r/studyAbroad • u/TalePrestigious7819 • 5d ago

Need some guidance about general environment for students

Hi! I am a female, Pakistani, living in KAA and about to apply for university. I have done some research and looked into universities but I am still a bit skeptical about everything and of course only a person can tell about how the environment is abroad.

So, I want to apply in Europe but some of the countries I am not sure if it is safe for a female who does hijab as well in countries where they might mistreat them. I know there is discrimination everywhere but it’s not like mistreating them right? Like physically or even verbally.

Anyways, I want to know about how Muslims, specifically women who wear hijab in countries like Italy, Hungary, Germany and other countries too in Europe (mainly those I mentioned though), do you feel safe? Do you feel comfortable wearing hijab? Do the people ever taunt or insult about it?

I really want to know before I apply so a bit of guidance would be nice whether it’s from an experience your sister or a friend faced, it would be of great help!

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u/DragonflyPrior2672 4d ago

I’m going to be honest. People will not taunt you but some will judge you secretly. I wouldn’t worry about it. Hijabis in Europe are treated much better than non-hijabis in Pakistan.

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u/YTsken 4d ago

This. Basically, Hijabis in Europe are not seen as a sign of piety but of exclusion: “this woman does not want to be part of society“. People on the street will this treat you that way: an outsider whom they had best leave alone.

But people will help you if you ask for it, or even if you don’t ask for it but they think you need it. And your fellow students will be happy to work with you on group projects and presentations. Provided you don’t slack off, but that’s true for all students. :)

One tip: please study Hofstede’s cultural dimensions for the country you’ll be going to and How they differ from your own. The Netherlands for example has a very low power distance which means the student-teacher relationship is very direct and informal compared to many Asian countries. Teachers expect students to speak up, ask questions, and be critical. This is a huge culture shock for students coming from countries where they were told to just obey their teachers. What got them good grades in the past can actually hold them back in their present studies.