Home Is Where the Heart Is

By Sarea Bhar

With the consistent increase in the number migrants, Australia has seen many young aspiring Indian students occupying the region. The transition from one country to another, is something that even I am familiar with. Moving to a different level of education and that too, to the other hemisphere, can be extremely challenging. The cultural difference can be overwhelming, to say the least, as well astransitioning from being exposed to immense warmth and togetherness with immense familiarity, to suddenly feeling isolated in an unfamiliar environment. College is always attributed to the life-long friends that you make; for our international students, the fear of not knowing what sort of people you will connect with, becomes significant before the transition occurs. From understanding Australia’s public transport system to living its fast-paced lifestyle, they experience numerous difficulties. If present, language barriers may hinder an internationalstudent’s self-confidence and their process of adjusting to their new environment.

International students may live with their relatives or alone in student accommodation; either way, each way of living has it challenges- growing to be more and more independent- as the yearning for home will always remain. Festivities within India are a major component of its culture, which is also a primary reason for international students to feel homesick. However, the growing multicultural community within Australia has enabled Indians to feel secure and remain connected with their culture. Additionally, universities across the nation have recognised the various aspects of Indian culture, resulting in societies organising events that enable students to continue to feel connected with their heritage. Our youth is full of zeal, determination and courage. Instead of letting their connect with India weaken them, they are persistent on making it a prominent part of their identity.