Studying abroad is not all sunshine and rainbows, it could be a lot of fun, but certainly not easy. For those of you who dream of studying abroad, you should expect some road bumps here and there, but it should not stop you from chasing that dream. Here are five common challenges international students face while studying abroad and how you could overcome them!
Overcoming the Language Barrier
The language barrier is one of the most common challenges of studying abroad, especially when you do not understand their national language. You might need to learn a new language from scratch, or even when you are studying in a country where you could understand their language, the local accent might be a struggle as well. Some slang phrases that are widely used in that country will seem strange to you, but the more you practice, the more comfortable you will become!
You could use some online tools to overcome the language barrier, for instance, Duolingo offers a very helpful language learning program. Do not be afraid to speak to the locals, make an effort to familiarise yourself with the local lingo.
Feeling Left Out
It is normal to feel left out and feel like an outsider especially at the beginning. If you are traveling alone and arriving at your university it might seem that everybody already has their group of friends, and you might feel like an outsider. There will be times when you would just want to stay in your hostel room and not know what to do or where to go, and this is extremely common, it is normal to feel lonely arriving at your new destination.
You should take this opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and approach those who seem to be alone and make conversation, introduce yourself and build your own group. Do not be afraid to be that person to start the conversation!
Getting Used to Currency Differences
Getting used to the currency differences can also be a challenging process for the new international students. You need to get yourself familiarized with the exchange rate and some of the monetary differences. For instance, taxes are included in the price of an item in many countries, but not in Canada and the United States. Having a better understanding of these differences would save you from unnecessary confusion at the cash register.
You can always have an online currency converter application downloaded to your phone. Make sure you find the one that you are most comfortable with and work out a quick conversion system for yourself, so you can mentally compare the prices.
Feeling Homesick
It is extremely normal to feel homesick when you are being far away from your family and friends, who are usually your support network. Living thousands of miles away from them might make you feel isolated, especially when everything around you is so unfamiliar. You will start to miss the things you were not previously aware of how important they were, it could be the sofa in your living room, your annoying yet lovable sibling, and your mom’s cooking.
In this case, joining new clubs in your university might help, try to get involved with new activities and always stay active. You need to connect with people, with the students who are feeling the same, and embrace as much of your new surroundings as possible.
Culture Shock
You would experience some culture shock when studying abroad, each country has its own culture and you may find it difficult to integrate. As a foreigner, you would not know 100% of the host country’s culture, even if you have already done your research. You will make mistakes and may feel awkward but do not feel embarrassed, learn from it, and do not make the same mistake again.
Make friends with at least one local person, try to establish meaningful relationships especially cross-cultural boundaries. Observe the locals and immerse yourself in their culture. You will eventually adjust and can even teach your new friends about your culture
Studying in Australia
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students looking to study abroad. There is a long list of reasons behind its popularity, the stunning beaches, the cultural diversity, amazing wildlife, standard of living, and most importantly the high quality of education. There are numerous universities in Australia that provide a wide variety of degrees. The list below includes the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, which are the largest and oldest educational institutions of Australia, with high rankings and strong industry connections.
1. Australian National University (ANU)
“The Australian National University (ANU) is unlike any other university in Australia. Founded in 1946, in a spirit of post-war optimism, their role was to help realize Australia’s potential as the world recovered from a global crisis.
They connect talented people with diverse perspectives, equipping and encouraging them to address the most complex of tomorrow’s problems. They engage with governments, research and teaching institutes, the public and private sectors, their students and staff, and the wider community through media, events, and other activities that are aimed at contributing to conversations on major issues facing Australia and the world.”
Photo Credits: Australian National University
Located City | Canberra |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 27 |
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2. The University of Melbourne
“The University of Melbourne was established in 1853, the university now sits at the heart of a thriving international city with over 8,000 academic and professional staff supporting a vibrant student body of around 65,000, including 30,000 international students from over 130 countries around the world.
Students will find a blistering array of cultural activities on campus, be it theatre, comedy, film, or public lectures, and it’s easy to find people with matching interests by joining one of over 200 affiliated clubs and societies, ranging from Chess Club to Women in Science and Engineering, to the Chocolate Lovers’ Society. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for too, with a 25-meter six-lane heated indoor pool, an athletics track and sports field, and a large strength and fitness gym.”
Photo Credits: The University of Melbourne
Located City | Melbourne |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 37 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
3. The University of Sydney
“The University of Sydney was founded on the principle of allowing everyone to realize their potential through education and still holds that belief just as strong as today. With a reimagined undergraduate curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, world-class teaching and learning, and a vibrant campus life, it is a place where students can attain widely recognized and respected qualifications.
Outside the classroom, students can make lifelong friends and connections, with more than 200 student-run clubs and societies bringing the campus to life. The University of Sydney community – which covers the world – includes more than 50,000 students, 3400 academic staff, and 320,000 alumni.”
Photo Credits: The University of Sydney
Located City | Sydney |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 38 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
4. The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
“UNSW Sydney was established in 1949, with a diverse community that includes 64,000 students from over 130 countries and a global alumni community of over 300,000.
They give students the tools to pursue their passions and make a positive, long-lasting impact through their careers. Their 8,000 strong research community takes action on the issues that matter for the future. They are world leaders in solar power, sustainable materials, and quantum computing and are internationally renowned in many other fields.”
Photo Credits: The University of New South Wales
Located City | Sydney |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 43 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
5. The University of Queensland (UQ)
“For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has maintained a global reputation for creating positive change by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world.
More than 53,600 students study across UQ’s three beautiful campuses in South-East Queensland. This includes about 18,000 international students who contribute to UQ’s diverse, supportive and inclusive campus community. UQ has won more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other university and is committed to providing students with the best opportunities and practical”
Photo Credits: The University of Queensland
Located City | Queensland |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 47 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
6. Monash University
“Monash University is the largest university in Australia, in under 60 years, they have grown from a single campus into an education and research powerhouse with a presence on four continents, committed to the challenge of the age.
With four Australian campuses, one in Malaysia and over 100 international partners, they are making a difference on a global scale. Students will have access to more research collaborations, more global partnerships, and a greater choice of overseas opportunities. All Monash courses have an international focus, whether you take subjects on global issues, participate in study abroad programs, or learn alongside students from diverse cultures.”
Photo Credits: Monash University
Located City | Melbourne |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 58 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
7. The University of Western Australia (UWA)
“The University of Western Australia offers an innovative course structure allowing students the flexibility to design courses to meet their needs and develop skills to increase their employment and education prospects. More than 25,000 students are enrolled at UWA from more than 100 countries, including 5,000 international students.
Students from the University of Western Australia join a community of passionate, intelligent, and resourceful leaders who are driving innovation and change. Students will connect with and work alongside leaders in education, research, and industry, and follow in the footsteps of the thousands of graduate success stories.”
Photo Credits: University of Western Australia
Located City | Perth |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 93 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
8. The University of Adelaide
“The University of Adelaide is centered on discovering new knowledge, pursuing innovation, and preparing educated leaders of tomorrow. As Australia’s third oldest university, they have a well-established reputation for excellence and progressive thinking. Locally they are recognized as a vital contributor to the health, wealth, and cultural life of the South Australian community.
The university recognizes exceptional people as one of its greatest assets. They attract academic staff who are global leaders in their fields, along with the best and brightest students, who graduate equipped to embark on a fulfilling career.”
Photo Credits: University of Adelaide
Located City | Adelaide |
QS World University Rankings 2022 | 108 |
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Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
For more information on course specific entry requirements, intake and application process, contact Excel Education.
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Jme S
I thank life for happening, thank every twist and turn, I believe that there is a reason for every single thing, a reason for every worry and concern.
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