Feeling lost in your new country? Read more for coping mechanisms to get you through the rough period of moving abroad so you can begin to enjoy your new life!

Moving to a new country and attending a new university is an exciting step! It opens you up to many new experiences and opportunities, plus you get to explore a new part of the world. However there is no doubt that it can also leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed and anxious to get online and book the next flight back home. If that’s true, don’t give up just yet! The CMC has identified some common challenges faced by international students and some solutions to help you combat them:

Culture Shock

After the excitement dies down, the realization that you are immersed in a new culture kicks in. Moving from a culture that is familiar to one that is unknown can be shocking. A new environment, new people and new routine is made more difficult when you are trying to learn the ways of another country at the same time. While being separated from what you know is tough and you will go through it, just know it gets better! You will grow to not only accept but also like the differences between your home culture and the new one.

Solution: Learn to both stay in touch with your home culture while also learning to adjust to the new one. For example, try to find familiar food but don’t be afraid to try new things at the same time. You may also wish to keep in contact with your friends and family at home, but don’t be afraid to go out and make new friends as well – it’s all about balance! Check out these low-cost leisure activities available in Vancouver to help you get started.

Feeling Alienated

When you don’t know anyone in the country you’ve moved to, it can feel isolating as you don’t have a support system nearby like you did back home. Don’t be discouraged! While it may take some time, it will happen for you.

Solution: Become socially active! You can get in contact with other international students via student clubs and unions, and meet others by signing up for activities such as fitness classes or other recreational activities. You can also attend public events and festivals – there are many free events you can attend in Vancouver.

Language Barriers

You might be thinking, “Great, I can find a balance and meet new people, but what if I can’t speak the language properly?” Even if you know English as your second language, it can be challenging to understand native English speakers. Believe it or not, doing these things is what will help you overcome the language barrier.

Solution: Communicating with your new friends that you have language limitations will cause them to be more accommodating and helpful toward your situation. If you’re having challenges in class, either verbally or in writing, communicate with your teacher – they will want to help you succeed and they will let you know available resources to help you improve. It may make you nervous at first, but talking to those around you and letting them know you are struggling will allow them to be more compassionate and understanding to what you’re going through.

Accessing the Labour Market

According to Canadian Bureau of International Education's study, 51% of international students plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada after graduation, but many of them also feel the labour market is difficult to access. When facing so many barriers, it can come in the way of your job search as well.

Solution: Don’t hold back when it comes to applying for jobs. Utilize all of the opportunities and resources that are available to you through your new school – from co-op placements, to resume and interview help from your career advisors, to networking events and career workshops. The more you do, the more you will improve and the better chance you have at getting a job once you graduate. See what programs SFU offers for students and international students in particular, like the Externship program!

Financial Setbacks

Living away from home can be expensive, especially internationally, and it can be hard to handle your finances. On top of dealing with your workload from your job and school, you must learn to manage your money (and in a new currency, at that).

Solution: Keep a record of all of your spending and budget wisely. If you’re falling short at the end of every month, you can look at your record and see what spending you need to cut back on. If you are seeking a loan or credit, it is a good idea to set up a bank account that fits your needs; RBC offers the flexibility and security that international students need.

Always remember that what you are experiencing is normal and you will get through it. You are not alone – there are many other students around you who are also experiencing the same thing. Keep working hard and trying your best to adjust to the new culture! If you don’t love it after you’ve given it your best efforts, at least you’ll know you tried.