At some time in our college careers, we all experience stress. Numerous variables contribute to the higher levels of anxiety experienced by overseas students. When you’re away from your family and friends, studying abroad might be a challenging time in your life.
How Student Can Handle Their Stress
Your desire and love for your chosen career path will not alleviate the stress of moving to a new location and being away from your family and friends.
Most international students have to cope with a lot more than simply schoolwork. Under various conditions, this might cause people to feel tense and anxious. This may have a significant impact on their daily life, as well as making their whole stay more difficult. In order to reduce anxiety, overseas students should concentrate on the following situations:
The Cultural Shock
Students from other countries are apprehensive about adjusting to a new culture straight away. Life in a new nation might be challenging when you’ve spent your whole life in one, and have been used to the cuisine, culture, language, and daily routine of that country.
As soon as you go to another nation to pursue your further education, your whole existence is upended. International student life may be challenging no matter how eager you are to achieve your academic goals.
International students who want to get the most out of their time abroad need to start preparing for life there as soon as they can. Check out videos or articles on the lifestyle and culture of the area. As soon as you have a clear picture of what your life will look like, you can begin to make plans for it.
Financial Issues
Most overseas students are supported financially via scholarship programs. For some overseas students, the transition is more difficult than others. The cost of living in certain nations is quite high when compared with that of others. Part-time employment in a new location might make it more challenging for students to strike the right balance between job and study.
If you’re short on money when living overseas, you’re more likely to avoid socializing. It might also lead to isolation. In this situation, it’s preferable to seek the advice of a financial professional or an attorney. Most universities have financial consultants on hand to help students manage their own money. To help pay for your living expenses, you might also seek a part-time or freelance job.
Language Barrier
A major source of anxiety for many foreign students is the inability to communicate effectively in their new language. There are many dialects and accents to contend with, even if the student is competent in the language of the nation in which they are studying.
Things will improve as we get more used to our new surroundings and the local language. The language and study environment of the country you’re considering for foreign studies might be researched prior to making a decision. Professional assistance from a top study abroad counseling organization is recommended for the greatest outcomes.
Feel of Safety
One of the biggest causes of foreign students’ concern is that they may not feel comfortable in the new country. When looking for a place to stay in your new nation, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Your institution should be able to help you find a place to stay.
If the university has dormitories available, you may want to consider living there. To ease your transition into a new location, it provides a secure and comfortable environment.
Missing Family
A common complaint among international students is a longing for the familiarity of family members back home. It has never been easier to leave home and live on your own. Starting a new stage of life may cause a sense of loss for you, as you miss the people you’ve known, your house, your food, and your way of life in general. It is essential to devote oneself to academics. As a side note, you may also want to socialize. The more time you spend doing something you like, the less time you have to yourself. Consider scheduling a phone or video conference with close family members to get your mind off of work or school.
What are 12 ways to deal with Stress?
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times to calm the nervous system.
- Regular Physical Activity: Engage in activities like walking, jogging, or yoga to release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness to stay present and focused. Meditation helps reduce stress by promoting relaxation and awareness.
- Establishing a Routine: Create a structured daily routine to provide a sense of stability and control over your day.
- Positive Affirmations: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations to shift your mindset and build resilience.
- Social Connections: Maintain relationships with friends and family. Social support is crucial for coping with stress.
- Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to ensure your body and mind are well-rested, enhancing your ability to handle stress.
- Healthy Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Proper nutrition supports overall well-being.
- Time Management: Break tasks into manageable steps and prioritize them. Effective time management can reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Limiting Caffeine and Sugar Intake: Excessive caffeine and sugar can contribute to increased stress and anxiety. Moderation is key.
- Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary. Establishing boundaries helps manage workload and prevents burnout.
- Seeking Professional Help: If stress becomes overwhelming, consider consulting a mental health professional for guidance and support.
Conclusion
Studying and living abroad isn’t for the faint of heart. Stress, depression, and anxiety levels among foreign students might soar due to the constant flux of change. There are several advantages to studying abroad, but preparing for the new culture and customs is essential. From the start, it’s important to be well-prepared and not to feel overwhelmed.
