Dos and Don'ts of Studying in a Foreign Country

Studying in a foreign country can seem intimidating, but there are ways to prepare and ensure everything goes according to plan. Studies have shown that students who participate in foreign learning programs often feel the experience helps them excel in the job market, so it's not an opportunity you want to miss. Read this blog post to discover some helpful studying abroad tips!

Helpful Tips to Prepare for Studying Abroad

Do Your Research

It's essential to become familiar with the university you'll be attending. More often than not, there will be an entire department dedicated to educating and helping overseas students. 

Doing your research means learning about the different classes you're qualified to take and reading the facility's rules. It's always better to come prepared on that first day of class.

Don't Disrespect Local Laws and the Culture

Foreign laws can be in stark contrast to US laws. Examples include laws that deem you guilty by association or countries with strict regulations for which facilities you're allowed to photograph. These laws usually reference military bases or police buildings. 

It would also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the local culture of where you'll be staying. Doing this ensures you don't accidentally offend your professors, fellow students, or people you meet along the way. Knowing these laws and cultural expectations is one of the most critical studying abroad tips you can follow.

Do Budget and Save Money 

Studying abroad can be expensive. You have to pay for tuition, flights, lodging, food, and whatever exploring you plan to do in your free time. 

In France, you can expect costs for a private institution to range anywhere from $15,000 - $28,000. This price differs significantly from Norway, with tuition averaging between $5,000 and $10,000 a year. These are all estimated without everyday costs included. You can reduce this financial burden by saving money in advance and searching for scholarships for college students.

Don't Treat It Solely as a Vacation 

While it can be easy to get consumed by a foreign country's beautiful sights and experiences, you should remember your main focal point: studying. You're there to work toward a degree that will shape your career, so balancing work and fun is critical. 

You can prepare yourself by writing down your academic priorities and reaching out to a college admissions consultant for more in-depth advice. 

Do Make Friends and Explore 

Last but most certainly not least, you should make friends and explore the local area. Studying abroad isn't an opportunity you get every day, so it's essential to immerse yourself in the culture and the people. Doing this will make your experience worthwhile and could even enrich your studying.  

Being Unprepared Can Cost You

You are about to embark on an exciting endeavor. Use these studying abroad tips to avoid mistakes and make the most of your experience learning in a foreign country. 

Clark College Consulting has helped thousands of students navigate the college admissions process and get into the schools of their dreams. Our team of experts can help you with every step of the process, from choosing schools to applying to crafting winning essays. Reach out to us today to start your college admissions journey.

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