Lessons from abroad: Skills to learn before leaving home

Studying or living abroad is an exciting adventure, but it comes with challenges that often catch newcomers off guard. 

Simple things like understanding the local language or managing finance in a different currency can be quite challenging. Learning about the local culture, community, and practical skills like driving can make settling in much easier.

Remember, the journey isn't just about crossing borders—it's about embarking on an entirely new way of living. From language barriers to cultural codes, there are lessons best learned before boarding the plane.

The basics of native language 

Anindita is currently pursuing her master's degree in Sweden. From signposts to product labels, she finds everything is written in Swedish. Even though translation apps are available, it is not always convenient and can be time-consuming.

She carries her phone everywhere since the only way out of the predicament is to translate every little thing, which is both irritating and time-consuming. 

"If I learnt a little Swedish beforehand, life could be easier. At least I would not have to use my phone every single time I go out," she said.

Learning from her experience, it is advisable that you gain some elementary working knowledge of the native language depending on the country you're going to.

Managing finance (in a different currency!)

Yasin Rahat, an undergraduate student living in Japan, believes that financial management is the most important skill. 

This can be a major challenge for students studying abroad. "With constraints on an already tight budget, managing rent, insurance payments, university fees, and part-time work are all crucial skills to master. Even adults often struggle to manage their finances, mostly because our curriculum does not seem to emphasise this skill, which is necessary no matter where you live," Rahat said.

Time management is another major challenge for Rahat. Knowing when to rest, when to work, and when to give yourself a break is a skill often underrated in our society. Since every minute counts, there is little room for slacking. For Rahat, staying away from his family while balancing classes, a part-time job, and managing his finances was initially a stressful period. But fortunately, he has now got the hang of it.

Knowing the land

Another important area of knowledge is understanding the city you are living in—its demographics, local food, existing Bengali community, and so on—which can open up new opportunities for you to explore.

Fahima Ahmed currently resides in Anaheim, California, with her husband and in-laws. Growing up as a woman in Bangladesh may have equipped her with skills, such as cooking, that students like Rahat often struggle with. 

The small Bengali community in California is also tight-knit, with functions and get-togethers being commonplace. However, she too recognises a missed opportunity. Working as an elementary school teacher, Fahima shared that she could have easily created a chance to earn more if she had learned the art of making sweets. She gained a new perspective, realising that at most community gatherings, certain families take on the role of caterers, and specific delicacies are essential to bring the taste of Bangladesh abroad.

From picnics to weddings, these highly skilled artisans—who excel in creating a variety of sweets—earn a handsome income by catering to the Bengali community's craving for a taste of their homeland.

Today, her busy schedule and the work she does as a teacher and a wife limit the possibility of self-learning on the internet. Her husband once did mention the respect the valued artisans get, however, the explicit benefit in creating a small business such as this could only be evident once Fahima got to witness it in action.

Learning to drive

Fahima also shared her discomfort while learning how to drive. She had wanted to acquire this skill in Bangladesh but decided against it, since in the US, they drive on the right-hand side. Her husband and she felt there was little point in adapting to a style that would inevitably change. 

However, she still believes it would have boosted her confidence. Additionally, the cost of hiring a driving instructor is fairly high, and she personally noted some bad actors who exploit the immigrant community through makeshift driving courses.

All in all, whether you're pursuing education abroad or planning to move permanently, having a clear understanding of your destination is essential. One must talk to people already living there, inquire about every nitty-gritty, and be well-versed with knowledge and facts—otherwise, certain hassles are bound to complicate your new journey.