Tips for Students Living Abroad

A study abroad experience is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students that give them exposure to new academic and personal attributes. In a foreign study trip, students must be alert and prepared to live the time period of study peacefully in the new environment in the overseas country. Here are some tips and advice to help them out:

• Students should be smart enough to identify and understand the suspicious acts happening around them in the new country. They should try to keep away from such unwanted situations and conduct themselves in their best manners while in the streets or at the public places.
• Making friends in the new country is unavoidable but students are advised to develop 'friend-circle' at a slow pace so that they can avoid intimacy with 'wrong' kind of strangers.
• Preserve your passport and other important documents. It is always advisable to have a set of photocopies of all the important documents and passports to face any of the emergency situations during your stay in the foreign country.
• Avoid carrying large amount of cash, wherever you go. Keep your eyes and ears open to sense what is happening around you.
• Be well groomed and spend your time in the country abroad peacefully.

Study abroad students can find more handy tips on different issues to make their foreign study journey, a peaceful and problem-free one in this section.

Returning Home After Studying Abroad

When you return to your native land after having studied and lived in a different country, you may find it difficult to readjust to the conditions back home. It can be a difficult and confusing process. The easiest way through readjustment process is to 'pay-attention to others'. Students who experience 'culture shock' at its peak testify that they find it hard to describe their time abroad to family and friends, who are hardly ever willing to take a note ofwhat they have to say.

• Coming back to the native land, after an overseas study or work program, can be exciting and little confusing. You need to understand the selected group of friends in your homeland with whom you can share your study or work abroad experience.
• Make yourself a volunteer to visit your old study campus and make an appointment to share your experiences abroad with others! This will help mutually to move further with confidence! Sounds good? Try to do so.
• Start integrating your international study experience into your academic life in your own way. Stay active by having lots of discussions and debates to make you feel included in the homeland's culture back again!

Articles in this section can be useful to the students who re-entered or about to re-enter, in their homeland after years of their international study or work!

Study Abroad FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions for the students who want to study abroad:

• Why should I study abroad?
  As such there is no clear definition why one must study abroad. But through the testimonials of the students who have studied abroad, one can make out very clearly that students become more mature mentally when they study in a different culture and place. The overseas study experience can help them to understand the world better, appreciate the international contributions to knowledge, and learn to cope effectively with an increasingly intercultural environment.
• What would be the cost?
  The costs of studying abroad vary from country to country. It depends on the living cost of the place one chooses. Generally, programs with equal excellence in developing countries are less expensive than those in developed countries. The Study Abroad costs include tuition fees, housing with meals, transportation charges, travel and excursions, cultural activities and personal expenses.
• What about the financial aid and scholarships?
  It is possible to get financial aid or scholarships or grants that help the study-abroad-students to afford their studies in the overseas country. By consulting the financial officer or the study abroad consultants of the international programs and doing proper research on this issue, prospective study-abroad students can get the relevant information. According to the academic talents, performances and other related issues, the candidature of the student can be considered for financial aid or scholarships.
• Is it not possible for me to think of studying abroad, if I do not speak any of the foreign languages? 
  'Not knowing a foreign language' is not at all a barrier for you to pursue a study program abroad. There are many programs in many of the countries to teach you the required language, especially in the initial period of the course. You can overcome your language problems in the new environment at the earliest, if you are determined to learn the language with self-interest.

Tips for Students Going Abroad

Studying in another country, away from homeland, is an enriching experience for the aspirants. The experience can both be academically and personally rewarding. Yet, it is always good to collect all the relevant information about the country before making your decisions. Here are some things that all 'study abroad' hopefuls should know about:

• If you are going abroad for higher studies, you should first check the reputation of the university or the institute you choose to pursue your studies. Make efforts to know about 'which university is the reputed one, for the subject I'm aspiring for?'
• Study about the laws and cultural affairs of the country before you make a decision to go there.
• As you are subject to the laws and custom of the foreign country, stay away from any disorderly, riotous behavior while you are in the new place.
• Apply for your passport at the earliest possible to avoid final moment confusions.
• Checkup with the embassy of the respective country to get information about visa-updates and other entry details.
• Read carefully the consular information sheet to make yourself familiar with the travel information about the respective country.
• The school or the university department, you are going to join, will offer information about different admission criteria for foreign students. You can get information from relevant websites too besides gathering the appropriate information from the ex-students of those universities.
• Going abroad for higher studies generally entails huge expenditure. Many universities offer student-funds and merit scholarships for international students. You can avail these funds and scholarships to meet your expenses.
• Personal interview is a part of the selection procedure of most universities and schools. Enhancing your communication skills and subject knowledge can help you face the interview with confidence.

Living in a foreign country is an interesting and learning experience. To have a wholesome and pleasant stay students must adapt themselves to culture of that country. For adaption students must first familiarise themselves with the customs and traditions of that particular country. Students can get country specific information from internet or through books.

Before going abroad for studying, students are generally apprehensive. Some of the doubts that may creep in students mind are:

• Is studying abroad more beneficial than studying at home?
• Whether I will be able to adapt to the culture of the country ?
• Can I cope with the financial and other demands of studying abroad?
• Can I look forward to a healthy life overseas?

To allay all these doubts we have come up with this guide for students going abroad.

Subjectwise Top Universities

All over the world, universities and educational institutions are judged and ranked principally for their academic or research performance. This practice is carried by many of the organizations in public interest to help the student in choosing the best university for studies. Some universities are greatly regarded and placed on the top for the number of Nobel laureates they have produced while some are ranked according to the number of successful professionals they produce every year.

Some universities or institutes are famous for a particular course or subject. In this section we have compiled a list of some of top universities and have ranked them according to the subject. This list is not exhaustive and is purely meant as a guide for information purposes

Top Universities of the World

Now that you have made up your mind to go abroad for pursuing higher studies, you have to decide upon a particular university from where you want to pursue your studies. There are plenty of famous and good universities that provide excellent academic environment and facilities for higher studies. To make your task easier are providing a brief introduction of some of the top universities and institutes of the world. These institutes rank among the best in the world and have made a name for themselves in the field of academic excellence. All these universities/institutes encourage foreign students and give financial aid depending on the merit of the student.

Citywise International Study Programs

It is important to make an informed choice and weigh your pros and cons well before choosing a program and a city for your studies overseas. However, one can accomplish this challenging job successfully and finalize a suitable city study destination by making a query-list according to the individual's expectations. This list can include questions such as:

• Do I want to do the program from English-speaking or non-English speaking country?
• How extensive is the orientation period in the city I select?
• What resources are available to students in the city?
• Are there opportunities to work or gain experience through internships in the city I choose?
• How easy is it for me to become involved with extracurricular activities?
• How convenient is the housing to the university or to downtown?
• If housing is far from the city, is public transportation available? And many other similar questions.

It is important to surf for the comprehensive city information before deciding upon it as your study destination. You may decide which living location is right for you by discussing it with people who have participated in the program you are interested in the past few years. There are many big cities that offer different attractions; hence, it is advisable to get recommendations and advice from a good academic consultant at your home country. Regardless of which city you choose to go, your main concern should focus on gaining best academic experiences from the city. Articles here in this section provide details that can help study-abroad student aspirants in choosing the right city destination for their studies.

International Adult Education Programs

Learning in a country overseas is an obsession not only for the youngsters but also for many elders. Studies abroad are open to people of any age category and have number of fields to choose from. Adult programs are not only available for those who in touch with studies continuously but also for those who have lost touch with studies for decades!

• The important thing to review about oneself, before deciding to go for an adult study-abroad program, is to find out the exact requirement of studying. The opportunities to study further at any age come packaged in different ways and one has to find out one that satisfy one's individual needs.
• Adult study abroad programs attract elders as an extension of educational opportunities available to them. The adults, beyond the age of general public education yet feel a need for further training of any sort, can opt for them. It is also known as continuing education. Contemporary adult education can take several forms. Colleges and universities across the world have introduced adult programs such as:

1. Evening programs 
2. Extension work 
3. Courses without credits 
4. Correspondence courses 
5. Distance-learning programs with courses transmitted by satellite to various locations.

• Adults having individual requirements such as enhancing language skills for definite purpose or getting trained on certain general areas like setting up an office etc. can think about studying abroad. Corporations or labor unions or any kind of private institutes can sponsor an adult study-abroad program, today. This section gives you general information about adult study-abroad programs.

International English Language Programs

Studying English in an English speaking country will certainly help you become an expert at the language. When looking for the options to join an English language program abroad, analyze your language skills, your basic requirements to learn the language and related details so that you can choose the right level for yourself. Every language program has different levels of training and a level higher than what you might need will result in an unnecessary struggle to pass your English course. Here you can get more information on English language courses in the countries overseas.

• To learn English that has emerged as a global language, English-speaking countries are your ultimate choice. It is the most popular language in the world and acts as a bridge for intercommunication in the world community. Young people often visit the countries with English as the native language much before starting a course at college or university so that they can improve their skills in speaking and writing.
• It is a fact that the higher-level executives such as Directors, Presidents or Executive officers of big companies often study English individually or by receiving specialist tuition. The most commonly preferred countries to learn English abroad are UK, USA and Australia. The methods used in English Language training depend on the students' ages, purposes and linguistic backgrounds. Check for the reputation of the English course to assess the future prospects and career advancements that it will offer you

Parents' Guide to International Education Programs

A support system plays a vital role throughout your student's academic journey abroad. It starts working prior to departure, is needed during their stay in the new country, and particularly after their return to their native land. As a parent, you play an important role of a 'strong support' and have a responsibility to help your student to gain the right energy level to do well in his or her academic pursuits abroad. 

It is significant to help your child to make important decisions and discuss issues like 'When to go for studying abroad?', 'Where to do the studies?', 'Which course to choose?' and other related topics with them. You also need to help them in:

• Preparing for departure,
• Ensuring a satisfying and rewarding experience while in the country abroad with a completely different culture and environment, and
• Adjusting back to the conditions and lifestyle at home after returning, which is also an important part of studying abroad.

Health and safety issues of your students should be your primary concern and you should advice them to take precautionary medications and get all the check ups done to ensure good health. To ensure that they have a peaceful trip abroad, help them to purchase insurance for personal liability, property loss and trip cancellation. You may also buy them international calling cards to save money on international calls. Monitoring your student from the beginning to the end of his or her course time abroad will encourage them to excel in their studies and perform well in their study adventure.

While your son or daughter is abroad for an educational trip, your responsibility as a parent increases. Here are some useful guidelines to help you keep informed about the basics and well-being about your student of study program overseas:

• Make a practice of calling your student at regular intervals to get the updated reports.
• The maximum number of students staying abroad go through 'cultural shock' when they step in the new country. They need to adapt themselves to the new social, economic, educational systems, food culture and climatic conditions. They need to learn usage of language to inspire confidence and maintain a balance by respecting their own culture, especially during the initial years.
• Parents can help students by familiarizing themselves and their children with cross-cultural tendencies and habits and encouraging them by healthy discussions. Your discussion should prepare them for and make them think positively about:

» Cultural adjustment, 
» Building problem-solving abilities,
» Developing flexible nature, 
» Taking initiative to learn more and more and develop their skills, and
» Making themselves highly competitive job candidates.

• Have a routine of contacting the study abroad office or the relevant office of the School or the Institute where the student is currently enrolled in, keep updated information of the events going on there and if possible, plan a trip for your student to your country during a long break.
• If your son or daughter is having a difficult time, advise him or her to make an appointment to talk with their resident director or the right person who is appointed for this purpose in the International Office of the student's College or University.

Pre-Departure Orientation for Students

Students heading towards a study abroad adventure has lots of plans and preparations to make so that their experience in a foreign country is safe, healthy and fruitful. You can find helpful information and advice regarding Pre-Departure Orientation to the study-abroad hopefuls in this section. The opportunity to travel, study or work abroad in any of the foreign country is undoubtedly one of the greatest privileged moments in any student aspirant's life. The pre-departure information provided here will also assist the students to make all the preparations that are necessary for staying healthy and safe abroad. 

However, study abroad aspirants are recommended to assume the responsibility of ensuring that they have effectively prepared themselves with complete pre-departure orientation preparation by doing adequate research until they are satisfied that they have done their best. In the Pre-departure planning, students have to understand the health and safety issues relevant to their study abroad program, administrative details and formalities that must be completed prior to their departure and general and country-specific cultural issues. Meeting the students who have returned from similar study abroad programs and international students will also help you to learn a lot about what lies ahead.