Studying abroad is often described as one of the most formative and life-changing experiences a student can have during their university years. By immersing themselves in a foreign culture and education system, students gain new worldviews, language skills, confidence, problem-solving abilities, and an international perspective on their field of study. The benefits gained through overseas academic programs can be incredible when students go abroad with intention, an open mindset, and proper preparation.
Although media makes studying abroad look like an endless stream of travel bliss and exciting adventures, the reality also involves real challenges. Culture shock, language barriers, homesickness, and difficulty acclimating to local academics and customs are par for the course. However, being prepared for the realities of life as a study abroad student helps ensure an incredible experience. Students can get the most personal growth out of their international journey with proper planning, goal-setting, logistical preparation, realistic expectations, and a positive attitude. Time spent overseas equips students with skills that better prepare them for life in an increasingly globalized world.
Why Study Abroad?
Before committing to a study abroad program, students should understand the myriad benefits of learning overseas:
- Gain an international perspective on your field of study
- Total immersion to become fluent in a foreign language
- Build confidence by navigating new cultures and environments
- Broaden worldviews by being exposed to different values and beliefs
- Learn adaptability and problem-solving skills
- Experience personal growth and maturation
- Make lifelong friends from around the world
- Add an impressive experience to your resume or CV
- Travel and experience adventure
With so many advantages, it’s easy to see why the studying abroad program has become such a popular choice for university students from all majors and backgrounds. The key is making sure you are fully prepared.
Pick the Right Program
With hundreds of potential programs worldwide, selecting the proper study abroad program takes research. Consider these factors:
- Location – Pick a place that aligns with your academic and cultural interests.
- Academics – Ensure your target university offers classes that meet your requirements.
- Housing – Determine if dorms, homestays or apartments are offered.
- Duration – Choose a semester or year-long program.
- Budget – Compare program costs and financial aid availability.
- Language – If not fluent, pick a program with language training.
- Cultural activities – Look for built-in opportunities to experience the local culture.
Narrow down your options, consult your academic advisor, and choose a program that excites you.
Set Goals
Having clear goals before you depart will help you focus on achieving what matters most. Consider setting goals like:
- Achieve language proficiency (get to a B2 or C1 CEFR level)
- Learn more about your academic field from an international perspective
- Visit 5 new countries during breaks from study
- Better understand a culture different than your own
- Cook 5 local dishes from your host country
- Make friends with 2 international students from a culture different from yours
You can track your progress and stay motivated while abroad with defined goals.
Handle the Logistics
Studying internationally requires organizing many logistical details. Be sure to take care of tasks like:
- Apply for student visa (if required)
- Arrange valid passport and insurance docs
- Contact bank about using ATMs abroad
- Inform credit card company of foreign travel
- Research electric outlets and power adapters
- Book travel arrangements and airport transport
- Submit course registration and credit transfer forms
- Coordinate accommodations
- Look into mobile SIM cards or WiFi hotspots for connectivity
Completing logistics early alleviates stress upon arrival.
Stay Connected with Your University Back Home
Although you will be immersed in your host university abroad, it is important to stay engaged with your home university too. Steps like:
- Checking in with your academic advisor throughout the semester
- Participating in online classes or forums to keep up academically
- Reading your university’s newspaper online to stay in the loop on happenings
- Contributing photos or stories to your home university’s study abroad websites/publications
This ensures you feel part of your home campus community while overseas.
Pack Only the Essentials
Study abroad students often overpack. Bring only essentials to make traveling easier. Recommended items include:
- Student visa, passport, insurance paperwork
- Prescription medications
- Laptop, chargers, power adapters
- Cell phone
- 2 weeks worth of clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket
- Swimsuit
- Toiletries and medications
- School supplies: backpack, notebook, pens
- Photocopies of ID/cards in case originals are lost/stolen
- Travel first aid kit
- Gifts from your hometown for new friends
Remember you can purchase any forgotten items abroad! Bring the minimum to avoid heavy luggage.
Have Realistic Expectations
While studying overseas may seem glamorous on Instagram, know that challenges and difficult periods are normal.Having realistic expectations helps students better adapt to life abroad. Keep these tips in mind:
- Not every day will be magical – there will be mundane or lonely times.
- Language and cultural barriers take time to overcome. Be patient.
- Stay open to different cultural practices that challenge your worldview.
- Avoid comparing your experience to others. Focus on your own growth.
- It’s normal to feel homesick. Stay busy and make new friends.
- Travel on weekends to take a break from academics.
- Don’t be hard on yourself during the adjustment period. Give it time.
Studying abroad is an experience that shapes young lives. With proper planning and realistic expectations, students can ensure they maximize their time spent at an international university. Completing tasks like choosing the right program, setting goals, handling logistics early, packing properly, and anticipating challenges leads to a smooth transition. An open mindset and positive attitude helps students embrace all facets of overseas academic life.
Although day-to-day life will not always be glamorous, the personal growth and lessons learned last a lifetime. Living in another culture expands perspectives. Students gain confidence to step outside their comfort zones. At the end of their time abroad, they return home with a global outlook, independence, maturity, and friends worldwide. With the right mindset, studying internationally becomes an unforgettable journey that teaches as much about themselves as it does about the world around them.
