17 Things To Avoid While Studying Abroad

Today, I’m going to inform and enlighten you on the things to avoid while studying abroad. As long as you enjoyed it, your study abroad experience should be one you won’t soon forget.

If you know how to live and what to do and don’t, living abroad is nice and enjoyable. One of the worst experiences you may have in life is doing something that would result in your deportation by the Embassy.

I’ve taken the effort to research what students should not do when studying abroad. This essay will inform you of the many mistakes you should stay away from when studying abroad. This advice holds true regardless of where you plan to go—Europe, Asia, Australia, or even Africa.

Don’t mean something you should avoid doing when studying abroad; this article will explain what that means and how to go about it.

The “Don’t” You Should Avoid While Studying Abroad

1. Overspending Too Much

Some individuals mistakenly believe that they are still residing in their own country while studying abroad because they are unaware that living expenses are higher. Some people receive scholarships to study abroad and are put on a monthly salary to make the most of their time there. Avoid overspending when studying, refrain from purchasing items that are unrelated to your education, limit your dining because you are a student at establishments designed for working people, and always tailor your clothing to fit you.

2. No too many Parties

Some people who go overseas to study mistakenly believe that they are there to have fun and forget why they are there. A responsible student should absolutely avoid attending parties in different cities while they are studying because, in my opinion, doing so results in spending too much money, which is bad for your time spent abroad. Although some people believe it is healthy to enjoy life, I believe there is a proper time for it—not when studying abroad. Going from one party to the next exposes your life to risk, which is bad for your trip overseas.

3. No too much Friends

Making friends while studying has its own restrictions, yet it can also be beneficial. But it’s not a good idea to make too many pals. You might not be aware of some of your friends’ motivations, whether they want you to advance or not. Peer pressure can sometimes be detrimental since it might force you to engage in unlawful behavior while in school, such as teaching you to smoke because it is a common practice abroad. Making too many friends may prevent you from having time to read since they may always want to take you out for activities that may not even advance your education.

4. Don’t Try skipping lectures

Some students frequently miss lectures, which is bad when studying abroad. Whatever the circumstance, a good student who knows that he went to class to learn should not miss class, regardless of the justifications you may come up with. This attitude only serves to harm rather than to benefit. If you want to study abroad, keep the saying “You can skip food, but don’t skip lectures” in the back of your mind. Attending classes will provide you the opportunity to ask questions about topics you don’t really grasp in any field and you won’t miss any crucial information that a lecturer will share that isn’t even covered in the lecture notes. If you were in class, the lecturer would have explained things to you so that you could comprehend them, as opposed to you asking a fellow student to do so.

5. Don’t dress anyhow Please

One significant proverb states that “you are address the way you are dressed.” In terms of personality, how you dress as a student is quite important. You cannot appear to be a student while wearing a motor park uniform; if you do, people will mistake you for a conductor rather than a student. Maintaining a nice haircut can make you more appealing to prominent school officials, who will in turn make others want to be close to you. Some people believe that having too many clothes makes it easier for you to dress nicely because you will always have something to wear from Monday through Saturday. However, you don’t need many clothes to go to school in good shape—you only need to wash them properly and iron them. You are coming there to learn, not to flash your clothes.

6. Avoid Inferiority complex

Don’t think of where you’re from as a small town or consider yourself less than others because you live in a developing nation, etc. If someone asks you where your nation is, don’t be afraid to answer them. Be proud of your country and don’t worry that they will treat you differently if they find out. Inform people about your nation, and they could be enticed to travel there one day.

7. Don’t let one habit master you

Some people are unable to live their lives without engaging in a specific activity. Some people were accustomed to living in their country without attending parties with their girlfriends or hanging out with girls in the clubs. If you believe you won’t be able to give up this way of life, please consider how it will impact your time spent studying abroad. Due to your constant focus on hanging out with girls, this will have a negative affect on your ability to study more than it will have a positive one. There is time for everything, so when you go to school, always put your studies first. If you don’t plan, you prepare to fail.

Read Also: 10 Cheapest Schools Offering Online Bachelors Degree Programs

8. Don’t dwell in Your Past

Never let the past to influence the present. Focus instead because this is your future and you will meet new people rather than worrying about the friends you will leave behind while studying overseas. Always keep in mind that when you return triumphant, the world you left will be proud of you.

9. Don’t Oversleep

Students frequently believe that sleeping excessively is beneficial. If there are 24 hours in a day and you sleep for 8 of them, you are sleeping for no reason at all if you compute how many hours there are in a week. I’m not saying that sleeping is bad, but you should strive to cut back on how many hours you sleep each day if you’re a student.

10. Don’t forget your Journals

Don’t make the mistake of leaving your journal at home when you wish to go on a trip; you’ll need it to record some of the events you had or went through while studying abroad. You may keep a journal of the life lessons you pick up during your trip abroad. This is a significant learning aid as well.

11. Only interacting or residing with citizens of your own nation or region

Your new circle of friends—from your home country—are the only thing that will help you settle in and feel at home when you are moving to a strange location. We understand that coming abroad to study can be intimidating, so when you don’t know how to do things like read campus signs, use public transportation, or know the best stores to locate student discounts, you’ll probably cling to other people in your situation. It’s crucial to keep in mind that attending college is a novel experience for everyone, regardless of how close they grew up to campus. You will limit your experiences and accidentally cut yourself off from enjoyable activities that you may have otherwise loved if you don’t make an effort to put yourself out there and mingle with other students from around the world.

Simply said, look for and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with people who are in similar, though not identical, circumstances. You will forge lifelong connections and generate unforgettable memories, regardless of whether the members of your new social circle are locals, foreign students, or a combination of the two.

12. Failing to having interest in learning the language

Before departing for your new university, be sure to bring a crucial item for students: the desire to pick up a new language. Although it’s unlikely that anyone will expect you to be proficient when you arrive, having a basic understanding of the language will be quite helpful. You will get off to a good start if you can grasp words like “please” and “thank you,” as well as learn how to greet people. Next steps To continue speaking the language, hire a tutor, enroll in a course, or try to establish friends with native speakers. Making an attempt to communicate in a language other than your own demonstrates respect, and your tutors and potential employers will take note of your efforts. Don’t give up or be hard on yourself if your confidence wavers—you can do this! Here are some additional strategies for improving your language abilities while studying abroad:

• download a language-learning app and use it regularly
• watch children’s programming or read children’s books in the local language
• turn on the subtitles when watching tv or videos in the local language
• listen to the radio
• label things around your room with sticky notes

13. Over-packing much loads

Even packing for a short trip abroad can be difficult, much less a year as an international student. Simple advice like “don’t bring everything” is helpful. Although it seems clear, you just won’t need it all. Find out about the weather where your college is located. The necessities will likely be more readily available and appropriate in your new area unless you are moving to a nation with a climate and style comparable to your own. Pack only what you’ll need when you get there and make plans to buy (or borrow) everything else when you’ve had a chance to decide what you’ll actually need.

Similar to the academic equipment, it may be tempting to carry everything with you, but items like books and stationery weigh a lot and can probably be purchased locally. The same goes for domestic stuff like large toiletries, compact appliances, and kitchenware; unless you can live without it, don’t pack them.

Instead, assemble a small collection of necessities, including your key equipment like a laptop or smartphone, travel-sized toiletries, prescription drugs, and a few of your favorite clothing. Reduce your options to a few essential pieces of clothes, such as a few things for the office and some attire for special occasions. If necessary, you can purchase new clothing when you arrive, although you should probably experiment with regional fashions. Pack everything and then carry your bags around the block. It feels what? Are you feeling the weight on your shoulders and arms? Go home, pare down your list of items to bring, and get ready to travel lightly.

14. Not requesting grants or scholarships

The price of studying abroad can be prohibitive, particularly if you lose out on further grants or scholarships because you were unaware of their existence. Make it a priority to explore all available financing options for international students and submit your applications as soon as you can. Consider it your job to learn about what is available because certain grants are not publicly publicized. Several areas to look first:

• government websites
• scholarship portals
• local organizations like the Rotary Club
• international student advice websites
• your school’s financial aid or international education offices
• student forums

Speak with your peers and try your best to acquire the support you need to help with the expense of living and travel. Whether you stay close to home or travel, being a student isn’t inexpensive.

assuming that studying will be the same

It is simple to believe that going to college is a common experience, but in truth, how students study differs from nation to nation and even from university to university. It’s possible that the college or university you’re planning to attend will not follow your current educational system or structure.

In some nations, students attend lectures and classes for up to 40 hours per week, while in others, the majority of their time in class consists of two or three hour-long seminars and the occasional lecture. While some educational systems emphasize individual learning, others place a strong emphasis on teacher-student interaction. Perhaps the attendance policy at your previous university was slack, whereas your new instructors summon class each morning and give – or take away – points for involvement. You might discover that rote learning is valued more highly than innovation, or that lectures are more akin to discussions where students are encouraged—even required—to speak up and disagree with their teachers and other students.

Going to class is the only way for an overseas student to completely settle in. Pay attention in class and watch how the professor and students interact to determine the right level of participation. If you are given an assignment, finish it as soon as you can and take advantage of any chances to have your professors go at your work. To learn more about their expectations and attendance practices, speak with your professors. Examine course materials such as syllabi, and get advice from other students regarding any dos and don’ts particular to your course. And last but not least, be sure you understand how your degree will be graded. Can you contest grades? Get more credit? Does your final grade depend solely on one test, or do your grades increase over the course of the semester? It will be easier for you to decide when and how to participate if you know how to produce a favorable result.

15. Not being aware of the customs and culture of your host nation

Immersing yourself in the local culture, traditions, and values of your host country is an integral element of your experience as an international student, much like learning a new academic system is. It’s simple to be courteous, polite, and kind at home, but you’ll need to relearn these skills when you’re somewhere new. You should always be attentive and pay attention, whether it means using different welcomes for different groups of people, knowing how much to tip while you’re out and about, or knowing what to wear—or not wear. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

Do your homework in advance as always. There are many how-to articles on how to act like a local on travel blogs and social media. Make sure you are familiar with the regional dress codes, traditions, celebrations, and holidays before you travel. Is the place you’re going affiliated with a particular religion? Make sure you are aware of how your daily life will be impacted by that faith. Do not assume that because you are visiting a nation with a comparable language and culture to your own that you can act exactly as you would at home.

This notably holds true for laws and visas. To work as an international student, you will typically need to secure a student visa and additional approval. It’s possible that you’ll need to register with the local government, get identification, or get more permissions. Make sure you are aware of all local laws, from those governing housing to those governing banned substances. Learn how to prolong your stay if necessary and how long you are permitted to stay in the nation. This brings us to our next typical error.

16. Not seeking assistance

The concept of a foolish inquiry is nonexistent. You should always ask for assistance, whether you require details regarding your course, advice with budgeting in a foreign currency, clarification on local law, or guidance in a crisis scenario. Learn as much as you can about your college’s office for international students because they will be able to provide you with crucial support, especially in the beginning. Request clarification from your professors on the assignments, guidelines, and grading procedures. Ask your roommates or the locals for tips on how to act in public and where to find necessities. Make sure you are aware of the location of the closest hospital, dental office, and physician; have their telephone number and address in a convenient location; and learn the local emergency numbers. Another piece of advice is to register your visit with the embassy or consulate in your area and sign up for their notifications. Additionally, it is advisable to save your embassy’s contact information on your phone as well, just in case.

Remember that seeking assistance isn’t a show of weakness, so express your worries as soon as you can. You will feel so much better as a result, and you might steer clear of some much worse errors.

17. keeping to one location

Finally, there will be a ton lot see and do wherever you decide to pursue your studies. Use your location to your advantage and see all the historical hotspots, landmarks, and attractions. Explore the nearby museums and galleries, or take public transportation to continue exploring the area. Pack your bags and enjoy a vacation to well-known locations nearby if you have a weekend coming up without studying. Get out of your comfort zone by participating in exciting activities, joining clubs, and groups. Don’t look back on your time as a student with regret since the last thing you want is to wish you had done more when you get home. Viva la vida!

Conclusion

When studying abroad, there are some things you can do as a student that would be really helpful, and there are some things you should avoid. If you adhere to the “Don’t” list above when traveling, you will benefit much. I’m hoping that you’ll find my advice to be helpful as well.