International Students

Welcome to UNE, and to Australia! We are so pleased and lucky to have you here.

Studying in a new country can be exciting and rewarding, and you may have been anticipating this for some time.Map of World on a chalk board with hand guiding a toy airplane in top left hand corner

However, it is also quite common to experience challenges and feel overwhelmed at times. Some challenges for you may include:

  • language barriers
  • making new friends
  • a difference in educational expectations
  • financial hardship
  • getting a new job
  • homesickness
  • culture shock

Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced when you are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

As a result, you may feel emotions such as sadness, loneliness, fear, tiredness and confusion. At other times, you may feel hopeful, pleased, excited, independent and confident. It is normal and to be expected that your levels of excitement and frustration fluctuate, but eventually, with time and some strategies (see below), you will find ways to help you adapt (hopefully) in the way that works best for you!

What strategies can assist me?

Look after yourself, physically
  • Give yourself time to get over jet lag – which may take several weeks. Ensuring you get enough sleep once you work out a routine for yourself will help. You may find you need more sleep than usual initially.
  • Keep your body well-nourished with healthy foods and plenty of water. Establishing a grocery shopping and cooking routine will also take time.
  • Keep active. Physical movement such as planned exercise or regular walking is important for physical as well as psychological wellbeing.
  • Be mindful of drug and alcohol use. Being outside your normal environment may put you more at risk. Using drugs and alcohol as coping strategies can put you at greater risk of psychological and physical harm.
Adjusting to your new environment
  • Allow yourself time to become acquainted with different aspects of your environment. While people in Australia come from a diverse range of backgrounds and are generally easy going and friendly, it will take some time to find the place and people you feel most comfortable with.
  • Create an enjoyable living environment. Even on a low budget, little things to personalise your space, such as a plant or a lamp from a grocery store can enhance familiarity, comfort and your ability to feel more settled, sooner.
Connection
  • Try to connect with people. Interacting with local students will help your language skills and improve your knowledge of various cultural aspects of Australia. If you meet someone in your classes or activities who you think you’d like to connect with again, be sure to exchange details such as phone numbers or social media names. Don’t just leave it to chance!
  • Consider finding somewhere or something going on locally to discover with classmates, friends or family
  • Getting involved in everyday-life to increase your confidence and sense of belonging. Consider joining a UNE Club or Society that might interest you or join a Sports Club!
  • Keep connected with close family and/or friends back home, including sending photos. Updating them regularly can help you process changes and possibly even problem solve. Make sure to let them know if you’re needing a sounding board or advice. Ask people who supported your decision to move abroad to remind you why it’s worthwhile.
Psychological Strategies
  • Cultivate psychological flexibility by seeing that there are multiple ways to see things, and to be in the world. It may help to remember the saying, ‘growth starts at the end of our comfort zone.
  • Avoid isolating yourself. Anxiety feeds off limiting participating as it thinks it’s aim is to keep you safe. Making small, but regular challenges will help keep anxiety at bay.
  • Play your favourite music or watch uplifting and humorous films will help keep your spirits high.
  • Journal your experiences and write down encouraging mantras for the week to help you get through each week.
  • Seek support from professional services such as the free counselling service at the university. Seeking psychological support to improve your wellbeing is considered a strength in Australia and highly encouraged to ensure the maximum benefit of your international study with us.

Where can I go for support?

UNE International Students

Discover Study in Australia

English Language Centre

UNE Academic Skills Office