7 Problems to Face When You Go Abroad For Studies

News & Events

Saturday — May 14, 2016

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Studying abroad is a lifetime dream of millions of students. However, only a few really make to the target of getting admission and finally get visa and reach the overseas university. While in Pakistan, we take so many things for granted, going abroad, living there and settling up in a foreign country does come with its own set of challenges. Traditionally, Pakistani students apply and reach a vast range of regions, cultures and countries, so the set of problems they face vary dramatically.

The diversity of the problem is due to range of weather, culture, food, religion and people. Everything looks so lovely and fine about foreign countries to us that we typically think that only Pakistan has the problem, however the case is entirely different. The foreign countries have their own version of problem. It would be much better for our students to have a beforehand idea of what major problem they face. So let’s see what main problems our students face overseas:

1. Feeling Like an Outsider

Most of Pakistani student going abroad feel like an outside in other cultures. Even top universities of the world house students from various nationalities. There are huge numbers coming from China, India etc., but Pakistani students are not that much in number yet. Pakistani students feel alone and take some time to fit in.

2. Language Barrier

Don’t say you got 7 Band in IELTS. Speaking and understanding English is not a regular practice in Pakistan and we are not much habitual of it. So we may know huge and heavy English words but may be stuck at some vegetables shopping. Also expressing views, ideas seamlessly in English is not an easy job for us as mostly the medium of communication in Pakistan is Urdu.

3. Currency Differences

The ratio of currency difference is huge. We are always multiplying and dividing currencies when buying things overseas. Pakistani students get very cautions at first due to so many currency conversions they have to do at every step.

4. Weak Support Network

Pakistan is a heaven when you need help. There are always you parents, siblings, yar dost, jigri dost, dost key dost and so many other who are always there to help you in case you need any help of any kind. We are so generous about it. But forget this when you go overseas. You have to rely on your own.

5. Cultural Misunderstanding

We do see a lot of Hollywood movies. But we literally have little cultural firsthand experience. Many of our ‘innocent’ Pakistani students fail to understand western societies’ level of openness and limits. There are a lot of issues that students face starting from dressing, communications and coordination with other counterparts from other countries.

6. Food

Pakistanis love food. But finding real Halal food could be a huge problem when you are in a foreign country. The Halal food problem is much solved these day due to increased globalization but still you have to be careful when choosing a restaurant or a specific meal.

7. Academic & Financial Pressure

Most of students going for higher studies from Pakistan are middle class students. They face a double edges sword when studying overseas. On one side, they have to be careful that they keep their grades, but at the other hand, they sometimes have to work part time to meet their expenses. This put a huge load on their life. Also, the family expectations pile up over time putting a big strain on students.

We might have missed some other issues that Pakistani students face overseas. If you are studying in a foreign country or have a friend. Tell us in comments of what issues they have faced during their studies in foreign country. Also mention the name of country. This will help other students. Thanks