Understanding the 'realistic challenges' of a global classroom

Nidhi Balaji, Hemalatha Y.N , Anu Priya M

There has been a significant rise in students opting for foreign education in the past few years. Many students feel that pursuing their studies abroad will help them gain a better education and enhance their career opportunities. As per a report of 2023, over 7,65,000 students emigrated from India to study abroad. The number of students emigrating from India was the highest since 2016. English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are most preferred by Indian students. These countries have top-tier universities, specialized courses, and better career prospects and opportunities. Additionally, the easy availability of educational loans and rising scholarship options are some of the factors that influence Indian students to pursue foreign education. 

Number of Indian students who emigrated abroad from 2016 to 2023(in 1,000s)

Source : Statista

Here is the experience of an Indian student, Shashank Ramesh who opted for higher education in Germany and is pursuing Automobile Engineering at Boston University, in The United States.

“I have been very passionate about studying abroad since my school days. I started researching more about the universities and their courses after my 12th standard. I failed to get an opportunity to do my undergraduate in Boston, due to financial problems faced by my parents, that's when I decided to set a short-term goal of improving my academics even better, I started visiting various companies which would provide loans for studying in abroad, every weekend after my classes. After struggling for 1 year, I got my loan sanctioned through Leap Finance, one of the companies that provides loans to students who aim to study abroad. But it did not end as I expected. The interest rates of Leap Finance shook me as the interest rates offered were double the rate of the actual amount borrowed as a student loan, which stopped me from taking a step further. Out of all these obstacles, I made up my mind and motivated myself to work hard, fulfil my dream and not give up this opportunity.

I chose the United States for higher studies because it's the home of many of the world's leading automotive engineering programs and has some of the most renowned institutions, such as Michigan, Stanford, Boston and MIT. These universities are at the forefront of automotive research and innovation and offer more practical learning which is very essential in today's competitive world. I believe that the automotive industry in the U.S. is one of the largest and most advanced in the world, with major companies like Ford, General Motors, and Tesla operating within the country. Studying in this environment would provide me with great internships and job opportunities.

In terms of managing my daily finances, the loan amount I received did not include the academic fees but it also included an extra amount that could cover my essentials as a student. At the beginning of 2 months, I managed this amount, later on, I got a part-time job opportunity as a research assistant at my university, which helped me balance my finances well. Buying stuff here is very expensive as compared to India, getting south Indian food is like a feast to Indian students, it works in a way that if you want it you have to pay more for it. Another problem for any student studying abroad is finding trustworthy accommodation, but in my case, I had one of my cousins who stays in the US who helped me find a place to stay. Which made my work easier. Coming to work life, we Indians need more time to get used to the culture here, in terms of food, language, environment, sleeping schedule, work, academics and more. Language barriers are also a major problem. Following the US accent is a great challenge, sometimes students do face racial discrimination as there are many communities and societies made by the people here.”

Source: Statista

Major challenges faced by students who study abroad 

The most significant challenges faced by students are language and communication problems. The accent spoken here in India is different from the US accent. Students find it very hard and may struggle to understand different accents or dialects even though they fluently understand the standard English language. This also hinders a student’s ability to face everyday situations like ordering food, using public transportation or asking for directions.  Unfamiliarity with local customs and social etiquette can lead to awkward situations or unintentional breaches of cultural norms. This can range from simple things like greetings to more complex issues like appropriate behaviour in social gatherings or public spaces. Students may also find it challenging to encounter different values and beliefs which would lead to a sense of cultural dissonance.

The most addressed challenge faced by students studying abroad includes the cost of tuition and accommodation. Students may encounter difficulties securing housing due to limited availability, especially in popular study destinations and it is also important for them to consider many factors such as cost of living, lease amount, distance from the college to their room and living conditions. Another issue is the food, transportation and social activities which often leads them to financial stress and hinder their daily budgeting. India is a diverse country with a variety of cuisines, and students find it very difficult to adjust to the new culinary landscape, while it might be exciting for some students it can also be challenging particularly for students with dietary restrictions or preferences. Missing family, friends, and familiar support networks is a common experience for students studying abroad. This can bring about feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, or even depression, affecting both mental health and academic performance. Building a new social circle in a foreign country takes time and effort, and some students may experience phases of loneliness or isolation, especially during the initial adjustment phase.

One of the major and most challenging issues is visa confirmation, as for some of the countries it's difficult to get a visa such as the United States. Students need to research and secure the appropriate visa type for their study program and duration of stay. Students must also make sure that they have a proper hard copy of the documents which are necessary for the visa application and process so that it won’t hinder the study plans of the student. Accessing healthcare is another main challenge faced by students due to the high cost of healthcare services, making it difficult for students to make an appointment with any healthcare service or doctor.

 “Many students described experiencing food insecurity, which can be defined as a temporary or ongoing inability to access healthy and preferable foods that allow one to live a functional life…Students related feelings of depression, homesickness and identity loss, hunger, difficulties with weight loss or weight gain, and stories of being forced to compromise religious beliefs to eat" (ICEF, 2020). 

“Physical and mental health-wise, international students were reported to smoke or use drugs more frequently and were more likely to be classified as problem gamblers than domestic students. Despite having the same levels of general psychological distress, study stress, or financial stress as locals, international students were less likely to report seeking help for a mental health problem, a relationship problem, or an alcohol/substance use problem” (Skromanis et al, 2018).

Benefits that a student can have by studying in abroad

Employers across various industries increasingly recognize the value of international experience, viewing it as a testament to adaptability, cultural awareness, and a global mindset. A 2011 QS Global Employer Survey revealed that 60% of employers give preference to candidates with international experience.  This is particularly prominent in sectors like energy, travel and hospitality, technology, consulting, and consumer goods. Another benefit for a student is that it allows the individual to step out of their comfort zones by living, studying, and navigating daily life in a foreign country which helps them to adapt to unexpected challenges and make them prepared for the workforce setting. Studying abroad encourages students to be more independent and resourceful as they are responsible for managing their daily lives, finances and academics in a new environment. Studying abroad also provides an immersive language learning experience as they are surrounded by native speakers in a foreign country that can significantly enhance students' language skills, making them more competitive in the job market. Jenny et al. (2017) showed that study abroad students showed improved studying habits and developed confidence in taking on tasks. Academically, students who study abroad show an increase in their grade point average after studying abroad when compared to their peers who had not studied abroad. Interacting with students and professionals from different countries expands students' personal and professional networks, opening doors to potential future collaborations, job opportunities, and relationships.

Things to know before applying for a college abroad 

A good starting point would be to align your current course with your study program. Students should check with both the study abroad office and the registrar’s office of the home college to see if they will be awarded study abroad course credit from the former. Even if the answer is yes, the student should still submit a detailed list of all the classes for enrollment and have each approved for credit. As much as possible, the student should secure an attested official document (Lessig, 2016). Assuming all the above has been worked out, it also pays to check with the home government (Education ministry) if they will accept these credits as valid in future license applications. The student must also be aware of the university ranking and select carefully the top-ranking university which would be beneficial and advantageous in future as these organizations use different metrics, students can choose which metric is closest to their objectives and use them as their basis. There are at least four university ranking systems that are currently popular: Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Shanghai University Academic Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings, and U.S. News Global Universities Rankings (Becheru, 2019).

 Source: Mastersportal

Education Fairs: A Ticket to Global Opportunities

 

In many ways, education fairs have become very important events for students awaiting their studies abroad. Education fairs are one of the good ways of gathering universities, colleges, students and educational consultants under one roof for students exploring different types of academic opportunities and scholarships.

Direct contact with the ambassadors of the university occurs at education fairs providing a platform to ask questions about any information that is crucial to that institution. Indeed, direct interaction acts as a catalyst that demystifies the process involved in applications since they clarify all admitted doubts by requiring documents program specifics and campus life. Most of the educational fairs would have booths with representatives who hand out pamphlets, reviewing courses they offer and gaining insight into the campus culture. In addition to one-on-one counselling, most workshops would include sessions on topics such as: 

 Application Strategies: Guidance to write personal statement and prepare for an interview.

 Cultural Adaptation: Tips on adjusting to life in a new country, including navigating cultural nuances.

Financial Planning: Information on budgeting and managing expenses while studying abroad.

In addition to lectures and discussions, students can also be part of panel discussions comprising current international students and alumni who share their firsthand experiences. In most instances, the feedback provided by these students is usually crucial in alerting potential students on what to expect along their educational journey.

Virtual Education Fairs Have Become the New Normal

One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been virtual education fairs which opened greater access to all students globally. Also, virtual venues provide students with flexibility and ease of access. Most of these virtual fairs include live webinars, along with downloadable resources. Thus, it is a very engaging experience, where connections between students and institutions take place worldwide.

Online education fairs, British Council scholars assert, opened up participation for more people, the opportunities around which rural students explore what otherwise they may miss (British Council, 2021). It translates into the strategic role of digital engagement in the field of education.

Mental Health and Well-being: An Important aspects of  Student Life Overseas

While studying abroad is full of opportunities to explore new experiences, it also comes with some rather challenging psychological and emotional tests. Most students abroad feel a constant sense of isolation, anxiety, and homesickness during their first few months.

According to the Institute of International Education, nearly 25% of international students suffer from mental health disorders, which require sound support systems (Institute of International Education, 2020).

Many universities have understood the mental health requirements of international students and offer the following facilities:

Counselling Services: Confidential counselling helps students regain control over their issues and mental health problems.

Peer mentorship programs can be a great source for new students to form friendships and support.

Holding mental health awareness programs along with stress-reduction workshops helps the students acquire the skills to control anxiety. Schools openly promoting mental health services prevent stigma and encourage students to be more open about the idea of seeking help, according to the American Psychological Association (2021).

Self-Care Practices

Students can be engaged in a wide range of activities which also contribute positively to the mental health of the individual, such as:

Regular Physical Activity: Some studies demonstrate the impact of both reducing stress and improving mood of regular exercise. Activities like yoga or meditation cultivate emotional resilience.

Community-Building: Joining clubs and other social groups will help create that sense of connection and lessen feelings of loneliness. These activities do more than just improve mental health and contribute to an experience enhanced while abroad for study.

Scholarships: Funding International Students

 

Financing an education abroad can be a significant concern, making scholarships vital for many students. Numerous scholarships are available specifically for international students, aimed at easing financial burdens and promoting diversity in academic environments.

Types of Scholarships

There are usually several types of scholarships,

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Based on academic merit, extracurricular activities, or special abilities.

2. Need-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on financial need.

3. Country-Specific Scholarships: To students from specific countries to balance their diversity.

4. Subject-Specific Scholarships: For specific fields that are in a field of study such as STEM and the arts. Popular scholarship programs

Some of the most prominent scholarship programs include:  

Fulbright Program:  supports international educational exchanges and research.

Erasmus: Programme of the European Union aimed at promoting students' mobility throughout Europe.

Chevening Scholarships: Chevening Scholarships are scholarships that are fully funded by the UK Government. They allow excellent students to further their academic qualifications by doing a one-year master's programme in the UK (Chevening, 2023).

Australia Awards: The program aims at people from developing countries to study and undertake research in Australia (Australia Awards, 2023).

Sources of Funding for Scholarships 

There are sources through which a student can seek funding for the scholarship. Students can determine whether the institution they are attending contains an international scholarship office or not. Some sources include:

Scholarship Database: There are online resources like Fastweb or Cappex that aggregate lists of scholarships.

Government Programs: Governments of most countries have specific ministry programs that offer scholarships to international scholars.

A student can raise their chance of being funded by beginning his scholarship search early. Students can further calibrate application essays to demonstrate each student's distinctive experiences, motivations, and qualifications. Detail and timely compliance with deadlines are even more important in the process of filling out the scholarship application successfully.

The upward trend of Indian students studying abroad brings opportunities as well as challenges. The list includes the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Ireland, which have a long tradition of teaching classes across the globe and, of course, better prospects in career building, but the journey normally encounters financial aid hurdles and cultural adaptation issues.

The education fair acts as a goldmine of information for pertinent questions about universities and scholarship opportunities; virtual formats are increasingly making this highly accessible to students with varying backgrounds. Mental health support is considered important, as many students feel that they are isolated and anxious; universities have responded to this by enhancing counselling services and enlisting programs at a peer level.

Finally, though studying overseas presents some challenges in terms of language barriers and finance management, the transformation experience equips students with a global perspective as well as a few invaluable skills, to equip them, once properly prepared and supported, to successfully navigate this journey, emerging from it stronger and more cultured than before.

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