Eons ago access to higher education was a privilege of a few in the society. In today’s world, the tables have turned and this is no longer the case. This is brought about by the accelerated economic growth and a growing middle class in most countries, who can now afford to send their kids abroad for studies. The need also for skilled manpower to support the world’s Emerging Economies is greater than ever before. This has necessitated the need for world class education offered in the developed nations of Europe and America. With the world prestigious institutions of learning in these countries, the number of students aspiring to enroll in these institutions is also high. However, there are various challenges encountered in studying and living abroad which are far and wide. Furthermore, majority of individuals do not live to see their dreams came to reality.
Visa Requirements
Many countries want individuals in acquiring a student visa for them to study within their borders. This is the first huddle to pursuing studies abroad. This challenge has further been complicated by the September 2001 World Trade Centre Terrorist attack. Sen. Dianne Feinstein proposed a six-month moratorium on foreign student visas for further scrutiny as a response to the terrorist threat (Peterson and Trounson, 2001). This has forced countries to review the procedures for acquiring and renewal of student visas. Students’ decision on choice of study destination is based on the visa requirements. Countries with favorable visa requirements are preferred over those with stringent requirements. According to Peterson and Trounson (2001), increased scrutiny of foreign students to prevent further terrorist attack has increased. The scrutiny is also a hurdle to students renewing their visas. Although, from a security standpoint, this is justified, foreign students feel alienated and that the extra scrutiny infringes on their privacy (Peterson & Trounson, 2001).
Different Food and Customs
The craving for familiar foods is one challenge most students face while studying abroad (Stahl, 2012). Growing up accustomed to certain dishes is taken for granted by many; the switching to non familiar culinary becomes is a challenge. Stahl (2012) asserted that food is part of ones culture and therefore the lack of it infers missing a part of one. Though they adjust gradually, even with time the craving still lingers. Students choose to study in countries with familiar and almost similar food and customs, influencing their study destination. Students will also opt to study in institutions where there are fellow countrymen/women studying. The support offered by old them creates an appropriate environment for new students. The congregation of familiar individuals with similar customs and food preference becomes a thing to look forward. According to Stahl (2012), Asian students congregate to cook and share their culture. The culture shock surprises many who find different foods that they do not consume back home, and also different ways of interaction and entertainment.
Travel Challenges
The world oil prices fluctuate often in response to the political climate in oil producing countries. So far in 2011 airlines have raised rates six times, compared with just three increases last year, partly to keep pace with rising oil (Higgins, 2011). This increased cost of fuel to airlines is a dilemma to travellers. With fuel cost being a key determinant factor of the price of flight tickets, airlines adjust their prices frequently to reflect this (Higgins, 2011). The security threat posed by terrorist to airplanes has also had a profound impact on the cost of travelling. As a result, insurance premiums for airlines have increased, and have necessitated the purchase of extra security gadgets at leading airports pushing prices further upwards. The implication of this is that many students abroad reduce their frequency of travelling. The flight cost negates the need for travelling home during study breaks. Students are forced to stay for the whole duration of their studies without travelling home. The influence on travel cost is also factored in choice of study destination. Most students will opt for study destinations nearer home, as opposed to far off countries. In case of an emergency and the need for travelling home arises, the cost of travelling becomes affordable to them.
The connection of flights which can be a new experience to some is challenging and cumbersome. Hence, to avoid this hustle, some students will opt not to travel home and also chose study destinations with a direct flight.
Conclusion
Though necessitated by the increased security threat, acquiring visa and renewal requirements is a challenge to many and influences their choice of study destination. Another challenge is the culinary selection available. Although it may seem negligible to some, it impacts heavily on the life of students studying abroad. Finally, the cost of travelling poses a challenge to students due to financial constraints and the hustle that it involves. The implication of the three issues discussed, and their direct bearing on the decision to study abroad for students cannot be taken for granted. Hence, students should familiarize themselves with all issues affect studies abroad for proper decision making, and to facilitate their confortable stay and studies.
References
Higgins, Michelle (2011). Plane Tickets: Buy Early or Wait.
Viewed on 8th November, 2012 Available at:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/travel/27prac-fares.html?_r=0
Peterson, Jonathan and Trounson, Rebecca (2001). Foreign Students Scrutinized
Viewed on 8th November, 2012 Available at:
http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/29/news/mn-51262/2
Stahl, Jessica (2012). Why Do International Students Crave Food From Home?
Viewed on 8th November, 2012 Available at:
http://blogs.voanews.com/student-union/2012/11/01/why-do-international-students-crave-food-from-home/
