

Hessa Alasousi
Boston, MA
Navigating the Journey

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, offering many opportunities for personal
growth and academic enrichment. However, there are many challenges that face students and
adjustments that they must navigate through when starting their journey. I; myself; as a first year
graduate student faced some of those challenges. I will share some of these adjustment
challenges and try to provide some insights on how to successfully navigate them through this
new transition:
1. Cultural Shock: Embracing the Unknown
This is one of the first and most significant challenges for students. Moving to a new country
comes with new encounters such as unfamiliar customs, language, culture and social norms. To
overcome this cultural shock, try to approach it with an open mind and willingness to learn.
Engage in college activities, make friends from different countries and explore the area around
you.
2. Academic Expectations: Adapting to New Learning Styles
Academic adjustment is another important aspect of the studying abroad experience. Studying
in the U.S. is a very different learning experience. Adapting to new teaching methods,
coursework requirements, and assessment practices that can be very different from Kuwait’s
education system can be a challenge and specifically during your first semester. One way to
overcome those difficulties is to make yourself familiar with those systems by asking your
professors questions, attending study and writing skills workshops at your college, and
engaging with your classmates in discussions and study groups.
3. Homesickness: Finding Comfort in Community
Homesickness is a very common experience among international students. Being far away from
home, family and friends can evoke feelings of loneliness. To overcome homesickness, try to
communicate and reach out to your family and friends back home regularly. Also participate in
activities that bring you comfort and remind you of home. In addition, try to create a space which
reminds you and makes you feel like home. You can also try to blend in more in the community
you are in by engaging in new activities and routines, this can help you have a sense of
belonging.
To conclude, my advice to you is to enjoy this journey and get the best out of it. This is a
lifetime opportunity that will make you more resilient and help you in self-discovery and personal
growth.