Study Abroadالخارج في الدراسة

Advice for Muslim Students studying in non-Muslim countries

البلدان في يدرسون الذين المسلمين للطالب نصيحةاإلسالمية غير

What you need to know

1. Learn about the country you are going to

2. Travel Tips - general precautions while traveling

3. Studying in a foreign environment

4. Forming a community

5. Living according to your religion

Continued…

What you need to know

6. Keeping in touch with your family & friends

7. You are the Muslim Ambassador!

1. Learn about the country you are going to

• Hopefully:

• A great place to study

• Warm and welcoming environment

• Friendly People

Learn about the country you are going to - Weather

• Plan ahead

• Take clothing according to the weather

• Know about the average high and low temperatures

Learn about the country you are going to - Healthcare

• Health Insurance?

• Cost of medical treatment if needed

2. Travel Tips

• Be prepared for the journey

• Do not to leave luggage unattended

• Do not carry or accept packages for anyone

Travel Tips - Documents

• Make at least 3 copies of your passport's data page and any visas

• Keep one copy separate from the originals while traveling

• Leave a copy with your family

Electronics

• Country’s electricity system either 110 volts or 220 volts

• A voltage converter may be useful

Travel Tips - Clothing

• Fashion versus Comfort

• Experienced travelers choose comfort

• Freedom of dressing according to your faith (especially for sisters)

• Be proud of your Muslim identity

Travel - Jet Lag

• A physiological condition which is a consequence of alterations to the routine

• Symptoms: Headache, fatigue, nausea

• Simple prevention can be good sleep while aboard the plane

• Take rest upon arrival, drink lots of water

• Condition may last more than a day

3. Studying & living in a foreign environment

• Challenges

• Home-sickness

• Cultural shock

Home-sickness

• First experience of living on your own - away from home, family & country

• Comforts and luxuries of home not present

• Away from cultural & religious events - Eid, Ramadan etc.

Food

• You may miss your home food

• Availability of Halal food

• Exercise care in eating outside

• Check food labels for any unlawful substances

Cultural Differences

• Stage 1: Arrival Stage – Excitement

• Stage 2: Cultural Shock - Anxiety produced when a person moves to a completely new environment • Anxiety• Lack of direction • Seeing different people• Listening to a different language• Sadness & depression

• Stage 3: Balancing – Understanding of the new culture, ways & norms

Dealing with cultural shock

• Involve yourself in healthy activities

• Develop a hobby, be patient & constructive

• Value what you have – your noble purpose

• Remember you are the ones who got a chance to fulfill your dreams of studying & studying abroad

Dealing with members of the opposite sex

• Different culture

• Smile a common gesture

• Staring considered impolite in any culture

• Respect laws and maintain modesty

While you are there

• Read the local newspaper

• Watch the news on television on a regular basis

• Be aware of its laws & regulations & obey them

• Culture

• Way of life

• Respect the country’s customs

Language Barriers (Foreign Language)

• Learning basic phrases can be helpful in the beginning

• Avoid confining yourself to friends of your community only

• Learn about the culture & language of the host country

• Language – Important for your studies

Evaluate yourself

• Evaluate your performance

• Relaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress

• Ways to relax

Learn about your beautiful religion

• Connect with the Holy Quran

• Read and understand the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

• Never miss your five obligatory prayers

4. Forming a community

• Don't isolate

• Forming a community will reduce your loneliness

• Turn your environment into a helping one

• Support each other

• Be accommodating

• Iftar Dinners in Ramadan

5. Living according to your faith

• Make sure they see in you the best example and the finest image

• Perform the obligatory duties

• Great responsibility

Finding Qibla Direction for 5 daily prayers

• Being aware of directions

•Useful Internet websites

www.islam-qa.com

www.islamicity.com

www.islamicfinder.org

Useful Islamic Links

7. Keeping in touch with your family & friends

• Email – cheapest way to communicate with family

• Get an email account if you already do not have one

• Regular Mail

• Telephone

• Skype

8. You are your Country’s Ambassador!

• Remember your role as your country’s representative

• You will be introducing your country and representing Islam

• Leave lasting good memories

• Learn and respect the other culture and value diversity

Best of Luck !