Foundation Year Business Communication Assignment 1: Barriers Report

This report addresses the significant communication barriers faced by international students, particularly those studying in Australia. The report identifies key challenges such as language barriers, including difficulties with accents, vocabulary, and understanding, and cultural differences, including adapting to new customs and traditions. It also highlights academic barriers, such as differing teaching styles and project requirements, and financial barriers, like the high costs of tuition and living expenses. The report then explores strategies to resolve these issues, including technology usage like Google Translate, language exchange programs, scholarship opportunities, and educational loan options, to help students overcome these hurdles and succeed in their studies. The report is based on the assignment brief provided for a Business Communication module at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU).

Assignment-1 Preparing Brochure
Common Challenges and Barriers Faced by the Students Studying
Abroad
• Language Barriers- This is one of the most challenging barrier
faced by the students studying in Australia. In Australia, where English
is spoken as the first language, students from different countries find
very difficulties to communicate. Students also find very difficult to
clearly understand what they are saying. There are several phrases and
words which are used differently in different countries. Colleges also
take some standards exams like GMAT, IELTS which has to be cleared
by the students to get admissions in colleges. Matching the accent and
tone creates a big challenging task for students.
• Cultural Differences- Every country has their own culture
which they follow. Students find it difficult to adapt to those cultures
as they don't have any idea regarding the cultural practices followed.
Every Country has their own customs and traditions which they follow.
Adjusting to these culture barriers can become a big challenge for
students.
• Homesickness: Homesickness is a common problem for
students studying outside. It directly affects the students whenever
they feel bored and it’s tough to meet their family. Due to time
differences, students are not able to talk to their family which can
make them feel more homesick.
• Academic Barriers: Every country has different patterns
which they follow during studying. Their teaching patterns, project
requirements and behavior’s in classroom is going to be different
(Gong and et.al, 2021). It will take time for other students to adapt to
these changes and some of them can't even adjust to these changes.
• Financial Barriers: Studying in any reputed universities in
abroad also charges a huge fees for education and living expenses.
Many parents cannot afford to pay these expenses. Finance can
become a threat in studies for students who want to study outside.

Strategies to resolve communication Barriers
Universities are trying to resolve issues faced by the students by creating
effective strategies for all the students. These are:
• Usage of Technology: Universities are allowing students to use technologies
while studying which helps them to understand in a better way. Technologies like
cell phones, laptops have Google translators which helps them in engaging in
effective communication.
• Programs for Language Exchange: Universities are also adding language
exchange programs and meet ups in addition along with the language classes
These helps foreign and local students swap their languages for some time (Karsenti,
Kozarenko and Skakunova, 2020). This is a perfect way through which students can
interact with local students and helps them indulge in dynamic environment.
• Availing Scholarship Facilities: There are many benefits, grants
and scholarships which can help students to support financially with your
studies in Australia. These are offered to students by many public and
private organizations, government and education providers. This can give a
huge benefit to students who want to study in abroad.
• Provides Educational Loan: Nationalized Banks also provide
educational loans to students who want to study abroad. These can be repaid
by the students once they started earning with interest amount. This facility
can help students to accomplish their goals.
REFERENCES
Gong, Y. and et.al, 2021. Cultural adaptation challenges and strategies during study abroad: New Zealand students in
China. Language, Culture and Curriculum. 34(4). pp.417-437.
Karsenti, T., Kozarenko, O.M. and Skakunova, V.A., 2020. Digital technologies in teaching and learning foreign
languages: Pedagogical strategies and teachers’ professional competence. Education and Self Development. 15(3). pp.76-
88.
Online
6 Common Challenges International Students Face Studying Abroad. 2022. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.applyboard.com/blog/challenges-students-face-abroad>