Student problems | Kangaruni For International Students who study in Australia

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Student problems

Life international student not always easy!

Like many things in life, being an international student has its ups and downs. Moving to another country and starting a new study adventure in an unfamiliar culture and language, is sometimes tough. You may find `the way people do things` in Australia very different from what you are used to in your home country Some international students struggle to adapt. Australian schools and universities offer all kind of help to solve these problems and Kangaruni.com is dedicated to help you have a great study adventure down under.

A Chinese student, Raymond, left his corporate job in Shanghai deciding that his children deserved a better future than he could offer them in China. He travelled down under with his wife and started his Master’s Degree in Melbourne. They had to leave their 2 year old son behind with friends, knowing that they would not be able to see him for a long time. Luckily Skype provides a video window through which he was able to see his child. After arrival he was brought to a tiny studio unit, not much bigger than a closet. The first week in Australia was extremely hard, not speaking the language and having to build up a new life. He knew nobody. Now, after 1.5 years, he feels more at home and is enjoying his new life in Australia.

What kind of problems may cross your path?

Problems with study

The Australia’s style of education, because it’s quite different compared with their home country. Perhaps taking a foundation course can help with familiarising yourself to the teaching style. Australia is experienced in taking international students and universities create good support services for students. So why not visit your student assistance centre in your university to help you adjust with the changes succeed in your study. (see study help)

Problems with English

Because English is a second language to most of you, many find it hard to follow lectures or conversation in class because people talk so fast and it’s a bit hard to understand the Australian accent and slangs. Well, this one requires some getting used to hearing people talk in an Australian accent. It may help to listen to people’s conversations in public places (for the purpose of getting used to the accent of course, not eavesdropping) or watch local tv channels for the news, or tv series so you can pick up the Australian slang as well. (see language link).

Problems with feeling lonely, isolated and not accepted

In many cultures drinking is not a social pastime as it is in Australia. Because most international students do not go to the pub every second night of the week you may feel left out. You may have problems sharing the `unisex` bathrooms, the Aussie meals with heavy breakfast and lot’s of coffee, the loud music of the neighbours. You may not understand the individual mentality of Australians highlighted in `the silence of the suburbs` where you don’t meet your neighbour and nobody ever seems to walk the streets. It all makes it hard to get to know anybody. Sharing these experiences in clubs and social networks like `My Kangaruni` can help understanding these difficulties. You may meet new friends which will make you feel more `at home`.

Problems with feeling homesick

Not feeling at home will make you feel `Homesick`. It is a very common feeling among international students. Don’t let it take over your life but do something about it. See tips section for how to deal with homesickness.

Problems with expectations, a mounting pressure to achieve

A lot of international students are well aware of their parents back home working day and night to be able to pay for their daughter’s or son’s education. They feel the immense pressure to achieve and if results are not instantly above average, than panic can cause stress, leading to less sleep, more fatigue, less concentration and ending up in even worse results. This chain reaction is hard to stop once it is rolling. So make sure to recognise this negative cycle and do something about it before it is too late. Seek help (tuition) from other students and lecturers. Discuss the problems in MyKangaruni or `Ask Others` in our forum.

If possible, explain your parents about how much you study and how difficult the first year is for most International students. Understand that you are constantly out of your comfort zone. In sport terms: playing an away match and mainly on the defence. Not many sports team would ever win a championship under those conditions. So seek coaching and improve your study/English skills. You will slowly start feeling more at home in your course, more comfortable at the `playing field`. It will make you feel more relaxed playing `the study-game`. You may even feel like you are playing more `home games, with the support og coaches and the crowds (other students)`. If that is the case, you may start to feel comfortable about being on the attacking site, actively and assertively discussing issues and bringing up solutions to problems in class. That is when games are being won and you will notice that your study results will improve dramatically.

Financial problems

Living costs in Australia are often much higher than at home. There you may be able to walk across the road to have a cheap meal or fill up your car for a few dollars. In Australia a healthy home cooked meal can cost you over ten dollar, while cheap restaurants can charge anything between 10 and 40 dollars. Using public transport is 2 to 3 dollar each time you travel while filling up your car at $1.60 a litre can quickly reach up to $100.- or more. Even with a working permit, you can only work 20 hours a week, often against low payment (10-15 dollar an hour) and sometimes exploited. Again the solution is in `sharing in numbers`. Read our `tips for living on a budget` and share living cost, renting cost, travel cost etc. Use our discounts at Kanga discounts and make sure to buy at the right places like Kanga market. Look at Kanga Jobs for a job that pays better, leveraging better your talents and skills.

Don’t be afraid to look for help at your University

Your university is constantly upgrading their services for international students. Don’t be afraid to ask what student support services can do for you. Here are some general areas in which most Unis offer help: