I am looking at the **barriers faced by Pakistani students while studying in the UK, USA or anywhere in the world. **I would prefer to hear your ideas and experiences on this issue and if you are or were a pakistani studying abroad, it would be even more useful for the type of research I am undertaking.
I have brainstormed some areas but I need to hear the voice of real students - I would really appreciate any input from you guys.
The areas I have recognised so far are:
Finance
Coping with Cultural Differences
Segregation or discrmination on the basis of Race, Culture, Religion or Gender
Lack of Family/Friends support
Fear of rejection (result of low self-esteem)… ??? is it common or just my own assumption
Lack of study skills (am not too sure on this one as it varies due to many reasons)
Language barriers which could be further broken down into:
Re: Barriers/difficulties for Pakistani Students in the UK and USA
my 2p's worth. I'm a British Pakistani so know British culture better than Pakistan. Most Pak students dont know the culture. They will often hang around in their own group of other pakistanis = bad as not interacting with others. Wont understand the language outside acdemia to well. Worst of all men holding hands in public is a 'no no' looks like your queer.
Re: Barriers/difficulties for Pakistani Students in the UK and USA
I am pakistani student in U.S graduating in this may,i have been in U.K for 4 yrs..The problem is not culture or English lang. because these are not the tools to measure ppl ability in their respecting fields rather second is way of communication between ppl and the first one is your own identity(I think so).The problem we face here the difference between the pakistan education system and of here .....we memories the books there ..donot understand and when we come here ,face alots of problems because you have be sound in concepts of relating field which we lack (I know not every one but majority of us)
Re: Barriers/difficulties for Pakistani Students in the UK and USA
I do agree that in UK you are not made to learn blindly content other the odd mathermatical expression or formula. You are made to use the conecpt which is whats important as anyone can memorise pages but do you understand it?
We have a lot of S.Asia PG students. Most very clever but they wont understand the slang language becuase dont interact with those not fro Asia that much. Ultimatly they loose out as communication techniques would reall develop. We get a few intresting theoris, and different ways to solves problems.
The chinese are even more reserved. Some are very thick just here for the sake of it. From very rich families funding studies and not doing much. You get some who are not so privelaged and being the only sun/daughter their families spend their whole life saving up for education. They really study hard, robotic like. Usually solve problems complete prjects before we figure out what needs doing. Ther english normally let's them down on presentations and reports with non technical writing.
Re: Barriers/difficulties for Pakistani Students in the UK and USA
well yes. I'm at the school of informatics but cant say the same for other departments.
Men from Pakistan do like holding each others hands for some reason. I would have thought after a week they would have figures out it's seen as being a homosexual.
Re: Barriers/difficulties for Pakistani Students in the UK and USA
Some advice, don't speak urdu/punjabi openly in University. Speak English, otherwise you will be ostrachised and students won't hang out with you. University life is all about bravado, showing off and having the best time possible. Speaking a desi language looks 'paindoo' and many western born pakistanis will thus avoid you. I myself am guilty of this and whilst chatting to girls, totally ignored some pakistanis I knew.
Also make sure you know as much as possible about the instituion you are going to, in terms of foreign students. More pakistanis the better for you as it will be easier to settle down.
Re: Barriers/difficulties for Pakistani Students in the UK and USA
I think there’s also a lack of support from the local and typically well established Pakistani communities to help assimilate these students. There could be myriad reasons for established desis to not come forward and provide support/guidance to these students, none of which I believe have any merit.
For what its worth, both sides need to make an effort in reaching out to each other. I honestly believe that students shouldn’t be shy in organizing support/mentorship luncheons or dinners and asking the local community to contribute by sharing their knowledge and contacts. It would take initiative at the student level (MSA Chapters, PSA’s) but there usually always are few members in community who are more than willing to play the “big brother” role in helping students get settled in.
