Your Complete Guide to Studying Abroad: educations.com

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO STUDYING ABROAD

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Table of Contents

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Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

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How to Overcome Challenges if You’ve Never Traveled Abroad

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Convincing Your Parents to Let You Study Abroad

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Preparing for the IELTS Test

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How to Apply to Your Study Abroad Program

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Finding a Place to Live While Studying Abroad

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Making New Friends While Studying Abroad

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Keeping in Touch with Friends and Family While Studying Abroad 2

10 REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD

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10 Reasons to Study Abroad Studying abroad is a big step. Why do so many students leave all of the comforts of home to attend a university abroad? Here’s our top 10 reasons why you should study abroad!

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2. GET TO KNOW A NEW CULTURE In an increasingly globalized world, it is now more important than ever to explore other cultures in-depth rather than through a screen or even a short vacation. Studying abroad will immerse you in a new culture’s politics, culture, and language, and make it easier for you to understand different views.

The classroom experience will introduce you to new perspectives on historical events and opinions on what the future should look like. In addition to getting an encompassing view of the culture, you’ll also meet other international students and start to construct a much broader understanding of the world.

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1. BECOME INDEPENDENT Many of your friends who attend university at home will face a harsh awakening when they graduate and stand on their own legs for the first time. As an international student, you will pick up crucial ‘’adulting’’ skills in an even more challenging environment, making it easier to adjust post-graduation.

You’ll come home from your experience abroad grateful to be able to pay bills in your native language, make new friends who already share a lot in common with you, and negotiate your rent with someone who doesn’t already know you have no clue of the going rate. You’ll already know how to put yourself in the driver’s seat to face life’s challenges making you more confident and assured.

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3. STAND OUT TO EMPLOYERS Employers appreciate applicants who have studied abroad. With study abroad experience, you’ll come to the interview with more maturity, confidence, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with real anecdotes to demonstrate these skills.

If you’re applying for an entry-level position after graduating, you could be up against stiff competition.

Your experience studying abroad could help tip the decision in your favor.

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5. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOURSELF 4. BROADEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE Studying abroad can be a tremendous advantage to students in countries whose educational institutions don’t match their skills or ambitions. Even if your home country has premiere institutions, studying abroad can open up opportunities to pursue your passion.

You could study at universities with leading researchers in your field of interest or have access to historic libraries, local archives, or cutting edge art scenes which could all contribute to a better education.

You could also combine your studies with a location where you can deepen your hobbies. For instance, if you scuba dive on vacations but would like to enhance your skills, certifications, and experiences, living within commuting distance of diving destinations will make your university years more meaningful to you.

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6. MAKE FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD When you study abroad it’s easy to make friends from every continent. You’re all in the same boat, excited, maybe a little nervous, and ready to make friends and explore your new country.

Students who have studied abroad tend to continue their travels throughout their adult life, making it easier for you to meet up and reconnect in the future.

Until you live abroad, it’s hard to get a complete picture of who you are and why you are the way you are. When you move abroad you’ll discover that many aspects of your personality and habits that aren’t questioned by your culture were not deliberate choices.

If you would like to truly find yourself, studying abroad will show you other ways of life and help you make more conscious decisions of how you live your life. You might also call into consideration personal space, what friendship means to you, your views on political systems, and what a meaningful life can look like.

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7. SET YOURSELF UP FOR A LIFETIME OF TRAVELING The first time you do something new it can seem really scary. For many international students, their studies offer them their first opportunity to leave their home country. Those students get a bit of a guiding hand from the university, as they expand their borders and learn how to live in a new country independently.

Studying abroad imparts valuable travel skills you can use anywhere in the world. Navigating airports, identifying restaurants that are likely to give you food poisoning, learning how to find your way around an unfamiliar city, knowing when you’re being taken for a ride, and how to avoid looking like a tourist.

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8. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE OR IMPROVE YOUR FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS Unless you’re a skilled foreign language learner, it’s unlikely that you’ll “absorb” the language of your study abroad country to fluency, but, a little effort goes a long way towards immersion.

9. FIND HIDDEN GEMS

Taking courses taught by skilled native teachers, joining a language exchange club, and making an effort to converse with local acquaintances and friends in their language will speed up your language learning and open up more international opportunities.

You’ll also find out where the locals vacation: charming seaside resorts, restaurants overlooking waterfalls, camping sites near picturesque lakes, mountain cabins, castle ruins, and plenty of gems that have never made the guide books.

As you learn to navigate your new city like a local, you’ll discover all the best parks, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shopping spots that make for unforgettable experiences.

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10. ENJOY COMING HOME After returning from studying abroad and overcoming some reverse culture-shock, you’ll take in your home country with new eyes and have a deeper appreciation of what’s really good about your hometown.

The mundane things that you walk past every day at home might just hold more value for you, and the elements of your culture that you longed for when you studied abroad can become very meaningful to you on your return.

You’ll also return with a full store of confidence to try new things and explore new places, approaching your homeland with a traveler’s mindset.

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HOW TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES IF YOU’VE NEVER TRAVELED ABROAD

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5 Challenges You Might Face if You’ve Never Left Home and Decide to Study Abroad For many students, studying abroad might be their first opportunity to travel and leave their home country. However, it can feel really intimidating to commit to a semester, year, or full degree program abroad when you’re not sure whether or not you even enjoy living abroad.

Here are five challenges you’ll probably face if it’s your first time abroad and five reasons why you should embrace these challenges and take the plunge!

Challenge #1

Reason to study abroad anyway

YOU MIGHT LACK A FEW ESSENTIAL INTERNATIONAL SURVIVAL SKILLS No matter how much you read up before your trip, some typical travel situations will throw you for a loop.

Afterall, there are only so many Google queries one person can think to type.

YOU’LL BECOME AN AWESOME TRAVELER ALMOST OVERNIGHT

What do you do when you accidentally take the wrong bus and end up in a city you can’t pronounce the name of? How do you avoid getting ripped off at a shady restaurant who takes advantage of foreigners?

Studying abroad will provide you with a crash course in international travel and residence and will equip you with some valuable travel skills.

During your time abroad, you will inevitably learn how to get around despite not knowing the local language, giving you a great advantage in your future travels.

You’ll also learn how to get the best deals on flights, transportation, and accommodation abroad, as well as the best time to travel to certain countries.

You won’t know everything, and so like many firsttime travelers, you will have to rely on your indomitable youthful spirit, the kindness of strangers, and learn from your mistakes. It’s natural to make beginner’s mistakes, hence the name!

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Challenge #2

Reason to study abroad anyway

EMBRACING DIFFERENCES MIGHT BE DIFFICULT

YOU’LL BECOME COMFORTABLE ACCEPTING AND EMBRACING DIVERSITY

If studying abroad is your first venture out of your country, you might at first refer to the local currency as that of your homeland and often raise your eyebrows at cultural norms that seem downright wacky.

Your friends and professors will help broaden your range of what’s “normal” and ask you to question why you are the way you are, and do things the way you do.

If you spend time in an international crowd, this kind of judgment will be really out of place and you might get asked if you’ve ever traveled before. Depending on how much diversity you were raised with, becoming more open-minded after one ride in a jet and passport stamp could be a lot to handle.

Chances are, many of the things you thought of as standard are just because your parents, neighborhood, and media have influenced you. You’ll leave your study abroad with some new habits, favorite foods, and friends from backgrounds that you would never have had the chance to meet before.

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Challenge #3

Reason to study abroad anyway

STUDYING ABROAD IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE COUNTRY MAY BE JARRING Have you ever been immersed in a language outside of a classroom? Get ready to feel confused, be confusing, feel frustrated, and be frustrating to those around you.

YOU’LL GET A CRASH-COURSE IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN THE MOST PRACTICAL WAY POSSIBLE

If you’re like us, get ready to get exhausted easily and initially spend some evenings twiddling your thumbs at the party as everyone has a great time and forgets you can’t understand what they’re saying.

When you study abroad in the language that you have studied in a classroom, you take your knowledge of the language to the next level.

Whether you want to take part in conversations in loud bars using the local slang or are content to just order dinner and a cab, studying a language with the locals will give you the real-life training to say what you want (and need) to say.

Classes and lectures held in your native language may have a few breaks and discussions in a language you’re not fluent in. Buying embarrassing medication might get even more embarrassing as you weakly pantomime your traveler’s diarrhea symptoms to a pharmacist.

Challenge #4

Reason to study abroad anyway

YOU’LL BECOME QUITE TALENTED AT MAKING NEW FRIENDS

MAKING INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS MIGHT BE NEW FOR YOU

As long as you’re open and friendly, you will become friends with people during your studies abroad. Many of these friends could be from different countries than you are. Your newfound skills making international friends will give even wallflowers a solid set of skills for making new friends in the future.

It can be hard to make new friends, but having nothing apparently in common with new acquaintances can be extra challenging.

Depending on your background, perhaps you’ve never had a friend from a different country before and you might be worried about offending them, not understanding them, or just being too different to really get along.

When you return to your home country, you might be surprised to find yourself seeking out expats to enrich and widen your social circle.

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Challenge #5

Reason to study abroad anyway

YOU MAY NOT BE PREPARED FOR A DIFFERENT ACADEMIC STYLE Any undergraduate degree will be different from what you encountered in high school and secondary school.

Likewise, any postgraduate degree will involve different standards and expectations than an undergraduate.

Studying abroad will add a new level of differences.

YOU’LL LEARN HOW TO PERFORM TO DIFFERENT EXPECTATIONS

Depending on where you’re from and where you’re studying, you might be shocked to learn that you are expected to write original theses, expand on unfamiliar academic theories, complete weekly assignments, or never take a test until a crucial final exam.

In your adult life, no one is going to spell out exactly how you can succeed. Your first boss will expect you to come to your new job already prepared to succeed and meet their expectations.

It can be difficult, and the students who don’t listen for signals from their professors nor pay attention to what kind of work their local peers are submitting, can be caught off-guard and fail all their classes.

When you study abroad and are thrust into a completely new academic system, you’ll become an expert at reading signals and proactively determining what you need to do to succeed.

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CONVINCING YOUR PARENTS TO LET YOU STUDY ABROAD 12

5 Tips to Help You Build Your Case & Convince Your Parents You’re their little baby, their pride and joy, so the idea of you running away to the other side of the world to study abroad in a foreign country can be a terrifying thought for your parents.

At first when you tell them you’re considering studying abroad, they may not comprehend the amazing opportunities and benefits that this could present. Instead, all they hear is that you’re going to be wandering the big, scary wide world all by yourself.

With the right approach, you can show them right off the bat how studying abroad can lead to academic success, improved career prospects and newfound independence. We’ve outlined five tips on how best to convince your parents to let you study abroad.

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1. BE PREPARED

2. RESEARCH FINANCE OPTIONS

Before approaching your parents, do your research and try to learn as much about the program, the university, and the country as possible.

Studying abroad can be expensive, which may be one of the first issues parents foresee, especially if they think you expect them to pay for it.

Be sure to get good grades at school, start studying the language and culture, and show your parents that you are serious about studying abroad. You’ll need to prove to them that you have thought about this and that it is not just a spur of the moment decision.

Producing well thought out budgets, possible funding and scholarship options, and even putting away some savings yourself can go a long way to ease your parents’ mind on financial issues and show your commitment to studying abroad.

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3. OUTLINE THE MANY BENEFITS Make sure they realize that studying abroad isn’t just one big party holiday. You’re going to a foreign country to learn, study, experience, and explore. Those who speak multiple languages or have experience in other industries and markets have remarkably improved career prospects. A semester (or longer) abroad can help you refocus on your studies, meaning you’ll be producing better grades. You’ll also get to experience another way of life and do some traveling, making you a more worldly and independent person.

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4. ENSURE THEM YOU’LL STAY IN TOUCH Your parents are going to miss you! The good news is, with Skype, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, and other social platforms, it has never been easier (or cheaper) to stay in contact with friends and family all around the world.

5. PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES Most importantly, make sure you consider how they may see and feel about things throughout the whole process. This way you’ll be able to foresee any issues or reservations they may have and present a sensible and well-thought-out answer to ease their fears and strengthen your case.

If your parents do not currently use any of these social platforms, set them up, teach them how to use it, and come up with a plan on how to stay in regular contact.

Let them know you are well, safe and having the most amazing time!

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PREPARING FOR THE IELTS TEST

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Tips & Tricks for Taking the IELTS Test If English is not your native language and you’d like to study a degree in English abroad, you’ll have to take an International English Language Test, commonly referred to as the IELTS test.

The IELTS test format is somewhat different from regular school exams, so we’ve prepared some tips and advice to help you get totally prepared for the test and achieve your desired score.

PRACTICE UNTIL YOU FEEL CONFIDENT Practice can boost your self-confidence. For the speaking test, find a friend to practice speaking English with. While reading English magazines, practice skimming the texts for the reading test. To practice for the listening test, watch movies in English each night and surround yourself with English language news and songs to improve your listening skills.

How to prepare before the test IDENTIFY YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

PRACTICE UNDER TIME PRESSURE

Work on your weaknesses to make sure they do not negatively affect your total score. For example, if you’re a slow reader, focus on the reading test more than writing, listening, and speaking tests.

Test yourself in a 2 hour and 45 minute time-frame, just like the exam day. This will help you get to know what it feels like to take the reading, writing, and listening tests consecutively. The more you practice under time pressure, the better you can manage your time.

HAVE A STUDY PLAN

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL IELTS WEBSITE

Make a plan before you start studying for the IELTS test and have a tailored study plan based on your areas of strengths and weaknesses.

The official IELTS website is the best source of information for IELTS candidates. You can read about the rules and regulations of the test, the test format, and find useful IELTS materials such as books, tests and videos on the website.

STUDY THE MATERIAL Attend an IELTS preparation course, if possible.

The preparation courses provide you with the IELTS material as well as tips and tricks you need to know.

If you don’t have access to IELTS preparation courses, you can hire a qualified private teacher instead. An English teacher will also help you make a study plan.

CHECK THE LOCATION OF THE EXAM In order to be on time on the exam day, make sure that you know exactly where the IELTS test center is and find out how to access the location.

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EAT BREAKFAST Remember to eat a good breakfast before the exam.

Your brain definitely functions better when you’re not hungry.

How to prepare on test day

TAKE A COLA TO THE EXAM HALL You are allowed to take a transparent bottle of liquid, a pencil, an eraser and your passport to the exam hall.

Consider taking a bottle of cola in your transparent bottle to keep your awareness and blood sugar high, as it contains both caffeine and sugar.

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TEST Though it may be tempting to stay up late the night before your exam and have a final study session, your time will be much better spent getting proper rest.

A solid night of sleep ensures you are refreshed and ready to go the morning of your exam, allowing you to fully concentrate and not feel too drowsy.

PAY ATTENTION TO SPELLING & PUNCTUATION

WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES

PAY ATTENTION TO THE WORD LIMITS

Wear appropriate clothing that won’t distract you from concentrating on the exam. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight, and consider the fact that the exam room might be cold or warm so dress in layers.

Keep in mind that you will lose marks if you exceed the given word limits. Pay attention to where answers should be “not more than three words”, as well as the writing tasks which will have specific word limits.

Spelling and punctuation are essential throughout the entire IELTS test. Beware that you will lose points if your answers are spelled incorrectly or you use punctuation incorrectly.

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Speaking test tips

Writing test tips •

Don’t use spoken English in your writing.

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Write the second writing task first as it contributes more to your total score.

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Make sure your handwriting is readable, tidy and neat.

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Listen to the questions carefully before you answer.

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Don’t answer the questions if you’re unsure about what to answer. You can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question for you.

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Be confident, relaxed, and do your best.

Listening test tips Reading test tips •

Don’t spend too much time on the questions you can’t find answers for. Make a note, move on to the next question, and go back to the skipped question if you have any time left.

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Read all the questions and underline the keywords before reading each text.

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Skim the questions before listening to the recordings.

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Make sure that you can write the dates in the correct format.

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If you have any problem hearing the recordings, raise your hand and ask for help.

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Practice on both British and American pronunciations, as some numbers and words are pronounced differently.

HOW TO APPLY TO A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

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10 Tips to Help You Apply for Study Abroad Programs The application process for university admission differs from country to country and there is no perfect formula for obtaining admission to your desired university. However, there are some general rules that you should follow and tips that can help you gain admission.

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1. CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM Decide where you want to study abroad and which level and area of study you’re interested in. Be sure you have the academic background to qualify. Consider your career prospects and then decide on a specialization.

Choose a program aligned with your goals and try to choose a university that is highly ranked, has a great reputation for your desired subject, or meets other criteria that are important to you.

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2. READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES CAREFULLY The first step for applying to a school abroad is checking the requirements. If the information on the website is confusing to you or is insufficient, request more information from the schools.

3. WRITE A MOTIVATION LETTER Applying for certain fields of study or schools requires a motivation letter. The motivation letter or cover letter should show your ability to perform well and should include an evaluation of your skills, as well as your accomplishments. Express your interest in studying at the university in a clean and structured manner and be sure to use clear English when writing the letter.

If you are unsure if your nationality is accepted for student visas in the country, you can also try visiting official government websites and study councils. It is important to pay attention to the deadlines to make sure that you don’t miss the admission or entrance exam deadlines.

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4. ASK FOR A RECOMMENDATION LETTER University or program admission sometimes require one or several recommendation letters from a teacher. Don’t be shy to ask for the recommendation letter from your teachers that you’ve had a good relationship with.

Remember, recommendation letters take time for instructors to write and they may be asked for letters from multiple students. Ask them as early as possible to ensure they have the time to write a detailed and compelling letter of recommendation.

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5. TRANSLATE AND AUTHENTICATE YOUR DOCUMENTS If you’re applying for a program abroad taught in English, you’ll need to translate your documents (including your diploma and grades) to English.

6. USE ONLINE APPLICATION PLATFORMS

All translated documents should be authenticated by a competent authority. If you aren’t sure which authorities are accepted, check your prospective university’s website or inquire about it with an admissions official.

More and more schools are using an online application platform to make it easier for students to apply for the programs. Sending the documents electronically instead of by post is preferred by most schools and students as it is faster and usually less expensive or free.

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7. REGISTER FOR THE ENTRANCE EXAM Some countries like India and certain schools, such as medical schools, have entrance exams that test your knowledge of natural science and skills relating to subjects like language or mathematics.

Check the date and place of the exam as the test usually takes place one or two months before the school’s opening day. You’ll need to register for the test in advance and if required, make a plan for your travel abroad. Also make sure that you know what to expect on test day. If possible, prepare by taking a look at a sample test.

8. BE CONFIDENT FOR THE INTERVIEW The last stage of the application process might be an admission interview. Some schools, like the University of Oxford and certain elite programs, conduct interviews to find which candidates are most qualified to get into the school.

The interview usually starts with why you want to study in this school or program, your background and plans for the future. Practice for the interview, be confident and don’t let the formal setting stress you out. Remain calm and don’t speak too quickly or slowly.

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9. SCHEDULE YOUR VISA APPOINTMENT To be eligible for a student visa, your school and program should be accredited by the government of the country they are located. In most cases, after you receive a letter of acceptance and get admitted at the school, it’s time to apply for the student visa. Depending on the country’s regulations and number of applicants, applying for the student visa can be a long and complicated process. Therefore, it’s better to apply for your student visa and schedule your appointment or interview as soon as possible.

The documents you’ll need for the student visa application are usually a bank statement, the application form, the receipt of payment for your application and university tuition fee, your passport, medical and background information.

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10. PLAN FOR THE COSTS You’ll need to consider that applying to schools abroad will have costs relating to the school’s entrance exam, translating documents, booking the English language test, tuition fees, and visa application fees.

Don’t let this discourage you as many students study internationally on a budget.

However, be sure to make a plan for your likely costs so you can budget appropriately.

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE WHILE STUDYING ABROAD

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How to find someplace to live when you study abroad Are you considering studying abroad but are vaguely worried you might end up homeless?

Relax! Every city is different and some may have housing shortages, making getting a roof over your head a bit more challenging. Don’t worry, as international students can always find a way.

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2. JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS WHERE OTHER STUDENTS MIGHT LOOK FOR HOUSING The incoming class, as well as international students, will probably have active Facebook groups where people search for roommates, compare rent prices, and share links to local apartment listings.

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1. CHECK WITH THE INTERNATIONAL STUDY ABROAD DEPARTMENT International student advisers are, as a rule, quite nice and helpful. Give them a call or send them an email asking what percentage of their students live on or off campus.

They should be more than willing to help you find a dormitory (if that’s what you would like), or recommend nearby neighborhoods that are popular with students.

3. USE EXISTING NETWORKS IN YOUR STUDY ABROAD COUNTRY If you are lucky enough to have some connections already in the city you’re going to study, ask them if they know anyone who is renting, or if they could reach out to their social network on your behalf.

If this works out, you have the benefit of renting from the friend-ofa-friend and might get a good rate, as well as a generally friendlier experience since you’re not such a stranger.

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4. CONSIDER LIVING WITH A HOST FAMILY A host family can offer an amazing opportunity to learn the local language and get immersed in local culture.

Plus, there is often the added bonus of delicious homemade food! If you have your heart set on a wild partying experience, a host family may not be the best option for you to pursue. However, if you’re studying abroad to truly immerse yourself in your new country and culture, a host family offers every advantage.

5. STAY AT A HOSTEL AND FIND AN APARTMENT WHEN YOU GET THERE

So, how do you find your host family? Your study abroad university will be a great resource for this. Often times they have host family programs that you can enroll in.

Additionally, they might be able to refer you to local language schools who could set up an arrangement.

Make sure to tell them what your expectations are in advance, perhaps you’re uncomfortable in a staunchly religious household or would hate living in the suburbs.

Ask lots of questions and go with your gut to find the right host family.

If you’re studying in a country where you don’t know the language, it’s still possible to employ this strategy, but you’re going to want to find a buddy who speaks the language. This valuable insight could help you avoid getting ripped off by an opportunistic landlord.

Although this strategy will lead to some extra pressure upon your arrival to the city, it might just be worth it. You could arrive early, do a bit of sightseeing through various neighborhoods, and interview potential landlords to find a living situation and roommates that you really like.

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MAKING NEW FRIENDS WHILE STUDYING ABROAD

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How to make new friends when studying abroad If you’re considering studying abroad but worry that it might be more difficult to make friends, fear not! In many ways, making friends as an international student is actually easier! Here are five tips to stay social and make life-long friends during study abroad.

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1. GO TO ORIENTATION Orientation at your new university may be optional – and it may even be boring – but it’s a great way to meet other international students before they’ve settled into a friend group. Once you find some students you might be interested in getting to know more, suggest hanging out at a local café or the campus lawn. Like you, they’ve just arrived, so it’s unlikely that they have plans. If they do, maybe they’ll invite you along!

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2. JOIN SOME STUDENT CLUBS Every university worth its salt will have some active student clubs for you to join. Whether it’s based on your hobbies, or just a mutual love of getting discounts at local pubs, there will be opportunities to make new friends.

It’s a good idea to join clubs that aren’t predominantly international students to increase your chances of making local friends.

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4. GET A ROOMMATE OR ROOMMATES

3. GET A FUNCTIONING MOBILE PHONE ASAP

Although plenty of people live alone and stay socially active, if you’re in a new country, getting roommates in a dorm or shared apartment is a great way to stay active and meet new people.

In some countries, getting a SIM card can be a quite a hassle, even involving paperwork. In other countries, it’s merely a matter of finding a convenience store that sells them. Either way, this should be early on your to-do list so that you don’t miss out on spontaneous plans.

Even if you don’t have a lot in common with your roommates, you’ll probably get the opportunity to hang out with your roommates’ friends and your roommates friends’ friends, and sooner or later meet some people you really like.

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5. ORGANIZE PLANS TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW COUNTRY If you make friends but don’t get out as often as you would like, organize some daytrips to sightsee, explore the local cuisine, shop, or go to clubs and bars. Don’t be shy from inviting your local friends either. They might be able to steer you in the direction of local restaurants that they’ve heard about and want to try, art exhibits or book fairs they’ve been looking for someone to go with, or even landmarks they’ve never visited even though they’ve lived in this city their entire life.

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KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHILE STUDYING ABROAD

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How to stay in touch with family and friends while studying abroad Are you considering studying abroad but worried you will lose touch with the people you care about most? With a bit of planning and the help of technology, it’s easier than ever to stay upto-date and nurture your relationships back home. Here are five tried-and-true tips that writers from educations.com have used to stay in touch with their loved ones while studying abroad.

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2. SCHEDULE REGULAR CALLS AND VIDEO CALLS 1. CONSIDER KEEPING ONE OF YOUR DEVICES ON YOUR HOME CITY’S TIME ZONE Communicating with family and friends while you’re studying abroad in a different time zone presents a few extra challenges. You’ll either wake up to messages from well-meaning family members and friends or risk disturbing their sleep with your own ill-timed messages.

One strategy to internalize the time difference is to keep one of your electronic devices, such as a laptop or tablet, on your home city’s time zone until you adjust. If you find that too confusing, try getting in the habit of checking world time zones on your mobile’s clock. This will be useful in the future as you stay in touch with your study abroad friends from around the world.

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It’s easy to have a full academic and social calendar when you’re studying abroad.

However, with all you have going on, it may be hard to remember to set aside time to communicate with your friends and family back home.

Using video chat services like Skype or FaceTime or simply texting with iMessage or Whatsapp is a great way of keeping up your relationships while you’re away.

If you’re in a different time-zone than your family and friends back home, the weekends are usually most convenient for everyone.

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3. DROP THEM POSTCARDS FROM YOUR LOCATION We know, snail mail seems so last century. But, don’t you get a little excited when you get a hand-written note from someone you miss? It feels extra-special and postcards are an opportunity to share a little memento of your experiences.

Postcards from national parks, museums, and old towns and cities with a few lines from you about a funny experience or little discovery will make your loved ones feel like they’re exploring with you.

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4. KEEP A BLOG TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH PEOPLE FROM HOME Your family and friends back home will be your blog’s most dedicated readers as they watch you explore a new country, make lifelong friends, and maybe live a bit vicariously through all of the delicious foods and exotic scenery.

Many students start travel blogs while they study abroad but few keep them through the entirety of their studies as they can quickly become too busy to update their blogs. Getting grandma to sign up for Facebook and dad to make an Instagram account can be a great way of making sure everyone’s included even when you’re short on time.

5. DON’T FORGET TO SCHEDULE PLANS BACK HOME It’s easy (and healthy) to have such a great time studying abroad that you forget to make plans with your loved ones back home.

If you’re studying abroad for an extended period, you can make plans to visit home, invite your friends and family to your new country for a visit, or discover a new country together.

As you near the end of you semester, year, or longer time abroad, remember to plan homecoming celebrations with your nearest and dearest to catch up.

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