What to get a higher education in another country? This is not a dream anymore. Today, every student may apply to any foreign college, win the scholarship and leave a country to get an education at a college in Europe or Australia.
The process of application is not easy, and most of the students believe that when they get a scholarship, the problems are over. However, when they come to another country, they understand that the problems just began.
These students did not take moving to another country seriously, and that brought them those problems. But if you are reading this article, you may be sure that you're studying abroad will be easy as you will know the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1:
Students learn nothing about the country where they move
If you have never been abroad, you probably even do not understand how the countries, people, mentality, and traditions are different, not to say about language. If you know nothing about how to behave there, what are the rules and regulations, what is prohibited in this country, and what you can do with no fear to be punished? For example, you cannot pay to write my paper while in other countries this is absolutely legitimate.
So prior to packing your baggage, study as much about the country as possible. You will definitely be glad that you’ve made that when you arrive at your new college.
Mistake #2:
Knowing no language
Most of the students from English-speaking countries believe that English is enough to communicate in all countries. Perhaps, it is enough for touristic places but not for the college. You get to know that you are accepted to the college a few months before the time to go there comes, so you have enough time to learn a language to be able to communicate sufficiently with local people.
Besides, it will be easier for you to feel comfortable in a new country if you can understand what people around you are talking about.
Mistake #3:
Taking too much baggage
Even if you are going to spend a year abroad, it does not mean that you need to take all stuff with you. First of all, you definitely do not want to pay extra money for exceeding baggage limit, right? Secondly, you will definitely want to buy some new stuff in the country where you will study.
It will be better to take only some necessary stuff and buy everything when you arrive. This concerns clothes, cosmetics, toiletries, pillows, blankets and all other small things that you think you cannot live without.
Also, if you do not know weather peculiarities, it will be a mistake to take all clothes you get. For example, if you are going to study in Barcelona, you won’t need anorak and uggs, while if you won a scholarship in one of the London colleges, you need to have at least a couple of trenches for rainy days.
Mistake #4:
Not taking your medicines
One of the most common mistakes every student who goes to study abroad does is taking too many sneakers, and forgetting about medicines. The matter is that there may be no absolute substitutions for the pills that you take in your country, and some local medicine won’t just work for you.
If you have some severe problems with health that require taking certain pills, it’s better to take enough of them to another country not to look for something in the local chemistries.
Mistake #5:
Never leaving your campus
If you want to make the most out of your experience of studying abroad, you are to travel. Traveling is the best way to know the country, to learn the language, and to meet new people. Even if you are going to study abroad only a couple of weeks, do not miss your chance to travel across the city and visit at least some must-see places.
If you are lucky enough to win a scholarship for a year, you get a chance to see not only the country where you study but also some neighboring countries. For example, if you will study in Europe, you can travel across the Europe without spending too much money. Just buy low-cost airline tickets for $10-15 and spend a couple of days in another country!
Studying abroad is a great experience, and you can make it even better if you avoid this mistakes. Do remember that a year is not so much time if you want to see the world and gain new knowledge. Prepare to your big educational trip thoroughly, learn the country and its language in advance, find the opportunities to travel across the country and abroad, and use all chances that the destiny has prepared for you!
Author's Bio:
Kevin is a professional educator and a private tutor with over 8 years of experience. He is also a content writer for various blogs about higher education, entertainment, social media & blogging. During his off time, Kevin enjoys traveling and cooking. Feel free to connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin & Google+.
Great article and all these are common mistakes. thanx for share with us
There are tons of opportunities to make your time abroad. I personally suggest try and make friends with people native to the country you’re in.
Great article! You really point out all the mistakes very well. Thanks for sharing it.