Studying in a new country is a great way to see more of the world and learn in an unfamiliar place, but for some students it can be a chance to take things easy and do as little work as possible.
For all the ambitious students out there looking to make the most out of their year studying abroad, here are our top tips.
Make Sure You Choose the Course That’s Right For You
Most students select the course they’re going to do during their year abroad based on where it is in the world, but this might leave you taking a course that’s irrelevant or even poorly managed. To avoid this, research the universities that offer the subjects you want to study and try to find the one that’s the best fit for you and will drive you towards the career you dream of. This means you’ll be able to visit a country you love and still achieve the education you need.
Stay Somewhere With Study Spaces
Finding accommodation abroad can be hard, especially if you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language. Try to find a provider of premier student accommodation like Collegiate, which has student properties in Portugal and other European countries, all of which boast dedicated study spaces for you to use to improve your knowledge and socialise with your fellow students.
Learn The Language
If you’re studying in a country with a language that you don’t speak, then you should consider taking a night class to learn to speak like a local. This will help you to gain a valuable new skill and also make your life easier as you live and study in your temporary home.
Get A Job
Taking on a job while you’re studying abroad is a great way to learn about the country you’re living in and earn money at the same time. Your studies will be time consuming, but taking on a part-time job will help you to immerse yourself in local culture.
Take On A New Hobby
Make the most of your time in a new environment by taking on a new hobby. For example, if you’ve never lived near the sea then consider learning to surf whilst you study. This will allow you to have fun and be more sociable as you study.
Make Friends
Studying with friends can help you to absorb information faster and retain it better, as well as offering a host of other benefits, so it’s worth trying to make yourself some friends during your year studying abroad. This might seem tough, but with a little perseverance and kindness you’ll soon find some people who have the same ambition, energy and outlook as you and are willing to study with and support you through your education.
When planning any new venture, it’s important that you take the time to prepare and research every aspect of the experience. There’s a time and a place for spontaneity, and you can build a little free time into your study time, but you should mostly try to focus on using the experience to enhance your studies and CV.
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