1.Lack of Research

Failing to gain detailed knowledge and a basic understanding of the Country, its laws, culture, and language can lead to numerous surprising shocks once students arrive. This persists because students travelling abroad do not conduct enough research for them to be well informed about all the unique niches their new nation possesses. This can be mitigated by consulting with counselling firms, emailing the university’s admissions office beforehand, contacting people who are or have already attended the institution, or thoroughly going through the guidelines for international students set out by the nation itself.

2.Lack of Financial Stability

Students often underestimate just how financially strenuous moving abroad to study truly is. Despite numerous scholarships and financial aid provisions, it still proves troublesome for international students to pay for initial accommodation, travel, commute, and other provisions (if they have a scholarship to help them later). Students hoping to study abroad should keep in mind the expenditure that comes with making that decision, and subsequently need to plan, keeping in mind their respective financial autonomy.

3.Inadequate Language Skills

One of the most common mistakes made by international students, especially by students in Pakistan, is that they fail to account for the language requirements of that nation. An English Language Proficiency test is required for most universities abroad, including but not limited to institutions in the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Proof of developed or adequate English speaking, listening, and writing is essential if students in Pakistan are looking to apply abroad. The most recognized English Language Proficiency tests are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

4.Visa Application Discrepancies

Commonly known as the most crucial factor for applying abroad, students often miscommunicate their VISA application requirements, document submissions, application deadlines, and VISA registration type. A mishap in registering for a VISA can prove detrimental to the venture of students looking to apply abroad, as any misconduct or discrepancy can lead to the breakdown of traveling abroad completely.

5.Reluctance to engage with local culture and residents.

By being resistant to a new culture and its people, international students are cocooning themselves into a secluded and desolate environment. This can make it difficult to function within a society that students from Pakistan do not know much about. Thus, when immigrating to a new place, it is imperative to establish healthy relationships with peers, locals, and neighbours.

6.Not preparing for unique learning experiences

Shifting from habitual and more familiar learning techniques to an entirely different spectrum of teaching and learning can prove to be one of the most troublesome ordeals when moving abroad to study. It takes quite a while before international students can grasp the different methods and purposed of the various unique curriculums, this can cause a very steep fall in the level of work produced by students that have come from different countries to study in comparison to residents and local who have already been accustomed to said teaching styles. To minimize these effects, it would be helpful to contact your professors, teaching assistants, or even classmates beforehand to get a head start on understanding the best way to tackle this challenge!

7.Inefficient Time Management

Managing time abroad can be extremely difficult when trying to keep up with stabilizing a social-professional balance. Poor time management can lead to missed deadlines, increased stress levels, and difficulty keeping up with coursework, leading to an overall decline in the progress being made at the university/college foreign students are attending. This, if not addressed, may result in having to repeat courses or even re-sit exams, increasing the financial burden as well.

8.Isolation

When moving to a new place, international students may isolate themselves due to feeling homesick or uncomfortable in their new environment. This is a negative effect as it stunts social and personal development, resulting in low levels of self-esteem and confidence that translate to less effective coursework/assignments.

9.Technological Dependence

In today’s day and age, the use of social media has tainted our need to have more in-person, physical interactions. When travelling abroad, it’s best we avoid an excessive use of our devices as it will most often than not lead to a lack of productivity, stunted social skills, and distraction. This takes away from the vibrant experience of getting to know a new place.

10.Ignoring Course Registration

It is vital that students are quick to register for their courses as early as possible. This ensures that they find space in the optional courses they are looking to start, as well as have a choice over the timings of the classes offered, along with the teacher they hope to study from. This helps students better manage their time, secure a spot for their courses, and allows them to study in a comfortable and tailored environment.