For you who dream of studying abroad, you're probably thinking it'll be an easy transition. From my personal experience, I can tell you that it is much fun, but certainly not easy. In fact, there are many challenges of studying abroad.
You may feel like an outsider. Regardless of what country you're going to, you may find yourself wondering why everyone's laughing when you don't realize someone has told a joke.
Actually everyone I've ever met while studying abroad has been very friendly. Though I may never become truly "one of them", finally this problem becomes smaller and smaller.
You have to overcome the language barrier. Even if you're studying in a country where you speak the same language, there're still strong local accents and slang phrases (俚语) to clear.
However, the language barrier problem also goes away pretty quickly.
When something seems to go against you in a foreign country, you can really feel on your own. Your family and friends will be hundreds or even thousands of miles away. This challenge is likely to be felt most especially true in the first few months. But then, you'll make new friends and after a year or so, everything will be OK!
There're cultural misunderstandings for you to deal with. As a foreigner, you don't know the local culture. Don't worry; you can avoid cultural misunderstandings by observing what others do and how they do it. If there's any doubt, just ask! You'll find most people are happy to talk about their customs.
A. Don't let this discourage you.
B. You're far from your support network.
C. You'll make mistakes, and many may be embarrassing.
D. Living abroad is wonderful when everything is going well.
E. So the words students use are going to be difficult to learn.
F. You should know that you can work out the problem by yourself.
G. Here are some of them that you need to overcome for your further study.
