Best Tips for International Students to Excel in Studying Abroad

Studying abroad comes with a fair share of challenges for many students. Realizing that you’re miles away from home and must adapt to a new culture can pose great challenges. Whether it’s your first time studying abroad or changing schools between different foreign countries, you must prepare to tackle the common challenges that come with international studies. Here are some tips you can borrow on effective international studies to excel on your next out-of-country study adventure.  

Draft a Budget

Starting life in a new place can be fun and promising, but you may find it hard to survive if you don’t budget how your activities will be financed. Depending on where you’ll be studying, the cost of living might be higher than where you’re coming from. If that’s the case, you need to plan your stay early in advance by following these tips:

• Decide where you will live. It’s cheaper living on campus than renting off campus. However, if outside renting is the only option, choose houses in smaller towns or suburbs instead of highly populated cities
• Prioritize public transport, at least for the first few months, as you adapt.
• Cook your meals as opposed to eating out
• Get a part-time job

You can check the cost of living in the country you’re going to study in to get an idea of your budget.

Sharpen Your Language Skills

Excellent language skills can give you an edge over fellow students during and after your coursework. For instance, if you’re joining a prestigious university like the American International University, it’s best to polish your spoken and written English if it isn’t your first language. This will help you confidently approach your coursework and have an upper hand in the job market. If you’re unsure how to polish your language skills, these few tips can help you get started:

• Carry a digital dictionary with you
• Download a language app
• Learn the language from expert instructors, mentors, or locals
• Read books
• Watch relevant TV shows

Embrace the New Culture

Culture shock can happen to any first-time student miles away from their home country. While it might be hard to adapt to many new things simultaneously, opening up to learning and embracing this new way of life can help you adjust more seamlessly. You can easily integrate into the new culture by visiting restaurants and local attractions more often, researching local social norms, and having an open mindset.

Ensure you engage in cultural exchange programs and attend international events to enhance cultural sensitivity. This will help improve your intercultural communication skills and give you an edge in the global job market.

Create a Strong Network of Support

A strong network of like-minded professionals and a social team can help you scale your career and personal ambitions faster. You can start by taking part in orientation at the beginning of your program so you can get to know your fellow new students worldwide and make acquaintances.

From there, you can pursue stronger relationships with students and groups that share similar ideologies and dreams. Soon, you’ll have a team of friends and colleagues you can call upon for professional and personal help and be a part of a big family away from home.

Congratulations on your admission to the international school of your choice. As you start your new life in school, the above tips will help you get acquainted with the new culture and seamlessly build a family of friends and colleagues.