Long time no see! Hope you are all doing fine. Welcome to December, the very last month of the year and it is only that time of the year. Isn't it exciting? Well, it is supposed to be. It is the mid of December and Christmas is in two weeks followed by New Year in three. Well, I will talk about the month and all in my later blogs.
Let me share some thoughts which are challenges faced by an international student. Or being an international student, the challenges I face both in campus and likewise. Now this isn't something to have utmost worry but however shouldn't be neglected by any chance. So here are some challenges I face.
We believe that whichever part of the world we go, there would be at least one Indian, or to be more precise, a Malayali. But I was certain that there wouldn't be a Malayali in the course I am pursuing but hoped for an Indian but it turns out that I am the only Indian in my class, or should I say, the only Asian; the only brown guy. Rest all are whites and three are blacks. It was overwhelming for me but later I adhered to it. And believe it or not, I am the only Indian in my campus. The University has two campuses where the main campus comprises of technology, computer, psychology and so on and the other campus is mainly sports and education; the campus I am at. Indians abroad would pursue something like a management or a technology course so it shouldn't be a surprise. Even if I was little grumpy about my campus at first, I like it as it is much more peaceful than the other which is always busy and loud but here I can do my work peacefully. I am also glad I am surrounded by foreigners as that is the only time I feel I am abroad.
2. The fast and soft accent
Well, I don't have this problem too often because it depends on the individual. I have no problem with the language it is only the way it is said. I can understand what my classmates are saying but sometimes some of them can be too soft that I have to lean forward to hear. Other times, it is quite fast that I have missed out quite some in between. Never really came across any thick British accent and I wanted that. So the fast and soft accent not always, but it is there and I am working on it.
3. Addressing professors
Back in India or the Middle East, we used to call our teachers by Ma'am or Sir. But here, they prefer being called by their first name and not Mr or Ms ‘Their Last Name’ or even professor. Initially I found it little weird and I used to call them Sir and Ma'am in the beginning like when writing mails I was way too formal saying ‘Respected Sir/Ma’am'. I don't call them when I wanted to ask or say something, I just state the matter but now I have slowly started calling them by their names just like others in the class. At least my professors, I call them by their names. Rest all, Sir and Ma'am it is.
4. The weather
I came to the UK during autumn and it wasn't cold enough but you still needed a jumper and that was fine. But as the weather changed, you needed to cover up a lot more and even wear three-four layers of clothing. You think you can deal with the cold weather by wearing only a jacket. But you can't. You can't step out in the cold weather without fully covering including your head, neck, hands. Too early to talk summer as I haven't experienced it yet but yes, that is also another thing to be dealt with in the future.
5. Paper instead of water
This is something I never can get used to but have got to. I didn't realise till I came here in the UK when there was no bathroom hose to use while doing it and when I asked at home, I was told about the toilet paper and my eyes rolled in shock. Luckily, at my uncle's house, there was a mug and the sink is right next to the closet so it wasn't a worry. Well, as long as you are staying at his place, it is fine. How about when you move out? I am still working on it. I am sure the uncles and aunties who came in early 2000's don't use toilet paper but have bucket and mug for water while their kids you paper. Yeah, too much of potty talk. But yes, I don't have emergencies while outside, if you know what I am talking about.
Well, that's all for now. These are the main ones I can think of for now. I am sure there are quite some. So if you are an international student, and if you think there are other challenges, let me know in comments below. Thank you so much for reading. I will see you in the next one.
