What is one of the best ways to experience different cultures? Answers may differ, but arguably, studying overseas will immerse you in a life-changing cultural experience. As exciting as a new experience can be for international students, it can also be challenging for some students to adapt to new environments. With more than one million Indian students studying in different parts of the world, they must understand the cultural differences they will experience. Here we discuss some points to make things easier for international students.
Stop Comparing and Accept Changes
Coming across a new culture should be considered a part of the new curriculum we will study for our higher education. This will enable us to approach this phase with a positive mindset. It will take nearly three to six months to adjust and become comfortable in the new country. Here we should not get into comparing everything with our home country. Even though this is an instinct the sooner we control this habit the faster we adjust to the new country.
Search and read about the differences in the host country’s social norms, customs, and daily routines. Every country has its social etiquette and communication styles, and one should learn about them as much as possible. For example, direct eye contact in some Asian countries means confronting the person, but in Western countries, it is considered a sign of respect and attentiveness.
Learn the Academic Expectations of the Institution
As a student, you will spend a lot of time in your institution. Here, you will meet people from diverse backgrounds, including the academic staff. Adjusting to the new academic environment is a major part of your overall adaptation process. If you adjust yourself here, much of the problem will be sorted out. Here, we need to understand a few things as international students.
The assessment methods, classroom expectations, and dynamics in the new country will differ from what you experienced in the Indian education system. For example, in many overseas universities, there is more emphasis on group work and presentations rather than traditional exams. This is something students in India do not experience.
If you familiarise yourself with the institution’s policies, you will not feel out of place. Plus, this will prevent any unintentional violations. The best people to consult in this matter are your academic advisors or professors, who will be more than willing to guide you whenever needed. Remember one thing, it is better to come out and say you are ignorant than to make a mistake later on.
Make Meaningful Connections
Once you become comfortable in the academic environment, this feeling will also spread outside. Some of the students you will be studying with will accompany you outside. You can spread the comfort cocoon you developed in your institution to the local environment. Some points can be remembered here as well.
Make meaningful connections, if you can find a handful of people whose interests and thoughts align with you, then you strike a gold. While it may be easy to interact with people from your country you should challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. Engage with local students or those from other countries. Again, it is about being open-minded.
People of other cultures are as normal as you are. They carry the same human emotions, and appreciate love and affection, although their method of showing it differs. While it is good to stay with people of your own culture, you should also stay connected with others as well.
Staying Ignorant is Not a Wise Thing
When you meet new people from different cultures, you will encounter many things you may not understand. While some people are extroverts and ask questions plainly without considering other’s feelings, others may be too shy and remain in their uncomfortable zone. Both extremes are not healthy, and as an international student, you should maintain a balance between the two. Do not be too blunt in asking questions, but maintain politeness in your tone of voice.
For example, you are invited by a local friend for dinner, and the meal includes foods that you have not tried before. An offensive and rude response can be “Why do you eat this? It looks weird,” and a polite way of asking the same thing can be, “This dish is new to me! Can you tell me more about how it’s made?” Most problems or rather misunderstandings occur while speaking because every place has a way of speaking something or slang. This can be much different from the literal meaning taught in India. If you have doubts about something, it is better to ask the person to explain it more.
Staying Active in Social Groups
Here we are not talking about social media groups, while they have their place in our lives, but we are talking about clubs and organisations in the community. The presence of the Indian diaspora across the world presents a lot of familiar communities, such as temples. It is advised to be part of the social clubs in the local communities.
You can be a little creative or proactive by organising an event of your own, for example, an Indian cooking session wherein you can invite people from the local community. The sole purpose of organising such events will be to amalgamate yourself with everyone around you and make your new country your new home. Talk to immigration consultants in Chandigarh to know more.
Also Read: Strategies for Students to Settle in a Foreign Land
The Takeaway
Studying overseas can be a life-changing experience both academically and on a personal level. It is important to embrace the new environment with open arms and accept challenges. When you face such diversity with positivity, you will come out as a complete professional. The memories you create, the friendships you forge, and the resilience you build will shape you in ways you never imagined. And in the end, it’s not just about the knowledge you gain, but about how you grow as a person—stronger, wiser, and more compassionate, ready to take on the world with a heart full of gratitude.
