Study Abroad Tips and Advice
Are you considering continuing your studies in a foreign country? What should you do if you are planning to go that route. We recently talked with Akua A. Asomani-Adem, who has experience with that area. Here are some of the tips and some advice she shared with us.
Thriving Guest
Akua A. Asomani-Adem (called AJ by those she works with) is a former behavior therapist from Ghana. She has experience studying in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and is currently studying for her Ph. D at Indiana University.
Point 1: Program Specifics
One of the keys to studying abroad is to know what program you are trying to get into, and have done work to make yourself competitive in that field. AJ says that finding someone who is in your field of study, and asking them what the program is looking for in applicants, is vital to getting accepted to a foreign school. It also puts a face to your name, and may cause the program to give your name a second thought.
Point 2: Application Tips
AJ shared some of her past mistakes in studying abroad with us. One of the mistakes she mentioned was not knowing about free applications. There are several organizations (AJ mentioned UKEAS, also called Intake Education, in particular) that will submit applications for free. Many organizations and schools require application fees, but if you take some time to look, chances are you will find someone who has the ability to do it for free.
Point 3: Dealing with Rejections
When you are applying for a foreign university, there is a strong chance that you will face rejections. Do not be discouraged by this. A rejection is not the end. If it is possible, contact the program and find out why you were rejected. Use that feedback to make your application stronger in the future.
Point 4: Gauge Support
When you start to hear back from programs, be sure to gauge how invested the university is in you. Do not be afraid to say no to a program. The program should want you as much as you want to be there. If there is constant pushback, that could be a sign of the level of support you will get in the future and it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.
Point 5: Finances
Another tip AJ shared with us is to make sure you have a job before getting too settled. Many universities offer work opportunities on campus, but they rarely provide enough for you to live on. AJ recommended finding students in your program, without any faculty present, and asking them about the cost and potential working opportunities. You should also ask how long it takes to find a job, and make sure you have enough money to live on in the meantime.
It is also important to know the cost of living. Health insurance, especially for foreign students, is expensive. How much will rent cost? How about food? Are you provided for others? What is the currency conversion rate between the country you are coming from and the country you are entering? Know what you are getting into financially.
Summary
When preparing to study abroad there is a lot you need to consider and it can be overwhelming. Do not be afraid to admit you need help. If you don’t let anybody know you need help, you will not get it. Speak to faculty more directly, and ask them specific questions. When you are on campus, network with others in your program and get their opinion for finances and for support. Keep these tips in mind, and you will thrive in your studies.
Watch the full video on YouTube here.
