SPM EDUCATION
TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Studying overseas offers an amazing, unforgettable student experience like no other. Make sure that you make the most of it!
Whilst studying overseas, there will be an endless number of ways for you to enjoy yourself, learn new things and make friends.
OVERCOMING CULTURE SHOCK
Moving to a different country can be difficult specially being away from your comfort zone as well as being away from your friends and family. Many questions will go through your mind and chances are with a new environment you will be hit with a culture shock.
In this post we will share some tips on how to overcome culture shock.
Many international students find culture shock inevitable and how you deal with it will make a big difference in your university experience.
One of the most effective way in overcoming culture shock is to be open-minded. Treat everything as a chance to gain knowledge about the culture. Being open-minded does not just make it easier to deal with culture shock, but you may also find things that you may like.
New international students biggest fear is standing out amongst a completely new culture and many of them keep to themselves and really not come to terms with their new surroundings. Studying overseas could be difficult at times and majority of the people around you know this. You’d be surprised how much people will be willing to help you. If you don’t ask questions, you’re not going to get any answers
If you have people around you, culture shock has less of an effect. This is particularly better if you are with other students that are in the same boat, as you can go through the process of getting used to your new surroundings together. Making friends at the beginning is very important as those friendships will play a big part of your university experience. It would be a huge relief knowing that you are not the only one going through culture shock. Having friends not only makes it easier to deal with culture shock but also goes a long way in improving your social skills that will benefit your university experience as a whole.
Overseas universities are filled with international students with different cultures and backgrounds. In some cases, some cultures will have certain similarities with others. Do not shy away from your culture as people may find an interest in things such as your hobbies, the foods you eat, the language you speak and much more. Adjusting to university life is a big step in your future career plans and dreams, the best way to do it is just be yourself.
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO STUDYING OVERSEAS
Moving overseas for your studies will probably be the most important and exciting event of your life so far. There’s so much you need to know, to learn, and to get ready for that it can be overwhelming. Luckily for you, we at SPM Education have had years of experience in helping international students get used to their new homes and surroundings. So check out the following run-down of things you need to know when moving home in pursuit of higher education in another country.
Every gathering, every event. Even if you think you would absolutely hate it. Do it. Studying overseas is all about new experiences and being independent. Besides attending events and gatherings are the best way to meet new people and friends.
Don’t limit yourself to just making friends with people from your own nationality or your host nationality. You will never get another chance to be immersed with loads of different cultures like this again.
Travel any chance you get. When else will you get a chance to be in a foreign country that has different culture, food and people? It’s the ultimate freedom and a chance of a lifetime. Make a bucket list of places that you want to visit before you go back home.
Do not be afraid in trying different kind of food, it is one of the best way to learn about another culture. Share food from your home country this would teach them about you and where you came from.
You’re never really away from home. Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook – there’s no shortage of ways to stay connected with your family and friends back home in real time. It’s normal to be a bit nervous moving into a new environment, but trust us, your family will be jealous when you send them photos of you enjoying a new environment and culture – we promise!
Most international students are not aware that they are allowed to work while studying. Having a part-time job helps with your expenses. You will also get exposed to working in a foreign country and you get to put that in your CV.
FINDING A PART-TIME JOB WHILE STUDYING
International students are allowed to work while studying in the United Kingdom and the British Isles.
You can find part-time jobs in your campus or off-campus
The best way to get a job on campus is to regularly check with campus placement centre’s notice board or speak to relevant campus authorities for job openings.
On-campus work opportunities usually include administrative jobs, at the cafeteria or a teaching assistant position.
For-off campus job opportunities, look for vacancies online. StudentJob, Employment 4 Student are online portals that provides information about available work opportunities for students.
Hospitality & retails industry work opportunities are usually in abundance.
Work as a tutor if you have existing qualifications or experties.
Try finding internship opportunities, relevant to your field of specialisation and qualification. Working as an intern could open up a world of opportunities for you as you can watch experts in action at work and learn from them.
SPM Solutions
SPM Education provides high-quality, professional advice and services to international students and overseas educational institutions.
Contact Us
T. +60 3 777 30 711
M. +60 11 515 92630
E. info@education.spmsolutions.org