Ibrahim Gardner
Studying abroad as an international student is an exciting opportunity to gain expertise in your chosen subject, learn about the world, immerse yourself in a new culture, and make lifelong connections. However, it can also be overwhelming, with challenges such as adapting to a new time zone, navigating a foreign education system, and managing your physical and mental well-being in a new environment. To be a successful international student, it's important to be proactive and prepared. This includes taking care of practical matters like visas, insurance, and finances, as well as embracing new experiences, actively participating in your learning, and building a strong support network.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Be open to new experiences and perspectives | Try new foods, attend local events, and immerse yourself in the culture |
| Build a support network | Stay connected with family and friends, join on-campus clubs, and connect with other international students |
| Take advantage of school resources | Utilize advisors, mentors, professors, and career services offices |
| Stay proactive | Understand the academic calendar, grading system, and visa requirements |
| Prioritize your well-being | Establish healthy routines, such as spending time with friends, exercising, and eating well |
| Be prepared | Set up a phone plan, bank account, and housing before arriving |
| Make new friends | Talk to native English speakers, professors, advisors, and fellow students |
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What You'll Learn
Embrace the culture, food, and traditions
Studying in a foreign country is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, and what better way to do that than by embracing the local traditions, food, and customs?
The USA is a diverse country with a wide array of art forms, food, and cultural sites. It is ranked 53rd out of 100 in the Tourism Sentiment Index (2023), boasting an abundance of shopping, seafood restaurants, outdoor activities, and cultural sites. Texas, for example, is home to 55 Fortune 500 companies, creating a perfect environment for professional networking and internships.
To embrace the culture, food, and traditions of your new home, start by attending welcome events and getting involved in the local community. Look out for local cultural events, music festivals, film screenings, and volunteer opportunities. By participating in these events, you will gain a deep understanding of American culture and create lasting connections.
Food is a significant part of cultural immersion. Trying regional dishes and learning about the local cuisine will give you a taste—both literally and metaphorically—of your new home. Embrace the variety of seafood restaurants and cuisines that reflect the diverse immigrant populations across the USA.
Additionally, take advantage of the optional pre-orientation activities offered by many schools, such as hiking or art classes. These activities will help you get to know your school and peers better. Also, make use of virtual tours and social media events to familiarize yourself with the campus and connect with other students before you arrive.
Finally, stay open-minded and embrace new experiences and perspectives. Don't be afraid to talk to native English speakers, as it will improve your experience and build your language skills and confidence. Remember, American students are excited to meet international students like you!
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Understand the healthcare and insurance system
As an international student, it is important to understand the healthcare and insurance system in your host country. In the United States, for example, international students are required to purchase health insurance when they enrol. Colleges and universities often provide health insurance plans that international students are automatically enrolled in unless they opt out. It is important to contact the school's admissions office to understand their specific policies and procedures. Additionally, international students should also be aware of the available healthcare resources on campus, such as counselling services, to support their physical and mental well-being.
Before travelling to your host country, it is advisable to research and understand the healthcare system, including the role of public and private healthcare providers, the cost of healthcare services, and the process of accessing healthcare. Understanding these aspects will enable you to make informed decisions and navigate the healthcare system effectively during your stay.
Moreover, it is essential to secure comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets the requirements of your host country. Health insurance is crucial to protect yourself financially in case of unexpected medical needs. When selecting an insurance plan, carefully review the coverage details, exclusions, and limitations to ensure it adequately covers your health needs. Additionally, be mindful of any waiting periods or pre-existing condition clauses that may impact your coverage.
International students can often access health insurance through their host university or college, as mentioned earlier. These institutions usually have partnerships with insurance providers or offer their own plans specifically designed for international students. Such plans typically cover essential health services and may include additional benefits such as mental health support or emergency assistance. Reviewing the insurance options provided by your educational institution can be a good starting point in your decision-making process.
Lastly, staying informed about the healthcare and insurance system in your host country is an ongoing process. Throughout your stay, be vigilant about any changes or updates to healthcare policies, regulations, or available services. Regularly review your insurance coverage to ensure it remains suitable for your needs and complies with the requirements of your host country. By staying proactive and knowledgeable about the healthcare and insurance landscape, you can better safeguard your health and well-being during your time as an international student.
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Be proactive with your learning
Being proactive with your learning is a key aspect of being a good international student. University education in the USA may differ from what you are used to, with a focus on independent study and critical thinking. Therefore, it is important to be proactive in seeking help if needed.
Firstly, familiarize yourself with the academic calendar and grading system of your school. Most US colleges and universities are on a semester system with two main semesters each year – fall and spring. However, some schools use a trimester system (three terms per year) or a quarter system (four terms per year). Understand how you will be graded and what is expected of you.
Secondly, take advantage of the resources available to you. Many US colleges have mentorship or student ambassador programs that connect prospective and new students with current students or alumni to answer any questions. Utilize advisors, mentors, professors, and career services offices. Don't be afraid to ask for help and be open to learning from others.
Additionally, actively participate in your learning. This includes attending welcome events, orientation activities, and social events to connect with other students and build a support network. Get to know the campus and important buildings such as the library, campus bookstore, and international student services office. Understand the transportation options on and off-campus.
Finally, stay organized and manage your time effectively. University life can be busy and overwhelming, so it is important to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Establish healthy routines, set aside time for self-care, and maintain connections with family and friends back home. Remember to comply with visa requirements and stay up to date on immigration policies to ensure a smooth experience during your time as an international student.
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Attend welcome events and make friends
Attending welcome events and making friends are crucial aspects of settling in and feeling at home as an international student. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these opportunities:
Attend Welcome Events
Welcome events are a great way to meet people and get to know your new surroundings. Many colleges offer orientation sessions specifically for international students to help them settle in and connect with the international student office. These orientations often include a tour of the surrounding area to help you familiarise yourself with your new environment. It is important to attend these events to ease your transition to a new country and college life.
Make Friends
Building a support network of friends is essential for a positive experience as an international student. Be open to meeting new people, and don't be afraid to talk to native English speakers. Remember that American students are often excited to meet international students. Participating in on-campus clubs and seeking out other international students can also help you expand your social circle.
Embrace New Experiences
Attend local cultural events, try new foods, and immerse yourself in the traditions of your new friends. By living like the locals, you will create lasting connections and gain a deeper understanding of your host country's culture. Look for event calendars, music festivals, and film screenings to broaden your experiences.
Stay Connected with Family
While making new friends is important, don't forget to stay in touch with your family back home. Let them know you've arrived safely, and maintain regular contact to share your experiences and seek support if needed.
Take Care of Practical Matters
Before classes start, take time to walk around the campus and locate important buildings, such as the library, campus bookstore, and international student services office. Get to know the transportation options, and consider setting up essential services like a bank account and a suitable phone plan.
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Stay connected to family and friends back home
Studying abroad can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. One of the biggest challenges is adapting to a new culture, language, and education system. To help you settle in a foreign country, it is important to stay connected to your support network of family and friends back home. Here are some tips to help you stay connected:
- Contact your family and friends when you land in a new country. It is important to let them know that you have arrived safely, as they may worry if they don't hear from you. Most airports have Wi-Fi, so you can quickly send a message before you leave the airport.
- Set up your phone plan as soon as possible. Some colleges provide SIM cards for free or at a discounted rate to international students. However, some cell phone contracts require a deposit if you don't have a social security number, so purchasing a pre-paid service might be a better option while you settle in.
- Use social media to your advantage. Many universities organize social media events to connect new students with enrolled students before orientation. This can be a great way to make friends and get familiar with your new surroundings before you arrive.
- Make time for your loved ones back home. While it is important to make new friends and build a support network in your new home, staying connected with your family and friends back home can provide you with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Schedule regular calls or video chats with them and share your experiences.
Staying connected with your support network back home can help you navigate the challenges of living and studying in a foreign country and ensure that you have a positive overall experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to "get your ducks in a row", meaning you should ensure that all your personal affairs are in order before you leave your home country. This includes securing a valid visa, making copies of important documents, planning your finances, and familiarising yourself with the laws and immigration policies of the country.
Once you arrive, it is a good idea to walk around the campus and familiarise yourself with the surroundings, including important buildings such as the library and international student services office. You should also take advantage of orientation programmes, which can help you connect with other students and learn about campus life.
Embrace new experiences and be open to immersing yourself in the local culture, trying new foods, and participating in local festivals and traditions. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the country and create lasting connections.
Building a support network is important. Stay connected with family and friends back home, and make an effort to make new friends by joining clubs and seeking out other international students. Don't be afraid to talk to native English speakers, as this will help improve your language skills and confidence.
Prioritise your physical and mental well-being by establishing healthy routines, such as spending time with friends, exercising, and eating well. Make sure you understand the healthcare system and purchase the necessary health insurance. Stay informed about any resources and support services available on campus.
