Isn’t that what we come abroad for? "The change"?
2. Communication
Another problem that I see most international students struggling here with is communication. Whether it be a language barrier, difficulty understanding an accent or being too shy to talk, communication in a new country can be difficult. The only solution I believe to such a problem is to open up to people. Even if you think that you are wrong or are too shy to start a conversation, try to go out and talk to people. That’s the only way you can start to understand them. People in New Zealand are very good human beings and they will respect the fact that you are trying. One should not be scared of making mistakes, it’s a good way to learn things.
3. Home-sickness
Home-sickness is another big challenge that you might have to face when coming to New Zealand, unless you already have family or friends here. As I came here alone, knowing absolutely no one, I faced this problem every day for the first month or so. This is a very natural and common feeling, but again you cannot sit at a place and wish for things to change. Make a habit of talking to your friends and family back home regularly, but try not to only talk to them. Go out and talk to people here in your new home; make friends, go hang out with some people, it’s not bad.
Make friends, go hang out with some people, it’s not bad.
4. Finances
Keeping up with your finances, be it earnings or savings, is another major thing to focus on. One of my very good friends here has a Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) so he receives money every month, but at the end of each month he is still in debt. Even if you have heaps of money in your accounts I would suggest keeping records of your wasteful expenditure and try to bring it down (that’s a lesson for life). Earnings are kind of tough in New Zealand. Getting a job might not be that difficult but keeping a hold of it could be. Keep looking for opportunities and never miss one. Everything that helps you earn money is important. However, if you can, it is definitely sensible to choose a job which gives you a better future over a job with better money.
These are the challenges that I think every international student probably faces here in New Zealand but there could be more. What do you think?
