Studying abroad is huge opportunity to explore new places and make friends but it can be daunting if you don’t know what do especially on the first days. You are not only going for academic excellence, but you will also be embarking on a new culture, language, and way of living. Whether you’re considering studying overseas or already packing your bags, understanding key aspects to live by will help you make the most of this life-changing opportunity. Here are some guidelines to prepare you for living at university abroad.
1. Learn the local language.
One can overcome the challenges of language barriers by learning the local language within the first days of your stay in your host country. Learning the local language has to be driven not only by academic excellence but also the need to interact and express your feelings yourself clearly. Whereas most universities do offer English taught programs, with knowledge of the local language, you will be able to engage yourself much more deeply with course materials, participate in class discussions far more efficiently, and communicate with professors and fellow classmates. The language is crucial in living your life day-to-day outside classes, such as grocery shopping, to more complex ones, like opening a bank account or visiting a doctor, knowledge of the local language makes these tasks much less stressful. Clear communication would make you more independent and confident in a new environment and not feel isolated as some other international students do. Cognita schools arrange additional language classes for foreign languages in order to teach them the local languages more quickly.
2. Manage your finances carefully.
Studying abroad can be very expensive, and proper financial management helps in reducing stress and ensures that you have more enjoyment. First of all, make a comprehensive budget and put down all the expected expenses: tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, health care, and entertainment. Plus, of course, other unbudgeted-for expenses and emergencies.
Take advantage of the budgeting tools and workshops international schools offer specifically for international students to make a budget. Consider the exchange rates between the host country and your home currency, as market fluctuations can significantly impact your purchasing power. With the help of a financial advisor, use international banks that offer favorable exchange nursing so you do not lose money while exchanging currencies. Look for ways to save money, like student discounts, public transport, and cooking at home.
3. Keep in touch with family and friends back home.
Maintaining connections with loved ones provides emotional support and helps combat homesickness. Regular communication can ease the transition to a new country and culture, providing stability and comfort. It can be difficult to have consistent communication due to different time zones, hence, it is essential to set a regular communication schedule. In the digital era, many ways exist to keep in touch with loved ones. You can hold video calls, use messaging apps like WhatsApp for instant communication, send emails and care packages, and share experiences through social media platforms like Instagram. Besides sharing your new experiences, you should also show interest in knowing what is happening at home. Avoid spending too much time communicating with home at the expense of engaging with your new environment and making local connections.
4. Join university organization clubs.
Unlike approaching people in a classroom setting, it is much easier to start a conversation with someone in the same club as you have the same interests. Participating in games also lightens the atmosphere and makes communication more straightforward and fun. An organization like a Cultural integration club allows one to adapt and delve deeper into the local culture. Some international schools have made it mandatory to join a club, which has helped international students blend in and feel settled into the community quickly and smoothly. Most clubs are available on the school website with an online application, making them readily available and avoiding the hassle of tirelessly asking around. When choosing a club, ensure you consider your hobbies and interests.
5. Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Time management is an essential life skill in university, as well as managing time between academics, work, and social activities. As an international student, you are free to do whatever you want at any time as you are far from your family, who dictate how you spend your time. Without a balanced and adequately planned schedule, you might neglect one thing and overdo the others. To ensure you utilize your time efficiently, develop a structured schedule that allocates ample time to all your activities. Do not neglect your mental health and engage in activities like meditation and gym practice. Use the resources your international school provides, like libraries and gyms, to save on the cost of attending a private one. Prioritize yourself and avoid activities that might overextend you and get enough rest.
6. Ensure you meet all the visa requirements.
One of the major challenges that international students face is fear of deportation, whereby one does not know much about the type of visa needed and requirements in having it. Most student visas require you to be full time with the required credits each semester; failure to do so has dire consequences which might lead to termination of studies. Ensure you adhere to the maximum working hours permitted by your visa and inform the relevant authorities if you change your address, academic program, or other significant details. Know the rules about how long you can stay in the country after completing your studies, understand the rules for leaving and re-entering the country, and know whether there are requirements for additional documents. Remember, you must understand and comply with all visa requirements. Don’t rely on secondhand information, and always verify your visa details from official sources. Staying on top of these requirements will ensure a smooth and legal stay in your host country.
Though the long path to adjusting to and living life in a foreign country may be overwhelming, the benefits that result from studying abroad are priceless. You will be able to overcome the life of living abroad and stay close to the community by adopting these tips through the practice of cultural diversity.