Studying abroad can be difficult several times. Not having family or even friends to rely on, cultural changes and language barrier seems the most common problems that international students face. Although this may create an environment to foster adulthood and self-support, truth is, nothing is easy. Having this in mind, we decided to create this article to help international students overcome these common problems that might be happening.

1. Homesickness

You never thought this would happen, but you miss even things that you never really liked back in your homeland. It is perfectly healthy and normal to feel homesick, just do not let it become a crippling part of your experience abroad. There are several ways to quiet down the loud voices in your head reminding you just how far away from home you are. Nowadays technology allows us to communicate real-time with our family, but sometimes this only make the situation worse.

One great way to manage this is by getting involved with your new community. You can get involved in new interests or clubs or adventures in your study abroad destination, you can start practicing yoga, meditation, journaling or other self-awareness activities. Make new friends and make sure to not spend complete weekends in your place browsing Facebook or your other favourite social media websites – this is counterproductive and actually feeds your feelings of homesickness, rather than eradicating them.

2. Staying motivated to attend classes

You are in a position that millions would love to be. You are an international student! Don’t throw away this amazing opportunity. And it is called “study” abroad for a reason, and by its very name requires an academic effort on the part of the student. Since you are taking classes, it is important that you stay committed to your coursework (otherwise you might lose your scholarship, crash your grade point average, or get kicked out of your program altogether!).

Remember that you might not get a second chance if you fail, but also don’t let it make your anxious or stressed. If you are having serious trouble keeping up with your studies, try participating a study club or search for professional help within your college.

Remember that your classes complement your exploring. While there is value in the act of living abroad in it of itself, if you are truly maximizing the learning potential of the experience, you need to attend classes.

3. Finances

Keeping up with your finances, be it earnings or savings, is another major thing to focus on. Even if you have a lot of money in your accounts, I would suggest keeping records of your wasteful expenditure and try to bring it down (that’s a lesson for life). Earnings are kind of tough when you just moved to a different country. Getting a job might not be tricky, specially when you want to land within your favourite industry. Keep looking for opportunities and never miss one. Everything that helps you earn money is important. However, if you can, it is sensible to choose a job which gives you a better future over a job with better money.

These are the challenges that I think every international student probably faces but there could be more. What are your thoughts?