Deciding Where To Study Abroad - Not as Easy as it Sounds

July 2018

There are so many destinations to choose from when deciding where you want to study abroad that it can often be an overwhelming choice. It might be best if you first narrow down the type of location that interests you the most, and then make your decision. With so many study abroad program types and destinations available to you, it can be difficult to decide where to start.

• Language Barrier

This is probably the most obvious of the challenges of studying abroad. Overcoming a language barrier may mean you’re struggling to learn a new language pretty much from scratch, or it could just be that you thought you were fluent, but find you’re unable to understand the strong local accent. Even if you’re studying in a country where you speak the same language, there are other hurdles to clear. So the words that students use are going to be difficult to learn, but the language barrier problem also goes away pretty quickly, once you’re immersed.

• Finding Aboad Programme

Now that you have decided where and when you want to study abroad, it's time to find a suitable programme. From summer study abroad trips to semester-long and full academic year programs, there are several types of programs to choose from as you decide which is best for you. As you research your options, it's important to talk directly with the program(s) of interest to learn more about what they offer, at what cost, and which amenities are or aren't included such as airport pick-up, onsite orientation, housing, etc.

• Cultural Misunderstandings

As a foreigner, you do not know the local culture and all those unwritten rules of your host nation. Let’s get accept one thing: you will make mistakes, and many may be awkward. Don’t be embarrassed; learn from cultural misunderstanding and don’t make them again. An easy way to avoid many cultural misunderstandings is to observe what others do, and how they do it. If in any doubt, just ask! You’ll find most people are happy to talk about their customs, and will enjoy sharing their insider knowledge with you. From university applications, to finding a place to stay and identifying the social norms, we have all been unsuccessful in some if not all of these respects. But when you push through the challenges, everything will work out – and if nothing else, you will have lots of stories to tell.

• Support System

Meet with your academic advisor to ensure you can stay on track to graduate on time, plan the coursework you need to take before you go abroad, the coursework you should save and take while abroad and the coursework that you will need to take after you return. Talk with your parents about why, when and where you want to study abroad. Deciding to study abroad is often a family decision, and having an open conversation with them can help both you and them plan the best study abroad trip for you as possible. It's important to come to the conversation prepared with your points, and be ready with answers to their questions.

• An Outsider

Regardless what country you are from, and what country you are going to, it’s almost certain that you’ll end up feeling like an ‘outsider’ at least some of the time. You may find yourself wondering why your espresso always seems to cost more than the locals’, or why everyone’s laughing, when you didn’t realize anyone had told a joke. In most countries it’s unlikely that you’ll be deliberately made to feel uncomfortable or unwanted, but it can still be tiring at first, trying to get to grips with new cultural norms. Don’t let this discourage you. Virtually everyone I have ever met while studying abroad has been very encouraging and friendly, and while I may never become truly “one of them”, eventually this problem becomes smaller and smaller.

Student Testimonials

“I had a very nice experience with Edwise even though I was late for admissions but because of the excellent help by Edwise made it possible for me to take admission in September intake. Thanks a lot for the efforts.”

Name - Mihit B Kasodria
Country - Canada
University - Thompson Rivers University

“My experience with Edwise is very good. Edwise gave me proper guidance regarding colleges and various courses which are very helpful in future opportunities. Very well organised method regarding explanation of processes which gave perfect knowledge.”

Name - Faizal Shaikh
Country - Canada
University - Centennial College

“Truly exhilarating! Not only my counselor was warm and approachable, in her hands I knew my application was in the best place! Will cherish the memories of her guidance and a huge thanks to her for her immeasurable help. Keep up the great work! I was totally at ease and so was my mother as soon as we signed up with EDWISE. 10/10 would and have recommended to others.”

Name - Sagorika Datta
Country - New Zealand
University - Auckland University of Technology

“Edwise has done a wonderful job and I thank each person at Edwise who has helped me get here in time. I am absolutely overwhelmed and appreciate the support provided by you people. It was a wonderful experience interacting with everyone at Edwise. I shall definitely recommend anyone who wants to study abroad to come to Edwise. I got the right suggestion at the right time from everyone including my Academic Counsellor to my Visa Counsellor & due to their support & hard work I am here at my dream destination.”

Name - Sanjiv Vishwanath
Country - Australia
University - Griffith University

“The experience was both fantastic and an enjoyable one. My counsellor was very supportive with me at all times and helped me at every single stage. Though I applied to Pittsburgh and they do not have any agents anywhere in the world, still I received enough help from my counsellor as much as possible in whatever aspect they could help me out in, starting from application tips till the final stages of my VISA application. In a nutshell, the help I received from Edwise Kolkata was quite invigorating.”

Name - Niyati Mehra
Country - USA
University - University Of Pittsburgh

“Right from documents collection, application process, visa counseling-mock test, my counselor helped me for every single thing with whole heart and lots of efforts. I wasn't expecting a good university for myself but I got it because of Edwise. I am happy with the service provided by Edwise. My experience was excellent.Best thing about Edwise is one to one attention which helped me a lot. I will suggest all my juniors and friends who want to study abroad.”

Name - Ekta Prafulla Talele
Country - USA
University - New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)

Edwise Overseas Education Consultant

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 575 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

Start your education overseas with valuable information on everything you need to know about studying abroad from study permits, temporary resident visas and how much it costs, to finding a program.

Do visit your nearest Edwise branch & choose your university carefully under our expert guidance and ensure that you have all your paperwork in order. Once you apply, and the wait is over, you can really begin to look forward to not only studying in a beautiful and vibrant country, but also to a life experience quite like no other.

Also read: Choose The Right Beginning Today

Back to All "Study Abroad / Overseas Education Articles, Resources, Tips and Tricks"

For complete information of Blog On Overseas Education, Study Abroad, Studying Overseas, Tips and Tricks, Articles, Resources Contact Edwise - Study Abroad Consultants, on 1-800-200-3678 (Toll Free) / 08600911333.

July 2018

How To Make The Most Out of Your Homestay Abroad

July 2018

Studying abroad is full of adventures – everything is different and exciting, including your new homestay family. All of a sudden, you share everything with new people whom you’ve never seen before. It will take time to adjust and there might be some bumps in the road – you know, the stuff that happens when people live together. Here are few tips which will make your homestay easy with your host family.

• Communicate

You are allergic to peanuts, don’t like seafood, and have a fear of dogs of all sizes? Tell your host family about it right away. They should know the most important facts about you from your paperwork, but some things cannot be stressed enough – especially when it comes to health issues. Plus, it’s better to discuss culinary preferences or dietary restrictions before you sit at the table and everyone is staring at you poking around in your food. However, to be fair and polite, make sure you try everything before you say that you don’t like it.

• Keep Your Room Clean

Host families don’t snoop through your belongings, but they do clean the house about once a week. Show them that you acknowledge that you are a guest and are respectful of their space and furniture and appreciate their help and support.

• Spend Time With Them

Whether it’s watching the news with them, going to the supermarket, or tagging along on family holidays, try to save time to chat with them and show that you are making an effort.Food brings people together – it’s a great social lubricant across cultures. Try to be at home for the meals and help set the table or do the dishes. Food is a fantastic way to get to know people and sitting around a dinner table is like a fun way to pick up new words and practice your conversation skills. If you know how to cook, feel free to prepare something from your home country and take the cultural exchange to the next level.

• Respect and Be Patient

You won’t always understand them. They won’t always understand you. You might not like their favorite TV shows; whatever. But you will adjust! You’ll figure out the plot, you’ll figure out the accent and your language skills will improve. It truly does get better in time! You just have to be patient and again, make an effort.Even though you paid for your stay, you’re still part of a family that is not yours – respect their schedules If you are not home for meals or activities, let your host family know ahead of time. If you missed your bus and will be home late, tell them. Even though they are not your parents, they still worry about you, so basically just pretend that you are been watched.

• Differences

While it’s important to feel like a member of the family and feel at home, it’s equally important to remember that you are a guest as well. Keep your room picked up, help with dishes, and ask how to use something if you don’t know. You will probably have to get used to different food, to new ways of folding laundry, and to house rules that are not the same as back home. Remember: different, new, and not the same don’t have to mean bad. Things are done in other ways around the world and as long as everything works, this is a good thing and part of the learning experience. Let’s face it: it’s kind of what you signed up for. Noticing and accepting cultural differences is part of expanding your horizons and becoming a more open-minded and mature person.

• Gifts

Gifts are awesome and a great icebreaker. Opening up your home to a stranger is an extremely kind thing to do, so show your appreciation. Many people give their host families gifts when they first arrive. If you have no room in your bag, have someone back home send you some novelties of where you came from. People love getting authentic things from your home town/state such as sports memorabilia, food, beverages, key chains, magnets, etc. It does not have to be big nor expensive but, it should be indicative of where you’re from.

• Keep in Touch

This is a hard thing to do. Language skills come and go, you may have only lived with your host family for a short period of time or you may think you have nothing to talk about .Friendships cannot be forced, but hopefully, you and your host family will get along – and stay connected even after you say goodbye. There are many reasons why you may not keep in contact but there are even more why you should. They want to know how you are doing, how your experience abroad affected you back home, what school/work is like, plans to return, etc.

What Edwise Students Studying Abroad Says.. ?

“I had a very nice experience with Edwise even though I was late for admissions but because of the excellent help by Edwise made it possible for me to take admission in September intake. Thanks a lot for the efforts.”

Name - Mihit B Kasodria
Country - Canada
University - Thompson Rivers University

“My experience with Edwise is very good. Edwise gave me proper guidance regarding colleges and various courses which are very helpful in future opportunities. Very well organised method regarding explanation of processes which gave perfect knowledge.”

Name - Faizal Shaikh
Country - Canada
University - Centennial College

“Truly exhilarating! Not only my counselor was warm and approachable, in her hands I knew my application was in the best place! Will cherish the memories of her guidance and a huge thanks to her for her immeasurable help. Keep up the great work! I was totally at ease and so was my mother as soon as we signed up with EDWISE. 10/10 would and have recommended to others.”

Name - Sagorika Datta
Country - New Zealand
University - Auckland University of Technology

“Edwise has done a wonderful job and I thank each person at Edwise who has helped me get here in time. I am absolutely overwhelmed and appreciate the support provided by you people. It was a wonderful experience interacting with everyone at Edwise. I shall definitely recommend anyone who wants to study abroad to come to Edwise. I got the right suggestion at the right time from everyone including my Academic Counsellor to my Visa Counsellor & due to their support & hard work I am here at my dream destination.”

Name - Sanjiv Vishwanath
Country - Australia
University - Griffith University

“The experience was both fantastic and an enjoyable one. My counsellor was very supportive with me at all times and helped me at every single stage. Though I applied to Pittsburgh and they do not have any agents anywhere in the world, still I received enough help from my counsellor as much as possible in whatever aspect they could help me out in, starting from application tips till the final stages of my VISA application. In a nutshell, the help I received from Edwise Kolkata was quite invigorating.”

Name - Niyati Mehra
Country - USA
University - University Of Pittsburgh

“Right from documents collection, application process, visa counseling-mock test, my counselor helped me for every single thing with whole heart and lots of efforts. I wasn't expecting a good university for myself but I got it because of Edwise. I am happy with the service provided by Edwise. My experience was excellent.Best thing about Edwise is one to one attention which helped me a lot. I will suggest all my juniors and friends who want to study abroad.”

Name - Ekta Prafulla Talele
Country - USA
University - New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)

Edwise Overseas Education Consultant

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 575 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

Start your education overseas with valuable information on everything you need to know about studying abroad from study permits, temporary resident visas and how much it costs, to finding a program.

Do visit your nearest Edwise branch & choose your university carefully under our expert guidance and ensure that you have all your paperwork in order. Once you apply, and the wait is over, you can really begin to look forward to not only studying in a beautiful and vibrant country, but also to a life experience quite like no other.

Also read: Choose The Right Beginning Today

Back to All "Study Abroad / Overseas Education Articles, Resources, Tips and Tricks"

For complete information of Blog On Overseas Education, Study Abroad, Studying Overseas, Tips and Tricks, Articles, Resources Contact Edwise - Study Abroad Consultants, on 1-800-200-3678 (Toll Free) / 08600911333.