Homesickness
It’s normal- if you’re homesick and missing your family, or even missing your neighborhood choila, you are not unique- this happens to every international student. So expect it and deal with it. Make more friends, create your own social and academic circles, get more involved in campus or community activities, take a night out on the town if you can afford it or talk to someone- sharing your feelings always helps.
Adjusting Academically
This is a tough one. The system is so different abroad that it’s like you’re on another planet. It takes time to get used to the basics of the system. The most difficult part is adjusting to the pedagogy if you’re from Nepal. In Nepal, what happens is that some guy walks into a classroom, speaks out and demonstrates a whole lot of stuff and then leaves when the class ends. In the West, don’t expect to get spoon-fed. Most of the learning is by yourself. The teacher is only a facilitator and her job is to give you a nudge in the right direction every now and then.
How to solve? Well make the effort to understand the system. The folks at the international admissions office and your academic advisor will help you to do so- go speak to them. The pedagogy is more difficult to get used to. Stay involved at all times- don’t switch off- and interact more with the people in the class.
Staying motivated
Yes this is a tough one also. The only advice I have for you is that you must always look at the big picture. Think of the end rewards- the great career you’ve always dreamt of and the life you want. Anything that works for you is good- I know one student who kept pictures of his mum and dad on his wall so that he would be reminded of whom he would let down if he did badly in his studies.
Getting Lost
This is also bound to happen to you at least once, unless you are truly unique. What you must not do is to walk around in a shady neighborhood late in the night, but getting lost, in most cases, is not such a problem because locals are always helpful in Australia and many parts of the USA and other countries. Also, go high tech with Google maps and other stuff available on the internet.
Running Low on Cash
Planning, Planning, Planning and Planning is all you need to avoid this. Plan all your expenses- do not spend where you didn’t plan to spend. Put money aside for a rainy day too- you will probably need it soon.
Feeling like an Outsider
In the beginning, this can be a problem. Create stronger bonds with your own community in the area- if there is a Nepalese community. Meet more locals and make friends with them. Be more engaging in class and make friends on campus too.
Language and Cultural Barriers
Your English is probably good enough, but local dialect, accent and slang can be a problem. I know one student who learnt most of the ‘Fair Dinkum Dictionary of Australian Slang’ by heart before she flew to Australia. Make more local friends and go out of the way to learn the culture and remember to always respect it.
