Study Abroad- A Quick Guide To Make Your Dream Come True: Equip Yourself
Individuals seeking to study abroad in English-speaking nations like the United States should seek out institutions with staff who are experts in academic advising and program development and with experience helping students from around the world explore fields of study and enroll in classes that help build professional relationships with faculty and classmates while earning transcripts to use for further academic or career prospects.
Advisors should also be knowledgeable about the city and institutional culture in which the study abroad student will be immersed.
The following guide can equip you to maximise your study abroad experience.
SAVE YOUR PENNIES
While study-abroad programs vary in length and intensity, all require a student visa. Some international students are not aware that they must enroll full-time, at the leading universities, three courses per academic quarter to maintain their visa status, a schedule that demands most of their attention and energy. No matter where you decide to travel, studying abroad is nearly always incompatible with full-time work, so start saving.
REDISCOVER THE CLASSROOM
When you take remote classes, you can just say, “I am here, teacher!” and switch off your camera in your computer. When you take a class in person, you are interacting in real time and cannot turn off the camera. This can become even more stressful in programs delivered in the language of your host country.
Many students have working knowledge of English, but not enough to feel comfortable talking in class. Start getting used to the idea. As always, practice helps a great deal.
Get to know all the resources at your university – from the listing of academic and student success workshops to writing lecturers and tutoring services along with counselors to support you through homesickness, time management, and even imposter syndrome. Learn what resources you have and USE THEM!
SEEK ADVICE
To be a good student, you need to be able to question what you already know without losing your confidence and without becoming arrogant. Studying in an unfamiliar place can complicate this balance.
As experts in whatever academic environment, wherever you happen to find yourself, your program director or student advisor can help you fight off self-doubt by giving you all the information you need on how to handle yourself in a new classroom with new rules and get the most out of your program.
RAISE YOUR HAND
Students coming from countries with learning models are taught to be quiet and listen and are often in for a shock. Like any learned skill, class participation takes practice, so start raising your hand as soon as you can.
PREPARE TO COLLABORATE
In order to be successful in some university systems, you have to collaborate with your classmates. Collaborative learning is very important, students from different international school systems may not be accustomed to as much collaborative work and are more used to solitary studying. Be open to new ways of learning and successful students will adapt and thrive in the group setting.
FIND THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
In addition to the resources your study abroad program provides, every university with international students has staff to help you get your bearings and connect you with those in different programs across the university. Get in touch as soon as you can, and soon you can start packing.
DO NOT BE OVERCONFIDENT
Be open to a different style of instruction and learning. Be prepared to listen carefully, participate in discussions and defend your position in any discussion in the classroom. Overcome the temptation to be silent.
