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Studying abroad is a dream come true for many students- the idea to roam freely, meet new people, immerse in the country’s culture and expand career opportunities sound all too exciting. However, studying abroad is an adjustment. With packed feelings of excitement and adventure, international students also unpack various other challenges that make them feel unstable. With challenges such as cultural shock and homesickness, the language barrier becomes prominent. This erupts a volcano of uncomfortable feelings that hampers their confidence and leaves them feeling isolated. From unfamiliar academic environments to attempting to fit in culturally, language barriers negatively impact the student’s experience of living abroad.

In this blog, let us look at the prominent language barrier challenges faced by many international students, highlight a few practical tips on how to overcome language barrier and how students can turn overcoming language barrier into a fun learning experience.

What Defines as a Language Barrier?

A language barrier is a verbal limitation that occurs when two people are not familiar with each other’s language, preventing them from having a conversation .

Similar to homesickness, the language barrier is a challenge that students can overcome with time and effort. With a consistent dedication to learning, students can make significant progress and make their study abroad experience more fulfilling.

The most popular host countries for international students are Australia, the UK, the USA, Switzerland and Austria. While most of these countries predominantly speak English, a significant portion of international students come from Asian and European countries like Japan, India, China, Germany, and South Korea, where English is not the primary language. About 68% of these international students face language barriers in the host country.

Common Types Of Language Barriers

Studying abroad comes with its fair share of challenges and here are some of the most common types of language barrier challenges international students face while studying abroad:-

Language Proficiency: Language proficiency barriers happen when students cannot communicate or understand the nuances of the native language well enough to hold conversations.

Academic Barrier: An academic language barrier occurs when students are unable to understand lectures or write assignments, making their entire learning process difficult.

Cultural Barrier: A cultural language barrier occurs when students have difficulty picking up the host country's social cues, idioms and expressions that hold them back from engaging in conversations.

Language Barrier Challenges Students Face While Studying Abroad

Granted, English is now a well-spoken language in many countries. However, language barriers extend to non-English speaking students as well as English-speaking students studying in European countries. These are some language barrier challenges students studying abroad face:-

Miscommunication

International students struggle with basic conversations due to language barriers. Even simple tasks like ordering coffee or asking for direction can feel daunting because of their limited vocabulary and difficulty translating messages they receive from the locals.

Accents and Slangs

Besides overcoming cultural shock, regional slang and accents can pose another challenge as students are unfamiliar with the region's idioms, slang and other cultural norms. This leaves students feeling excluded.

Limited Social Interactions

International students are unable to hold conversation with their peers and roommates immediately.They fear that they may be misunderstood which in turn discourages them from having conversations with peers and professors.

Challenges in Academic Settings

An international student studying in Paris may understand basic French but struggle with keeping up with a lecture delivered in French. First, they struggle to understand each word, and next, they are reluctant to participate in academic activities.

These challenges highlight the difficulties of communicating in a language that is not
the student's primary language, which can leave them feeling confused and isolated in a foreign country.

Practical Ways Students Can Overcome Language Barriers While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is undoubtedly a life-altering experience, with both tribulations and opportunities thrown the student’s way. International students should take challenges like overcoming cultural shock, battling homesickness or dealing with language barriers, as part of their personal growth and character development in stride. These language barrier challenges are not insuperable because many students have found ways to overcome them and enjoy their time studying abroad. Here are some of those language barrier solutions:-

practical ways students can overcome language barriers while studying aboard

Learn the Basics Before Coming

One of the most practical language barrier solutions you can do to overcome language barrier is to learn a few basic vocabulary words and greetings of the country you are going to study in. Learning a few expressions and practising them aloud daily, will help you learn the language eventually.

Practice Makes Man Perfect

Language proficiency is achieved when you keep on practicing the language until you can translate and hold conversations well. Making mistakes during the process is expected, so don't undervalue your efforts. The more mistakes you make, the better you will improve your language skills.

Make Friends and Engage With Locals

Since you are in a foreign country, with little to no friends, it can be challenging to communicate. But one of the best ways to learn the language is to make friends or engage with locals who will help you overcome language barriers. They will slowly teach you and fill you in on their cultures, and you'll get accustomed to their natural dialect. Not only are they helping you learn their language, but you are allowing them to learn your language too.

Use Technology and Language Apps

We are living in a modern world with so many language technologies at our disposal. Language learning apps like apps like Duolingo, Babbel, Drops, and Mondly are great tools for learning languages on the go. Moreover, there are translation apps that give a sense of direction when you initially land in a new country. If you practise daily on these apps, you will increase your vocabulary and confidence and be proficient enough to talk to the locals fluently in no time.

Enroll in Language Classes

Taking classes to learn the language can be overwhelming. To be frank, learning an entirely new language is not easy, and amidst the transition, it might be even more difficult. However, it will give you a solid grasp of the language proficiency, and you'll improve from the constant feedback given by a mentor.

With most of these language barrier solutions, students can get a chance to overcome language barriers and communicate better with locals and peers.

Lost In Translation? Turn Language Barrier Into A Fun Learning Experience

In Rush Hour 3, the scene where Chris Tucker and the Chinese man playfully go back and forth with their names where they say, “Who are you?" “I am yu!” “No, not me, you!” “Yes I'm yu." This is a perfect example of how students can have fun while learning a new language. Over time, you'll not only improve your language but also look back and laugh at the fun, playful moments that helped you learn that language. Overcoming language barriers can be achieved in a natural and less stressful manner.

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The Way to Fluency, a Slow Process

Studying abroad is a terrifying yet liberating experience. With unforeseen challenges- the language barrier is one of them; students can overcome them and build resilience and adaptability over time. On the bright side, you’ll grow personally which will serve you well in the future. By involving and mingling with the locals, learning the local culture and practicing their language every day, you'll see an improvement in your language skills and fluency and eventually you will gain confidence. Just like flowers who need time to bloom, so can you overcome language barriers and be fluent as a pro.

            
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FAQs

How can I prepare for language barrier challenges before arriving in a new country?

You should start by learning common phrases like ‘Goodmorning’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘where is’ and ‘what is where’. Learn and practice basic sentences so you don’t feel intimidated when you arrive.

Where can I take language courses to improve my fluency?

First, start by looking into language courses your university is offering for international students. Secondly, private classes can be taken for more personalized tutoring.

How can Assignment Global help with my English assignments?

Assignment Global has a team of experienced native writers familiar with academic and assignment writing expectations. Their assignments can serve as a guide for your own writing and help you improve your command of English over time.