Once you’ve aced your IELTS, secured your visa and booked those flight tickets, there’s nothing to stop you from flying abroad for higher education. In fact, you will likely be on cloud nine during the first few days of landing on foreign land.

Well, not to burst your bubble, but being in a new environment while obtaining Abroad Study can disturb your mental peace because you:

• Don’t have familiar people around to rely on
• Don’t know how to navigate around language barriers
• Feel isolated from your peers due to different cultures

A 2018 study reveals that international students are more prone to mental distress and less likely to seek help from professionals. So, this blog explores 4 tried-and-tested tips to help students pursuing international education keep a check on their stress and anxiety.

Get Back on Track! 4 Ways to Beat Stress to the Curb

Based on 47 surveys administered on international students at South Texas University, 97% of students have admitted to struggling with mental health, stress and depression. So, don’t worry – you’re not alone in your struggles.

Here are 4 tips you can follow to freeze out the stress.

1. Prep yourself with pre-departure sessions

Pre-departure sessions are a MUST for any student going abroad to pursue education. These sessions cover the A to Z of essential knowledge every student should familiarise themselves with, including:

• Tips for adjusting to your new life
• Advice on getting over the culture shock
• Survival tips for peaceful dorm life

These suggestions can help you prepare for many new experiences.

2. Squeeze in uninterrupted language practice daily

Ten minutes of language prep a day keeps the language barrier away! If your international education journey begins in Germany, Japan, Paris or China, it's best to master the local language ASAP.

• Assign a specific time every day for language learning
• Listen to native conversations to practice speaking
• Take the help of language learning apps

Better communication can work wonders in making you feel at home and reducing stress.

3. Fake it until you make it

If you’re an introvert, going out of your way to expand your friends circle in a foreign land can be INTIMIDATING. However, the things you MUST NOT do during such times include:

• Avoid participating in social activities
• Ignoring anyone who speaks to you
• Spend your weekends holed up in your room

Even if you have to force yourself to get out of your comfort zone, focus on finding a group of friends to share your worries with.

4. Remember that you’re not alone (in a non-spooky way!)

If you feel emotionally and physically exhausted, it's crucial to remember that you're not alone.

If you don't have friends or relatives to confide your troubles to, it's best to seek help from professional counsellors. Don't let mental health stigmas stop you from getting the help you require.

In Reasons to Stay Alive, Matt Haig says, “Just when you feel you have no time to relax, know that this is the moment you most need to make time to relax.” Keeping these words (and the tips in the blog) in mind, remember not to let stress dictate your life.