While academic rigor can be a challenge for students in their home country, it is generally not considered a specific challenge unique to studying abroad.

Culture shock is a temporary state of confusion and disorientation experienced by individuals when they are suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar culture.

Avoiding contact with locals is counterproductive and can hinder the process of overcoming culture shock.

Acculturation is the process by which individuals from different cultures come to understand and appreciate each other's values, beliefs, and behaviors.

Studying abroad typically leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of one's own culture, rather than a loss of cultural identity.

Homesickness is a common experience among individuals who are living away from their home country for an extended period of time.

Avoiding activities that remind you of home can exacerbate feelings of homesickness and hinder the process of adaptation.

Reverse culture shock is the experience of difficulty in readjusting to one's home culture after living abroad for an extended period of time.

Reverse culture shock typically involves a period of adjustment and reorientation, but it generally does not lead to a loss of appreciation for one's home culture.

Marginalization is the process of being excluded or pushed to the fringes of society, often due to cultural differences.

Avoiding contact with locals can lead to isolation and marginalization.

Integration is the process of becoming a part of a new culture while still retaining one's own cultural identity.

Integration typically leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures, rather than a loss of cultural identity.

Assimilation is the process of completely adopting the values, beliefs, and behaviors of a new culture.

Assimilation typically leads to a greater sense of belonging and community, rather than a feeling of being an outsider.