

 Let’s say, you belong to a nation where English isn’t the native language and you decide to pursue your higher education in another country where English is predominantly spoken. Now, if you try to socialise with your peers who are native English speakers and are unable to convey your thoughts and opinion, don’t you think it’ll be a predicament to be in? 

Numerous individuals who want to study or live in another country are therefore advised to undertake English Proficiency Tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). 

Homesickness

Students moving out of their home and country to an unfamiliar setting may feel homesick during their initial stay in a different land. It can have an adverse effect on your mental health if you are not equipped to cope with it. To mitigate this issue, it is advised that students socialise with their peers, partake in numerous activities and be as active as possible. 

Making New Friends 

It can be difficult for one to make new friends, especially with individuals belonging to different cultural and religious backgrounds.  Communication can be a major hurdle in such a case. Therefore, if you are someone who lacks basic social and soft skills, it can be difficult for you to make new friends. Apart from that, even if you find a mate, there is a rare chance you will be able to find individuals sharing similar interests and mindsets as yours. 

To make new friends as an international student, you can do  

• Visit social and activity clubs at your university. 
• Participate in different activities in your locality 

Dealing with the Sudden Cultural Shock 

While studying abroad, you will often feel isolated and ostracised. This is why it is so important to find and make new friends to feel safe and welcomed in a new country. Moving to a new county brings about the apparent culture shock with it. This is due to the fact that we have been accustomed to certain things all our lives, such as culture, food, rituals etc. and this sudden shift can make you feel frustrated, anxious, and homesick. 

Also Read: Pre-Departure Orientation for Studying Abroad

What Should Students Do in the First Week Of Studying Abroad?

When it comes to studying abroad, a crucial aspect that sometimes gets snubbed or disregarded is being mentally prepared. Everything can be taken care of, but if a student is not mentally prepared, he or she may suffer significant hurdles when relocating abroad for higher education. This is why it is so important for students to be mentally prepared. 

With prior preparation, one will be able to cope with the apparent culture shock, differences in education, methods, food, weather, and so on, and to be able to deal with any challenging or dire circumstance while living abroad. To grasp the know-how of settling abroad, outgoing applicants can refer to the following points. 

Moving into your accommodation

Students visiting a foreign nation may find it confusing to navigate their way through the place.  To save students from such a predicament, universities provide Student pick-up services and buddy programs. 

Apart from that, it is always good to look out for public transport that can help reach your destination in no time. 

Today, most accommodation facilities provide guidance to international students with their paperwork and identification process. 

Get in touch with your university

International students are required to contact their universities and meet certain prerequisites in order to attend the classes. International students can expect to receive tours from the university which can further help them be better accustomed to the student campus and the city. 

Register with a Valid Bank 

 Registering with a valid bank is one of the foremost steps that one must fulfil prior to starting life abroad. A lot of banks today are equipped to offer specialized student schemes with provisions for the duration of stay, credit limits, forex rates, etc. 

Each country will stipulate different paperwork to open an account, but in general: your passport, proof of enrollment, proof of residence, and insurance details are bare necessities.

Also Read: How To Prepare For Study Abroad First Semester? 

Students who plan to study abroad may encounter a variety of difficulties during their first few weeks in a foreign country. This is why it is critical to be aware of what to expect while studying abroad. Having a notion of the obstacles ahead of time will help you mentally prepare for what to expect and how to cope with them. 

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