A Few Ways to Cope while Studying in a Foreign Country

Studying abroad is no longer an uncommon phenomenon today. Students the world over pack their bags and set off to exotic new destinations to learn more about the country, have new experiences and experience varied kinds of education. Whether it is an exchange program or a degree at a university abroad, the number of students has grown tremendously the last few years and apart from the already established ivy leagues there are new educational centers being developed in various countries. In fact places in India, China and South America are becoming increasingly popular study choices, apart from European and North American universities.

It doesn't matter if you are planning to go for an MBA in Mumbai or a course in Moscow, apart from the financial and other planning there are a few other things to consider to. Setting off to a foreign country, albeit exciting, comes with its own set of issues. Homesickness, the inability to adjust and a feeling of being in an alien land get the better of many hopefuls who have come here to spread their wings. Read on for a few ways to help you cope with problems that often affect students abroad -

Learn about the place you are going to – Culture shock is often a part and parcel of moving to a foreign place to study whether you are going from a small town to a big city or moving to a country very unlike your own. Before you set off or better yet in the planning stages make sure you read up on the new place. Find out about the customs, the cultural norms, the people, the good and the bad so you have a better idea of what to expect. This will also build a sense of adventure and create more excitement.

Join student groups – If you are feeling at a loss once you move and are lonely and / or disillusioned with your new base, reach out to on and off campus student groups. This will help you mingle and get involved in more of what you went there for. Look for international student societies and groups and will not only help you meet people from your own home country but other international arrivals that may be facing the same sense of displacement as you do. This will also help if you find yourself facing negative cultural stereotyping and racial biases or discrimination. Never be afraid of reaching out and getting the support you need.

Accept that this is your temporary home – If you are having a bad experience all you can think of is heading home back to familiarity. But how about accepting the new country for all that is good or bad. Don't cling to the concept of back home instead explore what this new one has to offer. Immerse yourself in new experiences and try new things you possible wouldn't or couldn't back in your home country. Get involved in the community via charity organizations and volunteer work and immerse yourself in your new surroundings. When unpleasant days or experiences occur, as they likely will from time to time, try to chalk them out as learning experiences and move on. Don't let it color the entire experience for you.

Learn to be more open – A lot of displacement and irritation occurs when we expect things to be the way they are back at home. Accept that every society has its own set of cultural, ethical and moral norms that you will face. Keep an open mind about things you do, places you see and people you meet and enjoy the newness instead. 

The Pros and Cons of Part Time Post Graduate Studies

Once students are done with their basic college education and graduate proudly out of their institutions, career and education questions still loom pretty large. People today are often torn between carrying on and studying further to do a Master's degree or then jumping headlong into the job market for the career of their choice. A part time post graduate course can offer you a fine medium path and the popularity of post graduate courses like part time MBAs and other part time Master's programs is testament to this fact.

When considering whether to continue the life of academia and take on further education, every individual has their own reasons. For some it may be to advance their career, for some to get their foot in the door or a certain prestigious company, for some it may be to get better chances abroad and for others it could be to further themselves in their professional life or to get an education in a related or ancillary field. Before you take on the additional load of doing a Master's program it is essential to first assess what your goals for doing so are and how the degree you are looking at will help you reach those goals in the most ideal way possible. Only then can you figure out whether a full time or part time course makes more sense for you and your ambitions.

If you are leaning towards a part time study program, let us take a look at a few pros and cons of going down this path -

Pros -

There is more flexibility – One of the biggest boons of doing a part time course like a part time MBA is that you can further your career goals alongside. You can start working and make the headway you need to establish yourself in your chosen field, while giving yourself the added education and degree which further enhances your knowledge as well as plumps up your resume. There is also less chances of relocation and less time and money spent on commuting and other such issues. Gaining both an education and work experience is tough to beat.

It is less expensive – Part time degree courses are usually less expensive than their full time counterparts. This is an incentive for those on a tight budget and also you can be earning a pay packet while you are studying. Some employers also encourage their employees to take on part time studies and often finance the same.

Cons -

Your schedule can get demanding – Concentrating on both a job and an education can be very taxing  and tiring for some students. Both will demand equal importance and it can be difficult to strike a proper balance to give justice to both aspects of your life.

It may feel lacking – For some students, the point of doing a Master's or a post graduate program is to get the experience in its entirety. On campus projects, the extended interaction with like minded peers and more college organised events etc. will be a few things you may miss out on.

Before committing to any study program, always consider what you want from the experience. An educated decision is a must.