Tips to Enhance Your Study Abroad Experience

Starting a study abroad journey is exciting as well as transformative and offers endless opportunities for personal growth, academic enrichment, and cultural immersion. As you begin preparing for a new step in the world, there are new experiences coming up. For this, there are new strategies that would be required to equip students with strategies to make the most of their study abroad.

10 tips to enhance your study abroad experience

1.  Come out of the comfort zone: One of the most effective ways to foster personal growth and self-discovery while studying abroad is to step out of the comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Right from trying local cuisine, participating in traditional ceremonies, or exploring unfamiliar places, pushing yourself beyond familiar boundaries can lead to profound personal growth and increased confidence.

2.  Set a budget to study in the desired country: Prior to your arrival, determine what you'll need to purchase in your new nation (e.g., bedding, kitchenware, train tickets) and budget for it. It's an excellent idea to set a weekly budget. Spending excessively in a foreign nation is easy to do given the fluctuations in currency. Spend wisely and establish a reasonable spending limit for yourself. (And maintain it!) Don't forget to ask about student discounts at eateries, movie theatres, museums, and other attractions. Carry your college ID with you at all times or get an International Student ID Card (ISIC) for student discounts globally. There are countless possibilities to flash your ID and save a tonne of money. Make sure your banks are informed of your departure. Acquire more credit or debit cards and keep them in several locations so you have a backup in case you lose one.

3.  Learn well about the country: familiarise yourself with the host country’s customs, traditions, and social etiquette. Understand important cultural practices such as greetings, dining habits, and gestures to avoid cultural misunderstandings on the journey. Gain insights into the historical background and geographical features of your host country. Learn about significant landmarks in the city and county, historical events, and key figures that shape its identity.

4.  Gain work experience: International work experience ensures that you will stand out among other candidates. Develop highly desirable skills, perspectives, and knowledge such as cross-cultural communication, global awareness, adaptability, problem-solving, and language skills. Look for internship opportunities that will allow you to explore future career options and gain real-world knowledge. There are some study abroad programmes that offer invaluable hands-on experience through internships.

5.  Join clubs/organisations: Joining clubs or organisations gives a deep insight into the culture, value, and social dynamism of the host country. Right from a cultural society, sports team, or interest group, the activities allow one to experience the local way of getting global exposure firsthand. Furthermore, participating in events organised by clubs and organisations helps you develop a range of skills, from leadership and teamwork to event planning and public speaking. The experiences enhance the resume and make it more attractive to future employers.

6.  Set personal and professional goals: Before going abroad for studies, take time to set personal goals to achieve while studying abroad. From improving language skills to gaining cultural consciousness or stepping out of your comfort zone, have a clear set of objectives that will guide your experiences and help track your progress. Reflect on the experiences through journaling or self-assessment and provide valuable insights in the personal growth journey.

7.  Reflect on the study-abroad journey on your resume: When returning from the study abroad journey, highlight the international experience and resume your job interviews. Focus on the skills gained, such as inter-cultural communication, adaptability, and global perspective, and showcase how these experiences have shaped your personal and professional development in your resume. Employers are seen as giving value to candidates with international study experience, so make sure to leverage your study abroad journey as a unique selling point in your career pursuits.

8.  Balance academics: Never be afraid to ask for help with your academic work when you need it. There are several resources available to you, including study groups, university libraries, tutoring programmes, and office hours with professors. To increase your comprehension of the material, ask questions about your assignments, take part in class discussions, and have intellectual conversations with classmates. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather of power. During your study abroad programme, juggling classes, extracurricular activities, and social gatherings can be challenging. To keep on top of your studies, establish efficient study habits, make a study timetable, and set attainable objectives. Set priorities for your work, don't put things off, and set aside time for review and self-study. Recall that a successful student is one who is well-organized. Take a dive and plunge yourself into the academic life of your host university by becoming acquainted with the coursework requirements, grading scheme, and academic resources offered. Ask questions regarding assignments and class schedules, speak with academic counsellors, and attend orientation programmes. To succeed in your studies, adjust to the academic rigour and teaching style of your new nation.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Ireland, study in France, study in Germany and many other countries.