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A Helpful Guide To Your First Week Of Studying Abroad

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The excitement that follows after months of anticipating, going through the admission process, and finally getting enroled in your dream college is out of this world. You can’t wait to start your journey in a completely new country and make new friends but despite all the planning and research, the first few weeks in a new country can be overwhelming for most.

From filling out important documents on arrival, finding your university accommodation to familiarizing yourself with new people and places, the first week can get a little hectic for international students. To make the whole process a little less daunting so you can breathe and take in your ‘new home’ for the next year or two, we’ve come up with the top 5 tips to help you survive your first week abroad.

 

1. Fill Out The College Formalities

Your first week in the university will demand a lot of formalities and documents to be filled out and it is important that you do just the same to not miss out on any last dates. As soon as you enter the university you need to find your student ID and set up your student account. Take time out to meet your university advisors and complete all necessary procedures in due time. Make sure you also have stacked up on your program books before the semester and read up on the rules and regulations.

 

2. Sort Out Your Schedule

You will be handed an official university schedule for your program which will mark all the important holidays, exam dates and assignment submissions beforehand. Apart from that you also need to collect your schedule for all the classes you will be attending in the semester. Maintaining an organised schedule from the start will help you avoid unnecessary clashes in schedules if you plan on taking up more classes or work part-time.

 

3. Connect With Locals

If you feel lost at the start of the week, you can contact your inter-nation office keep you up-to-date with all the procedures and events that are happening around you. It is also important that you meet a few locals through societies an events and make friends. Connecting with local people will help you experience the lifestyle and culture of the country you’re visiting and help you get accustomed to the place.

 

4. Take Advantage Of Societies & Clubs

By the end of orientation week, most of the students will have selected clubs and societies they want to be a part of. You should also make the necessary efforts to get into university societies to socialize and get acquainted with new people. Joining clubs is also one of the best ways to soak up a new culture and improve your language skills.

 

5. Explore Your New Home

Once you’re done with all the necessary guidelines and have settled in by the end of the week, you are truly free to enjoy the weekend. Take time to yourself and explore the city and campus life. Take long walks on the campus and discover the best coffee spots and hidden gems around the city. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the new city, soak in the uni life and also shop for necessary items while you’re at it!

 

Lastly, try to keep yourself happy during the first week. The first few days in a new city are bound to take a toll on you and bring some unexpected challenges your way. The important thing is to learn to say yes to every opportunity that crosses your way and enjoy the experiences coming your way.

If you’re planning to study abroad and require expert guidance and professional help you can arrange a free consultation with iStudyAbroad. iStudyAbroad is India’s no.1 free study abroad consultants who help students get access to study abroad programs in top universities across Ireland, Canada, UK, and the USA.

You can sign up for a free counselling and discuss your aspirations with us- https://istudyabroad.co.in/get-started/

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Study Abroad Experience

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Throughout the years, many students have enrolled in study abroad programs across the world for a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity and an experience they will never forget. However, when the time actually comes for students to study and enjoy their time abroad, it often passes by in a jiffy. From attending classes to keeping up with your schedule, many students regret not making the most out of their study abroad experience.

If you’re also planning on studying abroad, you should definitely try to make the most out of the free time you’ll get while studying abroad. Whether you are going out for a semester or a 2-year program, implement these 4 tips that’ll ensure an enjoyable learning experience for you.

 

1. Create a bucket list

Before completely immersing into your study abroad program, it is a good practice to make a plan or a list of things you want to achieve, see or do when you travel abroad. This will serve as a guide and help you put things in perspective if you start feeling lost.

Find out all the things you can experience in and around your destination country and list down the ones that excite you the most. This way, each time you see your list, you’ll remember how great it felt to follow through with an aspiration and will crave the rush all over again.

 

2. Socialize With The Local People

You should always make it a point to meet local people so that you are able to immerse yourself completely into the local culture and learn from your friends about the history and lifestyle of the city. Befriending locals also come in handy at times. Having local friends helps you experience local cuisines like never before, attend local events and parties that you’d not know otherwise and visit places that are like hidden gems within the city.

 

3. Travel To Different Places

One thing you should definitely do when you are studying abroad is to travel around the country and discover restaurants, shops, tourist spots that will make your stay more memorable in your destination country.

Even if you’re new to the place, step out of your dorm, get a local map and start exploring and planning trips to nearby attractions. Take the help of a local friend or guide if you’re planning to travel to nearby cities and make good memories.

 

4. Explore Internship Opportunities

Apart from pursuing your degree in the university, you need to take up as many internships as you can to get practical work experience and understand how the corporate world functions in your host country. The more internships you do, the more you’ll get acquainted with the work culture and ethics which is very important for your survival in the job sector and earning while learning is always good!

 

5. Maintain A Journal/ Video Log

This experience will teach you a lot and prepare you for future experiences, so make sure you journal your days, both good and bad. Looking back, all these experiences will help you shape into a better and more independent person. Also by documenting your visits, trips and daily life, you can go back and show your family and friends how you spent your days studying abroad.

 

While preparing to go out and study, think about how to incorporate these tips during your hectic schedule. It is important that you make time to go out and experience moments that you will take with you forever. If not more these experiences are as important as the learning program and will teach you crucial life lessons.

If you’re planning to study abroad and require expert guidance and professional help you can arrange a free consultation with iStudyAbroad. iStudyAbroad is India’s no.1 study abroad consultants who help students get access to study abroad programs in top universities across Ireland, Canada, and the USA.

You can sign up for a free counselling and discuss your aspirations with us- https://istudyabroad.co.in/get-started/

Preparing to Study Abroad: 5 Things You Need To Know

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Studying abroad is a great learning experience for students and it also provides you with many exciting opportunities. From traveling to different places, learning new cultures and polishing your skills, studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that changes your life.

If you’re planning to study abroad, you might have already chosen a university and a program that is suitable for you, read about the university lifestyle and researched about the places to visit. 

But a lot more goes into an international adventure. There are a few things you have to keep in mind, not just about the university but also about your destination country; its culture, laws, visa requirements and more that you will be subjected to when you move abroad.

Before going overseas, here is a list of things you need to prepare in advance:

 

1. Apply for a passport and visa

If you are going abroad to study, you will definitely be advised on which visa to apply and whether you need to fill out any other forms that will make it easier to go to your country of choice.

Student visas can often take several weeks to arrive so make sure you apply for a visa way before your university joining date.

It’s also important to make sure that you have a valid passport that is up to date and will not expire within 6 months. Check this well in advance of your departure date as it usually takes a few weeks for a new passport to arrive.

 

2. Research about the country and its culture

You should take some time to do your research about the people and their culture, familiarize yourself with your study abroad destination and check if the country is experiencing any problems that may affect your travel plans. Even the smallest things like weather conditions and staple food matters. 

You should do thorough research about the cost of living, including rent, food, and transportation. Knowing the country’s culture and the economy will enrich your experience and make your time there more meaningful.

 

3. Figure out your finances

Before heading off, you should make sure your finances are well taken care of. The first thing to do is to set up an online bank account so that you can manage your money while abroad. Most international travelers use their ATM/debit or credit cards to get cash in the local currency.

Secondly, you need to inform your bank and credit card company about your plans od studying abroad. This will enable them to make necessary changes in your account so that you are not locked out. 

It is also advisable to have some cash with you on the day you travel. Convert at least ₹5000- ₹1000  to your destination country’s currency to facilitate your stay before you locate an ATM there. If you are unable to obtain the currency at home, the airport is a great option to withdraw cash at an ATM right as you arrive.

 

4. Get health insurance

This is crucial when you are abroad in case anything happens to you or your belongings. Insurance can come in handy if your bag goes missing or if something gets stolen or damaged.

It is also worth checking what kind of health insurance you might need while abroad. Many students tend to overlook health insurance and vaccinations. You should check whether you need to take any vaccinations before heading out, ensure that you have a good supply of any regular prescriptions and have full access to them abroad. Your insurance should cover accidents and common medical conditions in case you are ill or injured while studying abroad since healthcare is very expensive in other countries.

 

5. Register with your country’s embassy

You need to register with the government to make your presence and whereabouts known. You may also receive important information about the security situation in your host country in the process. Leave copies of your passport or any other citizenship document you may have.

 

 

On top of this, you need to do thorough research about the university you are going to study in and the facilities it will provide. Preparing yourself mentally is also very important before you start your journey abroad. Studying abroad will surely be a fun and safe experience if you are fully prepared. The tips discussed above will give you an idea of how to prepare to study abroad.

 

Study Abroad With iStudyAbroad

If you’re planning to study abroad and require expert guidance and professional help you can arrange a free consultation with iStudyAbroad. 

iStudyAbroad is India’s no.1 study abroad consultants who help students get access to study abroad programs in top universities across the world. By providing exceptional student-oriented services like career counseling, university shortlisting, exam preparation, applications, visa application, and scholarships, we help students achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams to study abroad in top study destinations. Our international application experts have successfully helped over 1000s of students to study abroad.

Sign up for a free counseling to discuss your aspirations with us and get started – https://istudyabroad.co.in/get-started/

6 Reasons To Choose Ireland As A ‘Study Abroad’ Destination

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Choosing the right university and place for higher studies is a big step in any student’s life. Many students even plan to go abroad for higher education that offers them great career opportunities, exposes them to a different culture and also hone their skills. Studying abroad has proven to be a great learning experience for college students. 

There are many amazing countries that offer great university programs and career opportunities for international students. But you need to pick a country that is the best choice for you with regards to communication, safety, study programs, hospitality, and career. If you’re looking for a country that packs all these benefits for international students, you should consider Ireland. 

One of the best places for high-quality education, over the last few years Ireland has emerged as a preferred destination for international students looking to study abroad. Here are 6 reasons why you should consider studying at a university in Ireland:

 

1. Top Universities

Ireland is home to some of the best universities in the world. UCC, DCU, TDU, UL. NUIG, IT Carlow, AIT, WIT, CIT, DBS and Griffith College are some of the popular universities in Ireland. In fact, UCC or University College Cork is one of the best universities in Europe and has a global ranking of 310 worldwide. Trinity College Dublin also ranked 117th in 2018 THE World University Rankings. 

Most universities in Ireland have an international reputation for the highest quality education and provide an excellent education system for students.

 

2. Scholarships

Every university in Ireland provides plenty of generous scholarship opportunities for international students. These merit scholarships range from €1000 up to 100% tuition fee waiver. On top of that, there are separate scholarships awarded for excellence in sports and achievement in extracurricular activities. Universities also grant more than 30 separate scholarships only for Postgraduate international students.

 

3. Post-study Visa

One of the major benefits of studying in Ireland is the post-study visa. Generally, a two-year work permit is provided for international students in Ireland. This makes it easy for students to look for job opportunities in the country after they graduate and work with global companies. Once students have found employment, they are also eligible to apply for a green card/work permit if they plan on staying there.

Also read: Why Students Choose To Go Abroad For Higher Studies

 

4. Hub for global Corporations

Ireland is home to over 1,000 leading multinational companies. From FDI giants in ICT, Social Media, Pharmaceuticals to Finance have made Ireland the hub of their European operations. Corporate giants such as Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK and Genzyme have their headquarters in Ireland. These companies often provide great opportunities for students looking to find employment or work experience after graduation.

 

5. Safe and friendly country

Ireland is one of the safest and friendliest countries in the world as the crime rate in Ireland is almost negligible. The Irish are also some of the most welcoming people around and therefore hospitality plays a large role in Irish culture.

Racism in the country is very low as compared to other European countries. Since Irish people are renowned for their friendliness, it greatly contributes to the ease with which international students adapt to student life in Ireland.

 

6. English Speaking Country

The majority of people in Ireland speak English even though Irish Gaelic is recognized as the official language of Ireland. This is because only 36% of the Irish population speak the official language.

As a result of this, the course curriculum is in English. English being a global language is suitable and spoken all around the world. This country is predominantly English spoken which makes it a perfect destination for English speaking students to ease into the culture. Alternatively, it provides students with the opportunity to improve their listening and speaking ability. Also, there are no language barriers attached.

 

Ireland’s longstanding reputation for high-quality education is built on a solid foundation of commitment to excellence. Today they have one of the best education systems in the world and an internationally renowned reputation for academic quality. From quality assured education to a welcoming culture, Ireland provides a well-rounded experience for international students to study and work. 

 

Study Abroad With iStudyAbroad

If you’re planning to study in Ireland and require expert guidance and professional help you can arrange a free consultation with iStudyAbroad. 

iStudyAbroad is India’s no.1 study abroad consultants who help students get access to study abroad programs in top universities across the world. By providing exceptional student-oriented services like career counselling, university shortlisting, exam preparation, applications, visa application, and scholarships, we help students achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams to study abroad in top study destinations. Our international application experts have successfully helped over 1000s of students to study abroad.

Sign up for a free counselling to discuss your aspirations with us and get started – https://istudyabroad.co.in/get-started/

Top 5 Reasons Students Choose To Go Abroad For Higher Studies

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Studying abroad is one of the most beneficial and rewarding experience for a college student. By studying abroad, students have the opportunity to study in a foreign nation and take in the culture of a new place. Not only does studying abroad gives students the right exposure but also, it also provides them with global career opportunities.

But apart from traveling and earning a degree from a prestigious university, there are many more reasons why students choose to travel abroad to study. Here is a list of reasons why studying abroad is a memorable experience for all.

 

1. Career Opportunities 

The main reason students choose to study abroad is to boost their opportunities for career development. When students finish their study abroad program and return back, they return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.

Studying abroad also gives you the added benefit of working globally as companies around the world continue to invest in the global market, and prefer to hire employees who have international experience. Having a global degree increases your chances of being selected and also makes your resume stand out. 

 

2. Acquire New Skills

When you study overseas, you can learn skills you don’t have the opportunity to learn in your country. In addition to university classes, you can explore new hobbies or sports that are new to you. Traveling outside your home country is an education in itself that helps you to learn how to interact with a culture different from your own and gives you the skills you need to move ahead in life. 

 

3. Learn A New Language

Learning the local language is kind of a given when you’re traveling abroad and staying there for 1-2 years. Although it might seem difficult at first, learning a new language is more valuable for companies as globalization brings different cultures together. Businesses also prefer bilinguals who can communicate business, academic, and social settings when required. Being fluent in other languages is an important skill.

Learning a new language sometimes comes in handy. For ex. In Germany and China, you need to know the local language to get a part-time job to cover your expenses.

Universities abroad also urge students to take up classes and offer language courses to provide you with a more formal education. 

 

4. Experience Different Cultures

Immersing yourself in a totally different culture is powerful. Students who opt to study abroad experience things like trying different foods, celebrating traditional customs, and learning the history of another country. A person’s culture reflects deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence their way of life. This will help you gain an understanding of the country you’re staying in, that can’t be taught with books.

You will also find that you have a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history. You will have the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life.

 

5. Gain Independence

Although going to college is a new experience for every student regardless of whether they are studying abroad or in the country, leaving for overseas education can be overwhelming. In that sense, studying abroad can be motivator to help you to move outside your comfort zone and learn to start a new life on your own in a different place.

Cultivating personal skills, traveling around the city alone and living a life away from family makes you learn more about yourself, discover new interests and become truly independent 

 

Whether you plan on going abroad for a student exchange program or to study and work, every opportunity will teach you important life lessons. It is a different experience altogether that stays as a lifelong memory for all. The important thing is to not let this opportunity go to waste and to productively use your time while you’re studying abroad. 

But going abroad to study is not as simple as it looks. From admission tests, training, visa, and travel, students have to take care of many things which sometimes becomes a problem. So If you’re planning on studying abroad in Ireland, Canada or the USA and require professional guidance, you can check out iStudyAbroad.

iStudyAbroad is India’s no.1 study abroad programs that help students get access to study abroad programs in top universities across the world. By providing exceptional student-oriented services like career counseling, university shortlisting, exam preparation, applications, visa application, and scholarships, we help students achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams to study abroad in top study destinations. 

Register with iStudyAbroad today and get a free counseling session- https://istudyabroad.co.in/get-started/