Going abroad for your higher studies provides great exposure and excellent career opportunities. However, students who do not have enough experience staying away from home might not find it easy to gel with the new culture. There are high chances of potential financial loss and language barriers.
Let’s look at some of the common mistakes international students should avoid when studying abroad so that you have a better understanding of how to overcome them.
Entitled Mindset
International students typically believe they have the upper hand regarding most matters. Although they can’t be generalized, some students have an entitled mindset, which can result in hurt sentiments. Avoid being conceited or self-pitying in these circumstances.
You have specific rights as an international student at your university. These privileges come with a lot of obligations.
When studying abroad, never forget to put in a lot of effort and abide by the norms of the campus.
Lack of Proper Planning & Research
Accurate planning and research are very crucial when choosing a university abroad. Lack of proper planning and research might land you in unwanted situations like last-minute rush and anxiety issues! Decide on the below factors well before the application process.
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- The country to choose
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- Preferred University
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- Available courses
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- Fee structure
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- Scholarship opportunities
Connect with University Hub to enquire about top abroad universities and scholarships.
Avoid Learning the Local Language
Although it might seem difficult, learning the local language is always beneficial for you as an international student. This will be of great aid while traveling to local shops and restaurants or communicating with your colleagues. The language will also come in handy when applying for part-time jobs.
For Free IELTS coaching, connect with University Hub
Networking With The Wrong Group
Your instinct will ask you to interact with people from your country. However, networking with people from different countries will help you get out of that comfort bubble. This will also expose you to different cultures. And who knows, you will find some better company too!
Partying A Lot or Not At All
Abroad students party a lot. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should either. However, since you are away from home, it might be a great opportunity to make some moves. Every weekend could be a party and another event also. Do not be a yes man to everything that comes your way, but do not altogether avoid these events. Use your discretion also to go to parties or to attend events only when you have accomplished all your academic tasks for the week.
Judging People
Keep an open mind to the new experiences around you. As you venture into a new country, keep your values and customs intact but do not shut new experiences out.
Be open to the different places and people you meet. Do not lecture or judge. Aspire to opportunities that challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone. When you feel you have accomplished all the schoolwork for the week.
Over Shopping
Discount sales and fancy gadgets are sure to hook you. Try not to overshop since this might drain your wallet, eventually leading you to financial problems. It’s advisable to make wise shopping decisions, for you need money to conduct your future affairs in the country!
Taking Learning Lightly
There is a common misconception that studying in an abroad university requires little to no effort. This is not true. Unlike the Indian education system, there are more exams and coursework on par with each other. This means that international students have to pay attention to all aspects of their curriculum.
Students must apply themselves equally towards individual and group work since it weighs the final score.
Living Like a Tourist
Although moving abroad might have been your dream for years, as a student, do not live like a tourist.
You are encouraged to visit famous attractions, but taking too many trips during weekends will make your further journeys boring. You should stay in your local area and see what the place has in store for you as often as possible. In this way, you can experience the best of local culture.
Lack Of Proper Research On Scholarship Opportunities
Another common mistake of study-abroad students is failure to check the criteria of a scholarship. A student may qualify for the scholarship in fact, but due to ignorance, that student may miss getting it.
International study requires a lot of research as one is choosing to pursue his or her studies outside their country of origin. For that reason, a student will need to know everything about his or her studies and the various scholarships available. Some of those details about scholarships include:
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- Requirements for Scholarship Applicants
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- Document specifications
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- Deadlines for applications
Not Giving Enough Importance To Standardized Tests
In truth, most students take the English language proficiency test as just a formality. This is one of the big mistakes that a lot of IELTS students make in preparation for exams.
The other thing is that IELTs or other entrance exams can work against scholarship opportunities. More on this may be attached to these entrance exams when a student is being enrolled in universities. Also, the exam has multiple parts, and some universities are set on minimum scores in each section.
Thus, the students must avoid common mistakes in IELTS. It requires paying proper attention to all areas of the exam.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an expensive adventure. Avoid spending what you save on necessities for non-essentials. Plan your finances in such a way that ensures your means will see you till the end of the month.
Save some cash for the big things you require and get a good bargain during shopping. As much as possible, stretch your budget so that you will be kept steady for the rest of the month.
Things won’t always come our way when studying abroad, so we encourage flexibility in all conditions so that you have a wonderful time.
By avoiding these common mistakes, international students can gain a better learning experience at their preferred university.
Remember, studying abroad is a dream for many students. So, make the most of it while you can! For further queries related to study abroad queries, feel free to contact us at +1 502-930-2702 to get help from our experts.
