5 Ways to Enjoy College Life When Studying Abroad
The key is enjoying college days responsibly! Welcome to our modern world, which is also a global village. The world we live in today presents a plethora of opportunities due to wide-scale inter-relations. It’s in the current era, where the number of international organizations and students doubles annually.
Today, students have a choice whether to study in their native countries or overseas. In fact, a report indicated that the number of international students is expected to reach 8 million by 2025. Studying overseas is a major consideration for many learners, especially those pursuing higher education or who desire to attain a competitive advantage.
Additionally, studying abroad offers remarkable exposure that allows students to seamlessly build their professional careers. In fact, key findings indicate that over 84% of Erasmus Plus students choose to study abroad for better employability.
However, although studying abroad offers a range of benefits, it can also be a tough experience. Students who choose to study abroad can encounter many challenges that can even prevent them from completing their courses. Some of these include depression, cultural shock, and financial issues, among others.
But, with thorough planning before embarking on the decision and following a few things, students can have a remarkable experience when studying overseas. So, what are some of the ways students can enjoy studying abroad?
5 Ways to Enjoy College Life When Studying Abroad
1. Live Intentionally
As much as the modern world offers many possibilities that improve standards of living or help people to make better connections, there are instances when life goes haywire. That is also highly possible when studying abroad. Fact that you live independently or make your own decisions, there are higher chances of becoming reckless.
You will tend to procrastinate, find interest in time-wasting habits or become a spendthrift and end up in catastrophe. Therefore, any student who intends to enjoy college life abroad must engage in intentional living. Set and follow standards and values that can help you live a purposeful life.
Create a timetable and develop reliable survival techniques, especially when you’re a first-year student. Get the necessary textbooks, learn how to write an assignment, and adopt superior time management skills.
Living intentionally cultivates positivity plus motivation and can bring you back on course when trying to follow a divergent route. Also, avoid procrastination. Procrastination normally hinders progress, especially when it’s passive.
2. Mind About Your Social Circle
Studying abroad automatically exposes students to people of different cultures, beliefs, values, and habits. The people we expose ourselves to, normally have a negative or positive impact on our lives. Yet, building relationships is key to survival and success in life.
As a student, build relationships with students who have a positive influence on your life. Prioritize friendships that are constructive and reliable. Generally, build a network that believes in your values and one that can help you in challenging times. Additionally, sign up for programs; whether student travel insurance, college grants, short-term loans, or government scholarships that can reduce financial pressure when studying abroad.
3. Get a Part-Time Job
One of the best and most immediate ways to live a comfortable life while studying abroad is to get a part-time job. Extra sources of income besides the monthly student allowance allow learners to live a comfortable life. The good news is many international university policies allow students to study while working.
Therefore, search for part-time jobs, whether online or offline to support your independent living. Part-time jobs in a foreign country come with a range of benefits. For example, they instill a sense of responsibility in students, cultivate skillsets, and also pave way for intentional living. However, ensure to search for a part-time job that fits within your academic timetable.
4. Learn The Language
Starting a new life in a new country isn’t easy, however, it’s relatively smooth when you are able to communicate with the native people. If you’re moving to a country and certain that they speak a language that you don’t know, endeavor to learn it. You may not be well-versed in it, but this lays a foundation for basic communication skills.
Speaking a few words of a specific foreign language can help you get immediate help or attain access to basic needs like food and directions. You will also be able to relate more with people than when you can’t speak or understand any of the words they use.
5. Prioritize Your Health
Independent living is good, but usually brings drastic changes in our lifestyle. Studying abroad generally means that you will have to take care of and make decisions for yourself. It’s you to decide when to go for lectures, when or what to eat, and what to do throughout the day.
Quite often, many fail to live a healthy lifestyle during their college days. Therefore, to be positioned for overseas studies, start with a medical test before leaving your native land. A health check-up will help you understand your overall health status and perhaps identify any early signs of medical problems.
Additionally, perform some research about the living conditions, weather, food, and medical system of the foreign country. This will help you become proactive about the possible medical difficulties that you might face.
Also, eat well. Healthy eating habits are the cornerstone of a strong body and mind. Precisely, get a balanced diet to boost your immune system and overall well-being. Similarly, stay hydrated, physically active, and happy.
Bottom Line
Studying abroad offers a chance to explore the world, discover new interests, and build a new social circle. Also, many modern employers prefer hires with an international background. However, although that is a competitive advantage for studying abroad, college life in a foreign country is quite difficult. This blog details some of the best tips you can consider to have a remarkable or relatively stress-free college life when studying abroad.