Lecturer: Dr. Sivakumar Alagumalai
Master of Educational Management
Flinders University, Bedford Park Adelaide, South Australia
Pre-departure @ Home Country
If you want to study abroad, don't forget to learn about the culture of the target country. Make sure that you know the climate, the cost of living, the values of the people, and some basics regulations like driving license, working permit, etc.
Having a contact person before departure will be very helpful. From this contact person you can ask for temporary accomodation, information about what to bring what not, what the university like, etc.
In a New Country
Always remember that you are representative of your country, your culture and your family. It is easy for other people to stereotype someone. So behave as good and mature as you can. Watch for the local people...how do they talk, how do they behave, how do they work, etc. Try to adopt and adapt with their life but remember you have your own value and culture.
In the University
Learn what are the facilities available, where, how, and who is the best person to contact. International office is the best place to know this. As an international student there are some facilities that support our existence and establishment.
Family and Their Difficulties
To bring our family in another country is a very interesting experience. But there are some difficulties that you need to be aware of. First, that it will cost you more especially for daily need. Second, when they are sick it will take your extra attention. Third, many times they find difficult to adapt to new environment. The best thing that you can do is that to have a good relation with your network of the people from the same country. Another thing that you can do is to discuss this with your supervisor, as well as with the counselor.
