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So, you are on your way to Study Abroad? Congratulations! Maybe you have been admitted to a foreign university in UK, USA, Canada, or EU. Being an international student can be an amazing experience. However, during my many years of teaching experience at foreign universities, I know that the first semester as an international student can be very challenging. Whether you are an undergrad or a post–grad, many students find the first semester to be very stressful. Often it’s a combination of being homesick and adjusting to a different culture.
However, an important reason is also dealing with different systems of education. Your professors may have different expectations and your exams and assignments may be very different from the Indian examination system which you are familiar with. All this can be very daunting. To help students to prepare for the Study Abroad experience, this Blog offers some tips. The FAQs that Study Abroad students often ask me are:
- How should I prepare myself for Study Abroad?
- What should expect in Semester 1?
This Blog is based on several years of my own experience of lecturing at several foreign universities in USA, UK, and the Middle East. During these years, I have mentored 100s of students, many of whom are now scattered across the continents pursuing successful careers. Below is some important information about the timing
This Blog Includes:
6 Essential Steps to Prepare for Studying Abroad
Are you asking yourself- how to study abroad for the first semester? Preparing to study abroad involves taking a lot of important steps. You need to keep these things in mind while you prepare your studying abroad plan
Gather Essential Documents
The first thing you need to do is gather the relevant documents. Depending on the country you are travelling to you need appropriate documents. Some of the documents you will require are- a student visa, academic transcripts, admission letter, and health certificates. It is best that you keep both the physical and the digital copies with you.
Proper Budgeting
You need to create your own financial plan. Your budget must cover the accommodation cost, tuition fee cost, and other living expenses. You also need emergency funds. Therefore, understand the cost of living in that country. For example, if you are planning to travel to the UK you must know the cost of living in the UK. You can explore scholarships to support yourself.
Pack appropriately
You need to pack properly. After all you are going to travel to another country. Pack your toiletries, clothing, and essential medications. This wil make the transition to another country smoother You must also check the baggage allowances and understand the airline restrictions to avoid extra fees.
Understand the local culture and language
How to study abroad for the first semester? You need to understand the local culture and language. Learn the basic phrases in the official language of the country. Besides this, familiarise yourself with the traditions and customs. Understand the cultural norms to make the interactions easier.
Arrange accommodation
Before you travel abroad, it is important to arrange your accommodation. Choose between on-campus or off-campus accommodation. You need to consider things like cost, university, and the amenities provided to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
Prepare for academic differences
The teaching style or the curriculum abroad will not be the same. Therefore, be prepared to deal with a different assessment method, teaching style, and classroom dynamics. You can connect with current students or academic advisors to understand the expectations for an international student.
To learn more pre-depature tips, watch this video below:
‘Fall Intake’ vs ‘Spring Intake’: Understand the Difference
Most grad abroad universities offer both. Choose the ‘Fall intake’ so that you begin studying in Sept-October. This is a bigger intake and universities are better organized to support international students. The US Fall semester begins in early September after the ‘Labor Day’ weekend – a national holiday. In UK, it begins approx. mid-October. This term ends just before Christmas, with exams and paper submissions for every course you take.
Get to Know the Pace of Work
Basically, most universities have a semester that is approximately 14 weeks. During the Fall semester, US universities take a 4-day break for Thanksgiving Weekend (usually end-November).
Alert: Semesters begin slowly. The first 3-4 weeks might have almost no assignments because the courses are being taught and assignments are not due. This is the time that students need to optimize! Here are some strategies for the early weeks:
- Go to student orientation events: Learn about campus resources: Register with the Office for International students; Writing Center, Health Center, Counseling services.
- Meet the Librarian, introduce yourself: You will need their support when you begin to write term papers and need to find books and other sources for your assignments.
- Learn about the library databases at your university: Check how many books can be loaned—some universities have no limit!
- Explore the Library space: Most international universities have huge libraries spread over many floors with excellent spaces to read, write and watch special films and videos. Some have lounge chairs and Cafes INSIDE. The Library is where students spend many, many hours including discussing with classmates when working on Group Projects.
- Join student clubs: Both for recreation and network-building. Be sure that some student clubs are directly connected to your Study program.
- Attend Speaker events: This opportunity will broaden your horizons. It’s also great for network-building. Most campus speakers are accessible. Ask questions during QA. Meet them afterwards.
- Keep a calendar: Work ahead for assignments. Professors expect punctuality. They also expect your assignments to reflect some research you have done. They expect Critical Thinking and a spirit of Inquiry which will show in your analysis regardless of whether you are doing STEM, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts, or Computer Science. Most important Plagiarism is severely punished!
- Reach out to Professors: Go to their ‘Office Hours” when they are available to meet students. You will need Professors to help you to find internships, give you LORs, maybe hire you as their Research assistant later on!
- Social and Cultural calendar: Use Fridays and Saturdays to discover the city in which you live. Go to cafes, Museums, and art exhibitions. Track the latest books. This will groom you to have better conversational skills.
- Keep a handy list of important numbers: Emergency contacts, Health services, etc.
Week 6-8 of the semester becomes very hectic with assignments and papers to write. End-November and December are extremely busy too because this is when there are deadlines for term paper submissions and exams are scheduled for each of the courses you have enrolled in. Thus, it’s best to make use of the above tips in the first 4 weeks of the semester to settle in and get organized.
To learn about the mistakes you need to avoid while studying abroad, watch this video:
Also, Check-Out: Liberal Arts Study in the UK
Two key skills you need all through the semester (and later in life !)
Now you know how to prepare for study abroad in the first semester. Besides these steps, you also need to know the key skills that you will have to develop. It is necessary to get through the first semester. The following are the key skills you will require in the first semester and later in life.
Time Management
Plan your weeks wisely. Track deadlines. Work on your time ‘backwards’ so that you can finish well in time. No last-minute stress!
Self Management
Stay conscious of your health. Keep slots for exercise, meeting friends, and De-stressing. Here is a parting shot: Remember that you have chosen Study Abroad, away from home to broaden your intellectual horizons, enhance skills and employability. So,
- Pace yourself
- Balance the learning and the fun
- At all costs, avoid burn-out. If required, take a Counselor’s support
Planning To Study Abroad Do Check-Out: (Study Abroad – Expert Guide for Indian Students), (Best Countries to Study Abroad Amid Covid-19 [Latest Updates])
FAQs
Studying abroad is definitely expensive. To mitigate the cost you can apply for partial scholarships. Several universities offer partial scholarships to international students. You can also choose to apply for fully funded scholarships like the Fullbright scholarship for USA. or the Chevening scholarship to study in the UK.
After graduation, you can either go abroad for a master’s, or for work. To study abroad you need to get admission to a relevant university. On the other hand, if you intend to work abroad you can get a job offer from a recognised employer, apply for a work permit, and then apply for the visa.
Decide the course you want to study and enrol in a relevant university for higher education. You need to then ensure you have finances, arrange accommodation in the country, and apply for a student visa. You can take the assistance of educational consultants for a smoother process.
This was all about how to prepare for study abroad for your first semester. Good Luck for an AMAZING semester. We will be back next Friday with another amazing blog from Dr.Maina Chawla Singh Till then, if you have any questions or suggestions, just drop us a comment and we will get back to you.
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