How to Handle Stress While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that can broaden your horizons, expose you to new cultures, and provide you with opportunities to grow both personally and academically. While it is an exciting adventure, it can also be a stressful experience, especially when you're far away from home and facing unfamiliar challenges. The stress of adjusting to a new culture, language barriers, academic pressure, and homesickness can be overwhelming. Therefore, it's essential to learn how to handle stress while studying abroad.

cOMMON sTRESS iNTERNATIONAL sTUDENTS fACE

Moving abroad can be overwhelming and international students get stuck while figuring out how to manage so many things at once. Consequently, international students can get stressed for multiple reasons, like:

1. Academic Stress - Academic stress is a significant challenge for students, especially when studying in a new country with a different academic system and teaching style. Some common causes of academic stress include heavy workloads, language barriers, different teaching styles, and performance pressure.

2. Cultural Shock - Different countries have varied cultures. You cannot expect not to get affected by their norms. Moreover, meeting new people, unlearning, and learning the way of life can be stressful. Do not ignore the possibility of this happening in a new country.

3. Homesickness - Homesickness is a common experience for international students who move away from their loved ones and enter an unfamiliar environment. It is normal to feel a sense of loneliness, isolation, or demotivation when studying abroad.

4. Language Barriers - Language barriers can be a significant challenge for international students, even if they are fluent in English. Students may struggle to understand local accents, idioms, or cultural references that are unfamiliar to them.

5. Financial and Work Stress - Besides focusing on your academics, you have the added burden of taking up a part-time job to sustain yourself. Moreover, you need to overcome language barriers, do household chores, manage your finances, etc. The string of responsibilities suddenly falling on your shoulders might make you feel a bit stressed.

Here are a few tips for coping with the changes that studying abroad can bring:

1. Maintain Social Connections - To help international students adjust to a new environment, many educational institutions offer buddy programs or student ambassador programs, in which they pair a new student with a current student who can provide guidance, support, and assistance with practical matters such as finding accommodations, navigating the campus, and understanding the local culture. You should maximize this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the new environment. Additionally, you should learn about the host country’s culture so that you can make friends and engage with local people. A lot of countries also have an Indian community association. You can learn more about it by checking the website or connecting via social media and also using various platforms to meet new people and participate in events around them.
   

2. Keep in Touch - One of the most significant challenges of studying abroad is being away from family and friends. It's essential to stay connected with loved ones and maintain those relationships while studying abroad. Thanks to technology, it's now easier than ever to stay in touch with family and friends back home. Video calls are an excellent way to see and talk to loved ones regularly and can help alleviate feelings of homesickness. Scheduling a family call time every week or bi-weekly can be a great way to maintain those connections. It's also important to remember that your support network is not limited to just family and friends back home. You can connect with other international students or locals in the host country and build new relationships. Joining clubs, attending events, and participating in social activities can be great ways to meet new people and make friends. By staying connected with your support network and building new relationships, you can feel more grounded, supported, and comfortable while studying abroad.
   

3. Learn About the City - One of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad is the opportunity to explore a new city and immerse oneself in its culture. To truly get the most out of your study abroad experience, it's important to take the time to learn about your host city. Once you have settled into your new environment, take some time to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Walking down busy streets or meandering through quieter neighborhoods can be a great way to get a sense of the local culture and bond with the locals. Be open to trying new foods, visiting local markets, and participating in cultural events.
   

4. Share your Emotions - Studying abroad can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's important to acknowledge and embrace those feelings instead of hiding them. Adjusting to a new environment, dealing with cultural differences, and being away from home can be complex and challenging. It's essential to take care of your mental health while studying abroad. If you find yourself struggling to cope with your emotions, don't hesitate to talk to someone about it. Many colleges offer special programs or support groups for international students, providing a safe space to discuss concerns and connect with others in similar situations. Find out what your options are and make use of them.
   

5. Pursue a Hobby - When studying abroad, it can be easy to become consumed by academic work and adjusting to a new environment. However, it's important to make time for activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of your studies. Pursuing a hobby or learning something new can help you feel more connected to your host country and provide a sense of purpose beyond academics. Not only will this give you a chance to unwind and relieve stress, but it can also be an excellent opportunity to meet new people and make connections with locals who share similar interests.
   

6. Plan Ahead - One of the best ways to minimize stress while studying abroad is to plan ahead. Before you leave your home country, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, such as your passport, visa, and contact information for your school and program coordinators. You should also research the culture and customs of the country you'll be living in, so you can better understand what to expect and how to navigate any challenges that may arise.
   

7. Take Breaks - It's important to take breaks and give yourself time to relax while studying abroad. Burnout can occur if you push yourself too hard, so make sure to take breaks and do things you enjoy. This can include exploring the city, trying new foods, or simply taking a nap. Taking time to recharge can help you feel more energized and focused when it's time to get back to studying.
   

8. Seek Support - If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to seek support. Many schools and programs offer counseling services for students, which can be a great resource for managing stress. If you're experiencing homesickness or culture shock, talking to a counselor or other mental health professional can help you work through these feelings and find strategies for coping.

Remember, studying abroad is an opportunity for personal and academic growth, and with the right mindset and support system, you can navigate any challenges that come your way.

Sources

Kumar, Piyush. “How to Handle Stress While Studying Abroad.” The Hindu. 11 Feb. 2023. Web. 16 May 2023.

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