Deciding to study abroad is a big step. You’re moving away from your family, friends and life and completely starting over. While it can be daunting, opportunity and excitement awaits! You’re here to learn, try different things and have new experiences. Yes, you want to succeed in your studies and develop your English language skills, but you’re also here to have fun and make friends. Here are six tips for international students to make sure you make the most of your time studying in the US.
1. Budget Costs
Imagine arriving on campus and realizing everything is so much more expensive than you thought, and you haven’t factored nearly enough money into your budget to cover rent, food and travel. Before you make the move, do your research. Find out how much rent you will be paying, what your average food shop might cost and how much it costs you to get to campus so you know you will have enough money.
2. Language Skills
Your English will come on leaps and bounds just by being around other English-speaking people. But don’t just rely on that. Make sure you are constantly learning, have friends and classmates correct you if need be, and really work on perfecting your accent and language skills.
3. Academic Abilities
Speaking English to your friends is one thing, but English in an academic setting is something completely different. You may be using English like you never have before, to complete a variety of different assignments and tasks. Online English courses at https://www.straighterline.com/online-college-courses/english/ will help you build those adamic abilities and excel even further in your studies.
4. Join a Club, Fraternity or Sorority
There is a club for literally everything. No matter what you are into, there will be a society or group that sparks your interest. From flower pressing and calligraphy to boxing and martial arts; join something you already love or start an entirely new hobby. Fraternities and sororities are more like families. Joining any of these groups is a great way to make new connections, expand your social circle and create a reliable support network of people you can trust and go to for help.
5. International Student Services
Your school will have an office for international student services where you can go and seek help or guidance from someone with the know-how. Here, you can get information on legal status and requirements, but they also host events and can introduce you to other international students that are going through, or have been through, the same things as you.
6. Go on Adventures
You are in a different country, with unusual foods and an endless number of sights to see and experiences to have. Take every opportunity you have to go and visit a different place or do something that is completely different to anything in your home country. Indulge in the culture of the US, take road trips with your new friends and have so much fun.
Your US college experience will be everything you ever dreamed of if you follow these six tips; you will excel in your studies, make friends for life, and have the most memorable experiences.
