Ways to Deal With Cultural Shock While Studying Abroad

 

Studying abroad is a dream of many students today due to the high-quality education and global opportunities that come with it. If you are preparing to study abroad, you must be well prepared to deal with cultural shocks during the initial duration of studying abroad. When you go abroad, there are a lot of things that will come to mind, such as ‘what if I find difficulty communicating with locals’? ‘will I be able to adapt to the new culture’? “How ‘do I deal with cultural shock’?

 

The impact of cultural shock

Cultural shock is common among international students. Experiencing cultural shock due to a loss of familiar surroundings and different norms that are encountered every day. As disorientation, anxiety, and confusion overtake new students on the initial days, they tend to behave differently. With familiarity with the surroundings and positive thinking, one can overcome cultural shock.

 

Ways to deal with cultural shock

1.  Prepare yourself: When you go abroad for studies, adjusting in a new environment would be difficult to adjust to a whole new environment. This makes it important to gain prior knowledge about the country you are about to study in. Make sure to keep yourself updated with the necessary information about the country chosen.

2.  Relieve stress: Moving abroad comes with a whole new experience that will be remembered for the rest of your life. The initial stages come with homesickness. At this stage, look for distracting yourself by learning new things and making new friends. In addition to this, familiarise yourself with the destination, including cultural norms, academic expectations, and daily life. Keep in touch with family and friends through video calls, messages, and other social media platforms. Use planners or digital apps to manage finances, schedule assignments, and take note of deals. Give yourself time to adjust to a new environment and be patient with yourself.

 

3.  Stay positive during the stay. It could be easy for you to fixate on the things that are "missing," such as comfort foods and regional traditions. Comparing situations won't help you adjust, though, if you're experiencing culture shock overseas. Consider the positive aspects of your surroundings instead. Recall that your desire to study abroad was fuelled by your desire to explore and acquire new knowledge. Jot down enjoyable or fascinating findings, then add to your list as the year goes on. Maintain a cheerful outlook on everything at all times. Consider the positive aspects rather than pointing out the flaws. Obtain a daily dose of encouragement by starting to listen to inspirational podcasts.

 

4.  Make new friends: Create a positive bond with other international students when they share the same host country. They would help you adjust to a whole new environment. It is advised to take the first step by initiating a conversation. Make new friends by mingling with local people and people from other countries. This would distract you and help you deal with cultural shock.

 

5.  Understand the academic expectations: You are learning how to navigate a new academic system in addition to studying to a new nation. Ask your friends, advisors, and instructors about expectations at your university. This will calm your anxieties and enable you to approach your classes with confidence. To have a good experience, students should be aware of the academic expectations that come with studying abroad, particularly in a demanding discipline like medicine. Adjust to various instructional strategies and classroom settings. A combination of case studies, lectures, seminars, and problem-based learning may be used. Use the resources offered by libraries, writing centres, and tutoring services, as well as other academic assistance services.

 

6.  Be more open-minded: Studying abroad is a transformative journey offering many benefits and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Living in a different country allows one to experience new customs, traditions, and lifestyles first-hand, which can broaden cultural understanding and appreciation. Being away from familiar surroundings and support systems helps develop self-reliance and independence. Participating in local events, joining clubs, and interacting with locals will help in developing new perspectives and being more open-minded.

 

 

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in UK, Study in USA, Study in Canada, Study in Australia, Study in New-Zealand, Study in Singapore, Study in Ireland and many other countries.

Ways to Handle Homesickness While Studying Abroad

With no doubt, studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience. It offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in new cultures, new environments, and a new academic life together. With the thrill of studying abroad, it becomes quite normal to miss family and friends in the home country. Being called homesickness, it is the feeling when one feels anxious, lonely, or has difficulty adjusting to a whole new environment in a foreign land. There are several strategies to navigate the ways to curb homesickness. Yes, you heard that right. Keep reading and exploring the ways to curb homesickness and make the most of your studies overseas. Conquering homesickness will enhance focus on appreciating the host country, university experiences, and opportunities towards a new life, growth, and creating new memories.

 

Ways to handle homesickness

1.  Have a daily routine. Creating a daily routine will help you cope with culture shock. You can reduce the amount of time you spend feeling homesick or lonely by being busy and productive. See if there's a park close by where you can carry on your daily routine of taking a walk and drinking coffee in the morning. If you used to do yoga before going to bed when you were at home, schedule some time to continue in your new environment. You can adjust to the new environment more easily if you schedule familiar activities into your daily routine. But it's equally critical to refrain from overworking yourself and repressing your feelings. It's healthy to keep busy, but it's also OK to recognise and deal with your emotions. Once you've, though, returned to your new regimen.

2.  Maintain contacts with loved ones: Even though it may be challenging at the start, it is crucial not to neglect relationships, especially family and friends. It is advised to maintain regular communication with loved ones when you are feeling down. Consider planning a trip to your home country during semester breaks or scheduling regular video calls to stay connected.

3.  Embrace new cultural experiences: Instead of dwelling on your life before moving abroad, try miming yourself in new surroundings and learning about the different cultures and customs around you. Getting familiar with your location can create a sense of belonging and diminish the feeling of homesickness. As the world has become internationalised, you might find similarities and common ground between your home country and the host country.

4.  Engage in extracurricular activities: During the challenging adjustment period, you might be reluctant to socialise, but taking part in community events can lift your spirits and help you meet new people. If you enjoyed a pastime at home, look for a group or organisation at your university that is similar to yours and join it. If not, think about establishing one yourself, since there might be people who are as passionate as you are. Make use of the many clubs and associations that colleges provide. You can meet people who have experienced culture shock by joining sports teams, interest groups, faith-based organisations, and even an international student society.

 

5.  Seek student support. In case you are feeling overwhelmed, reaching out to someone will be helpful. One can reach out to a friend who is also an international student, a professor, or a designated international representative. There will be many others who will volunteer support and assist in the needy times of international students. Universities are equipped with facilities that would help students with homesickness or feelings of sadness. They would offer or mentor counselling services at the time of need. It is advised to often connect with friends and family during the study abroad journey.

 

6.  Keep learning something new. Homesickness often leads to boredom and distraction. In order to combat the feelings, one can make efforts to engage in learning new things daily. This would keep the mind active and focused. Learn a new hobby, a new language, or a new sport. Also, there are options for taking cooking classes or learning traditional art and craft activities. Engaging in new experiences and gaining knowledge can help make the most of the time abroad and overcome homesickness.

 

7.  Spend some time with yourself. Even though it won't make your problems go away, spending thirty minutes in a quiet, alone space can be rather helpful. Find a quiet corner or unoccupied room, dim the lights, and take a moment to breathe deeply and unwind. Take this little break to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. As an alternative, escape the city and go to a picturesque spot like the beach or the mountains. By doing this, you'll be able to put technology aside and reflect on the reasons you chose to study abroad. A peaceful period of time spent away from the distractions of technology, reading a good book or diary, may be very restorative.

 

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in UK, Study in USA, Study in Canada, Study in Australia, Study in New-Zealand, Study in Singapore, Study in Ireland and many other countries.

Know All About the France Virtual Admission Day-Jun 2024

 Hello everybody! Edwise, India’s leading overseas education consultants with 32 years of unparalleled experience, brings back to you the France Virtual Admission Day on Saturday, June 15^th, 2024. event. Make the most of the opportunity and engage with delegates from well-known universities virtually. Read further to discover the various aspects that make Edwise’s France virtual admission day stand out from other educational fairs.

 

Why attend the France virtual admission day? 

✔Virtual counselling with global education professionals

✔ Scholarships for meritorious applications

✔ Understand internship possibilities during your course

✔ Complete applications and receive an application fee waiver

✔ Delegates will solve all your queries about courses, loans, scholarships and visa

✔ Explore post-study work options and stay back opportunities

✔ Solve all your study abroad woes

 

Participating Universities: 

At the France virtual admission day, here are the universities that will be participating: ISTEC business school, Neoma Business school, ESSCA school of management, ICN business school, Ecole Ducasse, Esdes Business school, Kedge business school, Esigelec school of engineering, EM Normandie Business School and Montpellier Business School

 

Schedule

Day	Date	Time	City	Venue
Saturday	15th June	11am-2 pm	Pan India	Virtual

  

Why study in France?

✔France is the most popular destination for international students.

✔ France is ranked 8th internationally and 5th in Europe among the best study destinations.

✔ Experienced world class education.

✔ Affordable tuition fees and living expenses.

✔ Popular courses: Business, Data science, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering, Culinary Studies, Hospitality, Design.

✔ IELTS/TOEFL not mandatory.

✔ Part time job - 20 hours/week and 2yrs stay back option available.

Emergence of MicroLearning While Studying Abroad

In the past decade, the willingness to study abroad has grown drastically. Studying abroad at foreign universities is not just a trend; it represents a change in perception and a desire to pursue higher education. From cultural experience to enhanced career prospects, the benefits of studying abroad are compelling to many individuals. In a fast-paced world, there are modern approaches to achieving significant transformation. One such trend is microlearning. Microlearning is a modern education with an innovative approach, revolutionising the way people acquire knowledge and skills. This proves to be more flexible than traditional learning methods. Studying abroad has always been a transformative experience for all its students. It offers academic growth, cultural enrichment, language acquisition, and personal development. Over the years, the landscape of study abroad programmes has changed drastically and evolved into a great tent.

 

What is microlearning?

Microlearning while studying Abroad is indeed an educational strategy that involves delivering content in small units that can be easily learned. This approach is useful for students who are immersed in a cultural and educational environment. This allows individuals to manage their time effectively. It has been observed that microlearning while studying abroad is a convenient and efficient way for students to enhance their educational experience and make the most of their experience in a foreign country. Here are some key aspects of microlearning:

1.  Bite-sized content: Here, the content is broken down into smaller sessions, lasting a few minutes. This includes videos, bytes, and interactive sessions.

 

2.  On-the-go learning: microlearning is typically mobile-friendly, thus enabling students to learn during their free time. This flexibility is good for people with busy schedules.

 

3.  Focused topics: each module is dedicated to a specific topic, thus allowing you to concentrate on one area at a time without feeling overwhelmed by tonnes of information at one go.

 

4.  Cultural integration: microlearning helps in adapting to a new environment through various classes and tips to navigate the host country, its systems, and its services.

 

5.  Personalisation: students can choose modules according to their needs and interests, thus making learning more engaging and effective. Learning a subject and researching it is an example of this.

 

6.  Immediate application: the small and practical lessons in micro-learning can be applied immediately in real-life situations. This can include applying some basic things learned through the session.

 

7.  Engagement and retention: The concise way of learning helps in making the students’ pay attention and improves the retention rate. Also, the frequent interactions help reinforce learning.

 

Benefits of microlearning in study abroad

1.  Flexibility and convenience: In the era of hectic schedules, microlearning emerges as a beacon of adaptability. Learners, entangled in the rush of modern life, can seamlessly access microlearning content during short breaks or commutes. Its on-the-go accessibility aligns with the rhythm of daily routines, transforming idle moments into valuable learning opportunities. This integration fosters not just occasional learning but cultivates a continuous learning culture where knowledge becomes an integral part of daily life.

 

2.  Improved retention: Microlearning’s effectiveness in enhancing retention goes beyond its bite-sized nature. Embracing the psychological principle of spaced repetition strategically reinforces key concepts. By delivering content in short, focused bursts, microlearning prevents the cognitive overload that often hampers traditional learning. This thoughtful approach ensures that learners not only grasp information initially but also retain and recall it more effectively over time, leading to lasting knowledge acquisition.

 

3.  Cost-effectiveness: The transition to digital delivery in microlearning heralds a revolution in cost-effectiveness. Traditional training methods often entail significant expenditures on materials, instructors, and facilities. Microlearning, with its digital format, slashes these costs drastically. The result is a financially lean yet robust training solution. Organisations can invest in high-quality training without bearing the burden of excessive expenses, making microlearning an economically savvy choice.

 

4.  Adaptability: Microlearning’s adaptability transcends its diverse format offerings. Beyond videos, quizzes, and infographics, it accommodates varied learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic. This versatility ensures an inclusive and personalised learning experience that resonates with a broad audience. Learners can engage with content in a way that suits their preferences, fostering a deeper connection with the material. In a landscape where individuality is celebrated, microlearning stands as a champion of adaptability, tailoring education to the unique needs of each learner.

 

Microlearning in combination with teaching methods

1. Combining with instructor-led training.
The combination of microlearning with instructor-led training is highly effective. Microlearning can be used as pre-training material to prepare students for instructor-led sessions or as post-training reinforcement to ensure ongoing knowledge retention and application.

2. Gamification and microlearning
Microlearning with gamification features makes the learning experience more engaging and pleasant. Rewards, challenges, and progress tracking increase engagement, encouraging students to actively participate in their academic pursuits.

3. Mobile Learning Integration.
Microlearning is effortlessly integrated with the mobile learning trend. Its mobile-optimised design guarantees that learners may access material at any time and from any location, utilising the widespread availability of smartphones and tablets to provide a truly flexible learning experience.

 

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in UK, Study in USA, Study in Canada, Study in Australia, Study in New-Zealand, Study in Singapore, Study in Ireland and many other countries.

8 Oldest Universities Abroad

The oldest universities still in existence are famous for their historical legacies, ability to adapt to modern contexts, and ability to remain consistent in global competition. In this article, we have covered some of the oldest schools in the world with high international rankings. Let’s dive right into the insights! These universities, steeped in tradition and scholarship, serve as bastions of knowledge generation and dissemination. Universities have been around for hundreds of years. The 10 oldest universities were established before the end of the 13th century. Though some of the world’s oldest universities have split into different colleges or have become incorporated into a different institution altogether, it is fascinating to take a look at how each university has adapted to modern contexts to remain relevant. Many of these universities are now among the world’s most prestigious and popular universities.

The top 10 oldest universities around the world

1.  University of Bologna, Italy

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the world's first and oldest institution. It is known as the "Nourishing Mother of Studies" based on the Latin motto and has never been out of service since its inception, offering a wide range of programmes at all levels. Its notable alumni include three popes, several business titans, and Italian politicians. Throughout its long history, the University of Bologna has been a hub of learning and creativity, making significant contributions to subjects such as law, medicine, philosophy, and science. Today, it is well-known for its academic prowess and draws students from all over the world.

2.  Oxford University, UK

Oxford University is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Tracing its origins to the 12th century, it is considered one of the oldest universities in operation. The university is known for academic excellence, notable alumni such as Nobel laureates, and many other influential figures in various fields. With a multitude of programmes across undergraduate and graduate programmes across various disciplines, attracting students from all over the globe, the oldest university caters to a student community of more than 20,000 international students. Apart from operating the largest university press in the world, it publishes in three critical markets: research, education, and English language teaching.

3.  University of Cambridge, UK

The University of Cambridge is the UK's second-oldest university. The institution was founded in the 13th century in Cambridge, England. It has enjoyed a friendly rivalry with Oxford University for decades, and since 1829, the two institutions have competed in an annual boat race. Cambridge University has also made major contributions to several fields. For example, Francis Crick earned his PhD at the university before receiving the Nobel Prize for finding the structure of DNA. Cambridge University, like the University of Oxford, operates on a collegiate system with 31 colleges. It continues to produce recognised research and contribute to scientific advances, literature, and the arts.

4.  University of Cologne, Germany

The University of Cologne, located in Germany, is considered one of the oldest universities in the world. Established in 1388, it is known for its academic excellence throughout the centuries. One of the leading universities in Europe, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and postdoctoral programmes across various disciplines like social sciences, natural sciences, and professional fields like law and economics. With its prestigious reputation and commitment to academics, the university attracts a lot of students across the globe.

5.  University of Glasgow, UK

The University of Glasgow, established in 1451, is one of the oldest universities in Scotland. With a prestigious reputation, academic excellence, and a wide range of programmes, it is one of the most renowned universities that attracts lakhs of students from all over the world.

6.  University of Strasbourg, France

The University of Strasbourg, located in France, can be considered one of the oldest universities in the world. Having been established in 1538, it has grown to be one of the most renowned educational institutions in the world. The University of Strasbourg offers a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, sciences, law, medicine, and more. With a mix of modern and traditional teaching methods, it makes it a prestige destination for students from all over the world.

7.  University of St. Andrews, UK

The University of St. Andrews, established in 1413, has a rich and renowned academic heritage in fields like theology, philosophy, and the sciences. The university attracts a lot of international students from all over the world.

 

8.  University of Padua, Italy

The University of Padua was founded in 1222 in Padua, Italy, and is now regarded as a premier institution for medical education due to its significant role in developing scientific knowledge throughout the Renaissance. The university is highly prestigious, and it has numerous relationships with other institutions throughout the world to facilitate student exchange programmes. Founded when a significant group of students left the institution of Bologna to pursue academic liberty for all—a statement that still serves as their motto today—the institution is dedicated to innovation and interdisciplinary study.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in UK, Study in USA, Study in Canada, Study in Australia, Study in New-Zealand, Study in Singapore, Study in Ireland and many other countries.