MOVING countries and starting afresh is incredibly difficult. But adding getting used to a different academic is even more stressful. Transitioning from one educational system to another is no easy task, but it is doable. You’ll figure it out it just takes a little bit of adjusting. Here are my top 5 things to do to cope with the change:
1. Start on a clean slate.
You have to enter the new education system with a different mindset. Use the knowledge you’ve acquired in your home country as your foundation but know that this new system will form the building blocks to success. Allow the process of adjusting to happen gradually, don’t put pressure on yourself. You’ll get the hang of it.
2. Ask questions. Be that person.
This may seem very basic but extremely crucial. This is not the time to shy away from questions. I myself hate asking questions. Why? The spotlight is on you, while some may bask in it others try and shy away from it.
3. Voice your opinion, it matters.
As an international student, you’re a valuable asset to your peers and instructors. Your experience is different and you offer something that may not have been heard before. Also, the educational system (in my opinion) is built for discussion. Long gone is the idea that the instructor is the only important one. You and your fellow classmates are on the path of mastering what it is you are learning and are constantly engaging with the material. So, why not spread your knowledge, confusion and inquiring thoughts?
4. Independent learning.
Independence is what you’ve always wished for, and now it is in full force. ‘Independent research’, ‘wider readings’ and ‘time management’ are words you’ve heard before. Well, listen and memorise them because the UK system is built on that premise. There is no such thing as spoon feeding (which is good) but you might be coming from a country where that type of reliability on material given to you by instructors is enough. It is not. You have to become comfortable with your research skills and your process of understanding and retaining material. This is extra difficult for international students because you know nobody and the surroundings are different. Buckle down and try to assimilate into the environment around you because it will make things difficult otherwise.
5. Call home. For sanity.
Complain to anyone who will care to listen about how different things are and why where you came from is much better – in all things. Do it at least twice (or once every month). You’ll need to because the road to success in a new country is not an easy one. The odds are stacked against you. But always remember why you came in the first place. Get that degree. Do it with a smile on your face, tears in your eyes, coffee on overload, new experiences documented on social media and finally with the words: ‘I just graduated with a degree from a UK university.’
