Introduction:
Australia is known as a pool of education and knowledge for international students planning to come to Australia. If you are reading this blog, then you might be one of them. The purpose of this blog is just to highlight the challenges you could face in Australia with some tips and solutions. There are a lot of unforeseen challenges when you are moving to a whole new country for education.
The problems that are faced by the majority of the students usually range from migration to placement challenges. If you have successfully cleared the migration process then high five to you but you must know that the challenges don't end here. Your course of education added to the initial years of your employment will be a roller coaster ride which you will never forget.
Read the complete blog to get an idea of what to expect while moving to Australia. This blog also contains solutions for the given challenges. Although the challenges you are expected to face might not be too intense, most of the challenges are related to academia and placements which can be sorted by the help of your professor, peers, and us. But preparing yourself before time must be a good move to begin your journey.
Migration:
While coming to Australia as an International Student, the course you are enrolled on must registered by CRCOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). This makes you eligible to apply for a student visa. There are two major visas for students, a subclass 500 visa which is valid for 5 years, and a subclass 407 visa which is valid for 2 years. The subclass 407 visa is also called the 407 Training Visa. There is a key point to remember you are not allowed to participate in full-time employment under the student visa. You also have to keep a check on student visa expiry and renew your visa in time.
Accommodation:
Finding accommodation is the next big hurdle in the process. It is advised to go for an accommodation that is in the vicinity of your college or university. Here one of the best solutions for international students is the university or college dormitories. These dormitories allow students to stay on campus while saving a huge chunk of the amount that goes into travel expenses. However, getting a dorm at the start of your academic session is not very easy, as there are many requirements to be fulfilled. Plus there are a number of students who are currently on the waiting list for the dorm allocation.
Travel:
The major hurdle is the allocation of the dorms, as there are many other students in the pipeline. Moreover, if you go for accommodation near your university or college there can be a big dent in your pockets. However, to overcome this issue it is best to find a travelling route and get familiar with the city before time. Look for public transport routes, and choose a location that aligns with your local route to the university, You can save a lot of money, as the rates of accommodation are much lower as they are out of the university vicinity.
Settling into a New Education System:
The toughest part while travelling to a different country for education is to settle in their education and academic setup. Many students struggle when they see a complete change of horizon because adopting a new education environment from what you are used to before is very challenging. International students in Australia may face academic pressure due to rigorous academic standards and expectations. The education system is highly competitive in Australia as compared to other countries. Moreover, the cultural differences coupled with the language barrier can also increase your stress and pressure to perform well in your day-to-day tasks.
Language Barrier:
Many international students face language barrier issues because knowing a language and talking to a local is different, Every region has its own way of communicating and it can take a little while to get comfortable with that. The fear can only be eliminated by practising talking more and communicating with people even if your knowledge barrier is limited.
Socialising and Networking:
While reading the heading, many of you would have thought, do people actually face this problem? Yes, indeed, it is something very major that cannot be put on the sidelines. Many international students face these issues, many countries have their own norms, cultures, different frames of mind, and languages. So to be comfortable in a new environment it is advised to join clubs and societies in your college or university. The more social you try to get, the more confidence will boost inside you.
Financial Issues:
There are a number of expenses when it comes to living on your own as a student. Academic fees, academic material expenses (books, stationery, notes), living expenses (accommodation), Utility Bills, Lifestyle expenses, and much more. Students have to bear these expenses and at the same time keep their stomachs filled, This can get tough for individuals who move to a different country and have not worked anywhere before, You should get a part-time job to meet your financial requirements, but always keep in mind to follow all the rules and regulation while working as an international student.
Social Prejudice:
In university or college, you will meet many people of your age, and most of them would be nice regardless of the social and cultural differences, But there are reported cases where students have faced social prejudice due to their financial situation or cultural background. Students from all over the world are gathered there, with different mindsets and norms.
Culture Shock:
Yes, it is a thing even in 2024, The social norms and cultural differences may take some time some time for students to settle. Be liberal and open yourself to different experiences, and be acceptable and respectful of people’s choices, even if they are not the norms in your region.
Placement/Employment Issues:
You might face issues in the later stages of your degree or course. It is where SkilTrak comes in handy. We are an employment and placement company based in Australia, so this challenge should not seem to be a challenge anymore. Being an international student comes with adventure and many other experiences. But that should not be a reason for you to avoid this opportunity of making your place in a foreign land.
Conclusion:
So while wrapping up with the blog let's just quickly go through the important tips from the above. The educational journey in Australia entails confronting various challenges, ranging from migration and accommodation hurdles to adapting to a new education system and overcoming language barriers. While these obstacles may seem hard, proactive measures such as familiarising oneself with visa regulations, exploring accommodation options early, and actively engaging in social and academic networks can greatly alleviate the transition process. Additionally, seeking employment opportunities through platforms like SkilTrak can provide invaluable support in navigating the complexities of the Australian job market. Despite the inevitable culture shock and occasional instances of social prejudice, embracing the diversity and opportunities offered by studying abroad can ultimately lead to personal growth and professional development. Remember, while challenges may arise, they also present opportunities for learning and resilience-building, enriching the overall experience of pursuing education in a foreign land.
