Understanding the cause and how to deal with stress when in a new country
Adjusting to a new life abroad while managing academic and peer pressure, financial obligations, work responsibilities, and other factors can be a difficult task. You may occasionally experience feelings of burden, stress, and homesickness due to the significant differences between your existence in India and that of your new country. Embrace the fact that it is normal to experience feelings of depression; it is a shared experience. Here are a few strategies that will assist you in managing tension effectively.
Common causes of stress for Indian students abroad
| S. No. | Cause | Description |
| 1 | Cultural shock | The majority of Indian pupils experience “culture shock” when they travel abroad due to the significant disparity between the culture and the manner in which events unfold within and outside of India. It can be somewhat distressing for them to manage independently, as they are mentally trained in a specific manner. |
| 2 | Homesickness | Relocating to an unfamiliar environment and being separated from one’s family and acquaintances can induce feelings of homesickness. This is a common occurrence; a significant number of students experience feelings of isolation, sadness, anxiety, or even demotivation during this phase. You may also experience a desire to return home or a sense of insecurity that you do not belong there. |
| 3 | Lack of confidence | The act of interacting with others, forming friendships, expressing one’s opinions, and so forth is also a source of hesitancy when one is in a new country |
| 4 | Academic commitments and work responsibilities | International students may encounter difficulties when confronted with unfamiliar academic environments, curricula, and study patterns. Additionally, students may experience significant tension as a result of their part-time employment obligations, which are necessary to satisfy their financial obligations. |
| 5 | The burden of fresh independence | Many students are burdened by the responsibility of managing a series of new responsibilities, including the management of domestic chores, the search for suitable housing and roommates, the payment of rent, and the negotiation of language barriers, all while balancing their academic pursuits. |
How to deal with stress?
1. Maintain a social presence in your host country
Establish a local support network or exchange accounts with other international students who have undergone comparable experiences. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to interact with numerous students from Malaysia and neighboring countries who are currently studying in and around your city. Utilize social networking platforms or applications to identify individuals in your area who have comparable interests or are members of international student organizations.
2. Contact personal support networks, family, and acquaintances.
Contact an individual who is both reliable and near to you. Opt for:
- Arranging Skype sessions with family or colleagues on a weekly or monthly basis
- Traveling and mailing postcards to one’s hometown
- Composing correspondence or communications
- For a period of time, switching off social media
- Joining student communities
- Maintaining an active timetable
- Introducing oneself to new individuals
- Be receptive to novel experiences.
- Engage in exploration and travel with new acquaintances.
3. Maintain a diet that is nutritious, engage in regular physical activity, and prioritize self-care.
Stress can also be precipitated by inadequate nutrition and inadequate slumber. Therefore, it is imperative to consume nutritious meals and maintain adequate sleep. Instead of frequently dining out or indulging in takeout, consider preparing your meals at home. Physical and mental health are both enhanced by exercise. Maintain your physical fitness by engaging in physical activities such as swimming, walking, or working out at the gym. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can also assist in maintaining a sense of tranquility and composure.
4. Get to know your new city
Attempt to familiarize yourself with your new environs and the current events in your host city. Familiarizing oneself will help one feel more connected and less like an outsider. Find out what your new neighborhood has to offer if you were involved in a club, church, or group in your previous location.
Conduct some research on the area in which you reside and identify a few locations that you should visit. These may include the city’s top coffee stores, the preferred locations of local street artists, or the various hiking trails. Make a list of these locations or activities and challenge yourself to visit or experience them all before you depart.
5. Get a pet
Research has demonstrated that spending time with a pet can have a substantial positive impact on one’s demeanor and reduce stress levels. The presence of a companion in one’s environment induces the release of hormones that promote happiness and maintain a positive outlook. If your university or landlord prohibits you from possessing one, you may visit domestic students who possess one.
6. Talk to others about how you’re feeling
There is no stigma associated with experiencing homesickness. Just about everyone experiences it. If you require further assistance in managing your tension, consult with a professional. A variety of organizations and individuals offer assistance to individuals who are grappling with mental health issues. You may also contact the student support center at your university, which frequently employs specialists such as counselors and advisers who can assist you in stress management.
7. Vent and express your feelings
Start maintaining a journal and vent your emotions if you are too bashful to share them with anyone. You have the option to convey yourself through the creation of poems, stories, or even the practice of creative art forms such as painting.
We recognize that relocating to a new city abroad may present a novel challenge for you; however, it is the most effective decision you will ever make. These minor pebbles that obstruct your path are what will fortify you. We are available to provide assistance in any way possible if you are considering pursuing your higher education abroad. Our international education experts at Liveabroad are available to assist you throughout the entire process.