Understanding the Realities – Why Studying Abroad Can Be Hard
Hey there! Thinking about taking the big leap to study in another country? That’s awesome! It’s a dream for many of us from Bangladesh. But let’s have a real talk, just like we would with a close friend. You might be wondering, “Is studying abroad hard?” The short answer? Yes, it can be. It’s not all those perfect Instagram photos you see. There are definitely some tough times you need to be ready for. Let’s dive into some of the realities.
Academic Challenges
One of the first things you’ll notice is that the way you study and learn might be very different from what you’re used to. Think about it – the education system in places like the US or the UK can be a whole new ballgame. Remember how in our colleges, the final exam often carries the most weight? Well, in many foreign universities, it’s more about consistent effort. Imagine having assignments due almost every week! It’s a different kind of pressure, right?
Take the example from that video about the student in the US. He was shocked when, in his very first week, he had a coding assignment due! It’s a lot more hands-on in many international programs. You’ll be doing a lot of practical work, coding, or lab work, depending on your field. It’s great for learning, but it means you can’t just relax until the end of the semester. You’ve got to be on your toes from day one.
And the grading system? It’s not just about that one big exam anymore. Your grades could depend on assignments, quizzes, midterms, class participation – everything! In some cases, the final exam might only be a small part of your overall grade. So, you can’t just cram at the last minute. It’s more like a marathon than a sprint.
Financial Hurdles
Let’s be honest, talking about money can be a bit stressful, but it’s a huge part of the difficulties of international students. Financial difficulties are a major reason why studying abroad can be hard. Think about the rising costs. The article we looked at showed how countries like Canada have increased the amount of money you need to show just to get a study permit. It went up from CAD 10,000 to over CAD 20,000! That’s a significant jump and makes Canada feel out of reach for many talented students from Bangladesh.
And it’s not just Canada. Australia has also increased its visa application fees and the amount of savings you need to prove. The UK and the US also have high costs of tuition and living. While there are scholarship opportunities, they can be super competitive, as we saw. Sometimes, even with good grades, it feels like winning the lottery to get a full scholarship.
Many students hope to cover some of their expenses by finding on-campus jobs. But guess what? Those jobs can be hard to get too! There’s a lot of competition, and the number of hours you can work might be limited. So, relying solely on a part-time job to cover everything might not be realistic. And let’s not forget about student loan burdens. Many of us have to take out loans to pursue our dreams, and the thought of repaying them while navigating a new country can be quite daunting.
Common questions
- Is studying abroad hard financially? Yes, it can be very challenging financially due to high tuition fees, living costs, and limited scholarship opportunities. Careful planning and exploring all funding options are crucial.
- What are the academic challenges of studying abroad? Academic challenges include adapting to different teaching styles, handling a heavier workload with continuous assessments, overcoming language barriers in academic settings, and meeting the expectations of a new education system.
Navigating Personal and Logistical Difficulties
Beyond the studies and the money, there are other hurdles you’ll likely face when you study overseas. Let’s talk about some of the personal and logistical challenges.
Visa and Immigration Challenges
Getting a visa these days feels like a big achievement in itself! The rules and regulations seem to be getting stricter. For us, as Bangladeshi students, it’s becoming even more challenging. Think about Canada. They’re actually trying to reduce the number of international students coming in. That means fewer study permits are being issued. Some students are even getting permits for a shorter time than their course duration, which adds extra stress.
Australia is also tightening things up. They’ve increased the IELTS score you need and have this new “Genuine Student Test.” It’s all about making sure you’re really going there to study and not just to work. And the US? Even though more visas are being issued, the chances of getting one seem to be lower because so many people are applying. Plus, getting an interview appointment can take ages! Even Germany, which used to be a popular choice, now has really long waiting times for visas. It can be a long and anxious process.
Cultural and Social Adjustment
Imagine landing in a completely new place where everything feels different. That’s culture shock. The food might taste strange, the way people talk and behave might be unfamiliar, and even simple things like using public transport can feel complicated. It takes time to get used to these differences, and it’s okay if you feel a bit lost at first.
Then there’s homesickness and loneliness. You’ll miss your family, your friends, and all the familiar things back home. Even if you make new friends, there might be times when you feel really alone, especially if you’re used to a big family and a close-knit community. It’s a normal feeling, and many international students go through it.
And let’s not forget about roommate issues. Sharing a living space with someone you don’t know can sometimes lead to problems. Different habits, different expectations about cleanliness or noise levels – these things can cause friction. Choosing your roommates wisely, if you have a say, can make a big difference.
Practical Challenges
Finding a place to live in a new city can be tough and often expensive. You might have to look for apartments online or through university resources. Understanding the rental agreements and dealing with landlords can also be new experiences.
Getting around can also be a challenge. You might need to learn a new public transportation system, and it might take time to figure out the best way to get to your classes or to buy groceries. Even simple daily tasks like opening a bank account or getting a local phone SIM card can feel like big hurdles when you’re in a new country.
Common questions
- Is it lonely studying abroad? Yes, many international students experience loneliness, especially in the initial months. Building a support network, joining clubs, and staying connected with loved ones back home can help.
- What is culture shock like when studying abroad? Culture shock can manifest in various ways, including feeling confused, anxious, or even frustrated by the differences in customs, language, food, and social norms. It’s a process of adjustment that takes time and patience.
Preparing for the Journey and Finding Support
Okay, so studying abroad can be hard. Don’t let that worry you too much! Knowing what might be tough helps you get ready. Let’s see how you can prepare for this big trip. We will also talk about where you can find help.
Pre-Departure Preparation
One very smart thing to do is get ready for the challenges of studying abroad before you even leave Bangladesh. Do some research! Learn about the country and the school you will go to. Try to understand their education system. How do they teach? How do they test? Knowing this can make things much easier.
Financial planning is also super important. Think about how much money you will need. Look for funding options like scholarships. Save money if you can. If you need a loan, make sure you understand it well. Being ready with your money will help you feel less stressed.
If you are going to a country where they don’t speak Bangla, try to learn some simple words. Even if your classes are in English, knowing a few local words can be nice. It can help you talk to people every day. Try to talk to students from your school who are already studying abroad. They can give you great tips. And most of all, get your mind ready for some tough times. Talk to your family and friends. Know that it’s okay to feel happy and sad sometimes.
Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
When you arrive, try to make friends. This can help with homesickness and loneliness. Join clubs at your school. Go to events for new students. Talk to people in your classes. Making friends can make a big difference.
Schools usually have people who help international students. They can help you with your visa. They can also help you with your classes or if you feel sad. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. They are there for you.
Keep talking to your family and friends in Bangladesh. Call them or video chat. It can help you feel connected to home. Remember, many students feel the way you do. You are not alone. If you feel really bad, it’s okay to ask for more help. Your school might have people you can talk to. Taking care of your mind is as important as doing well in your studies.
Common questions
- How can I prepare for studying abroad? You can get ready by learning about your new country, planning your money, learning some of the language, talking to other students, and getting ready mentally.
- What support is available for international students? Schools often have offices to help international students with visas, classes, feeling homesick, and finding friends.
Here are a couple of tables that might be useful for your article:
Money Getting Tougher for Bangladeshi Students (2024)
| Country | What Costs More | Why It’s Harder |
| Canada | Money you need to show to get a visa went way up. | Many students can’t show that much money. |
| Australia | Cost to apply for a visa doubled. | It costs much more to even try to go. |
| Australia | Money you need to save before going went up a lot. | Students need to have more money saved up. |
| Germany | Money you need in a special bank account went up. | It’s a lot of money for many families to find. |
Ways Your School Can Help International Students
| What They Help With | Examples of Help |
| Visas and Coming to the Country | They can help you with your visa and understand the rules. |
| School Stuff | They can help you with your classes and learning. |
| Feeling Good | They have people you can talk to if you feel sad or stressed. |
| Finding a Place to Live | They can help you find a room on or off campus. |
| Getting a Job After School | They can help you write your resume and find a job. |
| Making Friends | They have clubs and events where you can meet other students. |
| Money Questions | They can give you advice about scholarships and how to manage your money. |
FAQ
Q1: Is it hard for students from Bangladesh to pay for school in other countries?
Yes, it can be very hard to pay for studying abroad. Schools in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia cost a lot. The price keeps going up. You also need to show a lot of money for living to get a visa. There are some scholarships, but many people want them. It can be tough to get enough money this way. Finding part-time work for money can also be hard. Many students want these jobs, and there are rules about how long you can work. You need to plan your money very carefully.
Q2: What are the biggest problems when students from Bangladesh study in other countries?
The biggest problems for Bangladeshi students studying abroad are often getting used to a new way of learning at school. It might be very different. They also need to get used to a new culture. Things like food and how people act might be new. Feeling lonely and missing family is also common. Money problems are another big issue because things can be very expensive. Also, getting the visa to go to another country can be hard and make students worried. Finding a good place to live and doing everyday things in a new country can also be tricky.
Q3: Do students feel alone when studying abroad? How do they feel better?
Yes, it’s normal to feel alone when you are studying abroad. You are in a new place, far from your family and friends. To feel less lonely, try to make new friends. Join clubs at your school. Go to events. Talk to people in your classes. Keeping in touch with your family and friends back home by calling them can also help. Your school might have people who can help you if you feel sad. Many students feel this way, so it’s good to ask for help.
Q4: What makes studying hard at schools in other countries?
School in other countries can be hard in different ways. The teachers might teach in a way you are not used to. You might have a lot of homework and projects. If you are studying in English and it’s not your first language, it can be hard to understand everything. Also, the way they give grades might be different. You need to learn how to manage your time and study well in this new system.
Q5: Is it very hard for students from Bangladesh to get a visa to study in places like Canada or the USA?
Yes, it has become harder for students from Bangladesh to get a visa for countries like Canada and the USA. Canada is letting fewer international students come. You also need to show more money. The USA takes many applications, but they don’t give visas to everyone. It can take a long time to even get an interview. Australia also has stricter rules now. They want to make sure you are really going there to study. These new rules make it harder for many students to get a visa.
Conclusion
So, is studying abroad hard? Yes, it comes with its own set of challenges of studying abroad, from navigating a new education system and managing financial difficulties to dealing with culture shock and homesickness. However, with the right preparation, a resilient mindset, and by utilizing available support systems, these hurdles can be overcome. Remember that while the journey might be tough, the rewards of international education – personal growth, broadened perspectives, and enhanced career opportunities – can be truly transformative for Bangladeshi students willing to take the leap.
