5 challenges to overcome as an international student
A young milkmaid carries a pail of milk on her head, dreaming of her bright future
She plans to sell the milk, buy chickens, sell their eggs, and eventually become rich enough to buy a beautiful dress. But lost in her thoughts, she tosses her head in excitement spilling the milk and losing everything.
Challenge 1: Silence is different than peace
If you are an international student coming from Sri Lanka or India, you must be coming from a bustling environment. You may have lived in bigger cities and are used to the noise. New Zealand is complete opposite of this. The initial quiet of a new country can be isolating and lonely. To overcome this loneliness you have to create your own noise, the good kind. This could mean actively creating new social connections and exploring your new pathways.
Challenge 2: Homecooked food is a luxury
Your diet will completely change once you move to NZ. Adapting to new ingredients and learning how to cook your favourite meal is a significant milestone (if you don’t know this already). Missing familiar flavours can lead to homesickness. Relying on takeaways can become expensive and unhealthy. Seek out familiarity by finding super markets which sell your local vegetables and snacks. Treat yourself every now and then to meal at your favourite Sri Lankan or Indian restaurant. Challenge yourself to try new cuisines.
Challenge 3: English proficiency is tested
Living in English-speaking country doesn’t automatically make us fluent. It requires constant mental effort and can be exhausting. First it breaks you and then it makes you. International students can underestimate how much english is required for day-to-day living. Over time however, it does become natural and you find yourself speaking in english by default. Who knows you may end up picking the kiwi accent and the slangs along your journey.
Challenge 4: Managing money
Constantly converting money into rupees is an unsustainable way of living in NZ. Comparing prices of what was in your home country vs what is in NZ can become exhausting. To quickly become financially independent pick up a part time job. Every international student has started from somewhere. Don’t let your ego make life decisions for you. Survival is key here. Odd jobs can help meet ends. Being strategic with spending, and overcoming debt is a crucial lesson. Rainy day savings are extremely useful during tough times. Reach out to your family for help when you have to. It will all be worthwhile in the end.
Challenge 5: Stay focused
New Zealand immigration policies are always changing. The government constantly revises rules to ensure the country’s future success. And just like the milkmaid, if you get too caught up in these everchanging rules and worrying about what might happen years down the line you may never even take the first step. Focus on your studies, make sure to remind yourself “why” you choose to come to NZ. Reach out to people within your connection for help as soon as an issue arises. International students don’t just adapt, we rebuild.
I hope this article has given you some food for thought. Moving abroad is a huge decision. With every challenge that you face and overcome, you will learn something new about yourself. Remember if it is not right, it is not the end😊