Most international students have the ambition of wanting to better their education by exploring the world, learning about different cultures and ultimately getting the best form of education. Whether it be from the most predominant countries who are leaders in the educational experience or from other countries that are not as popular but have similar credibility in the education scene.
I personally had the inclination to study in the UK to experience a different environment with different schools of thought, cultural experiences and other aspects of life in order to broaden my perception of the world we are living in and experience diversity in its most unfiltered nature.
The exciting and enticing appeal towards studying in the UK seems to overshadow the overbearing expectations of living in the UK as well as being a part-time student with the government as well as the university keeping a close eye on you. Certain things are not talked about when it comes to schooling in the UK. Some universities have taken the initiative to tackle these issues that will be mentioned but some have fallen below the standard and have not addressed the alienation that some international students of different backgrounds may face.
CUTLTURE SHOCK
The first mentioned is the most common drawback international students may face. Although it has been handled appropriately as well as outstandingly by universities it should still be spoken about when international students are being advertised or persuaded to study in the UK.
Physical and emotional culture shock are both possible. It’s the difficulty that individuals could have when they relocate to live in a different nation from where they were born. There are a few signs such as depression or solitude, pain and discomfort, mood swings or despair, identity loss, and paranoid thoughts.
Knowing as much as you can about the UK before travelling to this country or having a friend from the UK may both be very helpful. Yet it’s still difficult to escape culture shock, especially for students from outside of Europe. Talking things out over the phone with a friend or member of your family is really useful, but if any of the symptoms mentioned above occur, you might need some further assistance from the expert. Some universities offer programs or events that could help with the transition into the new environment but these are not talked about or advertised enough.
PROBLEMS INTEGRATING
This can also come from culture shock. For those with different cultural or intellectual backgrounds, this is a typical issue. It’s challenging to adapt to a new culture. To avoid having to consider assimilating into a new culture, some students choose to live with members of their own cultural group. Some cities that are university centred tend to have accommodations that are very international student friendly but it is best to look these up before choosing which university or area to live in the UK.
Make an attempt, is the advice I provide. Join several student organisations to meet people. Every university has a fully working student union, and there are countless student groups where you may meet a lot of great people who share your interests.
Overall, don’t let these challenges frighten you. International students are supported and assisted by both the university and society. Sometimes all you need to do is give yourself a little push, and everything will start to go in a different way.
FINANCIAL SITUATIONS
Before coming to the UK, the UK government requires that you show proof of being able to financially support yourself and your studies in the UK. Although most international students do not struggle with this problem, it comes to the issue of whether all students would be able to keep this financial stability throughout the duration of their studies.
During situations like these, some students do not get enough support from the university or the government and tend to be alienated from their studies which ultimately leads to the government coming into play and questioning their immigration status. I have had a situation where I did not feel fully supported by the university when it came to financial difficulties. I felt like the university I attended had fallen short in terms of support as I was unable to access the university and was unable to get help to get back on my feet. This becomes harder when internationals then have to take up extra jobs to try and pay for fees. In addition to this, the difficulty also lies with the government keeping a limit on the number of hours a week that international students are allowed to work. In all honesty, it is not enough to keep a stable lifestyle as the fees that international students pay are either double or more than that of home students. Especially in addition to fees paid for immigration status and health insurance.
Unfortunately, there are no contingency plans in place due to the laws made by the UK government for immigrants studying in the UK. However, it is important to search extensively for methods that can be used to get back on your feet quickly as this break is very detrimental to your studies and could affect your overall results. For more support, you can look at the UKCISA website which supports international students during financial hardships.
UKCISA Website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/Fees-and-Money/Unexpected-financial-hardship
UCU STRIKES
In response to attacks on salary, pensions, and working conditions, workers at an additional 12 universities voted in favour of joining industrial action in ballots, according to UCU, which means that 68 institutions throughout the UK may take part in strikes this academic year.
University and College Union (UCU) has issued a warning that more strikes will happen this year, affecting an even greater number of institutions, as more universities, including Newcastle, Queen Mary, and Oxford Brookes, have voted to pursue industrial action. If the disputes cannot be resolved, more strikes will occur this year, according to the UCU.
How does this affect international students?
In addition to the difficulties caused by the epidemic, the UK university strikes would probably have an impact on many students’ education this academic year, including that of overseas students. This includes a switch to online education, which has led some students to claim they aren’t receiving what they paid for.
Also, many students were making rent payments on homes they didn’t occupy. This had led to payments that some international students, unfortunately, may not get refunds for. Although the UCU strikes are for a good cause. This has led some international students to question whether the benefits of studying in the UK that were advertised to them have fallen below standards. Some question whether paying the university so much money for their education than not receiving the education that was promised is truly worth the money paid. Especially considering that not much support is given to students who experience financial hardships who then have to pay for an education that they might not receive.
In conclusion, the advantages of getting a UK education seem to outweigh the drawbacks in terms of the opportunities provided. However, the drawbacks are still quite concerning and should be considered or given appropriate and effective solutions.