What I wish I knew before I started studying abroad…

Taking the step to study abroad with INTO is a fantastic way to set yourself up for future success. 

If you’re thinking about continuing your studies abroad, you may like to hear from past INTO students about what they wish they knew before arriving.

We’ve hand-picked our favourite top tips from students from around the world, so keep reading! You never know – their advice might help you achieve your dreams!

Meet Victoria from Venezuela

Victoria, from Venezuela, studied at INTO Suffolk University in Boston says:

“When you arrive here you have so many people who will help you. In the first week you may feel lonely or want to go home, but after that you’ll adapt. You’ll want to stay. You start your own life. Everything is a balance. I study Monday through Friday, take a break on Saturday, and pick it back up on Sunday. You’re making your own schedule and plans and living as you want.”

Say hello to Haneet

Haneet, from India, is an INTO Colorado State University alumni and has some great advice for those thinking about studying in at INTO Colorado State University:

“Learn to appreciate your time in Colorado and use the opportunity provided by INTO CSU to acclimate yourself to new surroundings. Practice time management and communication skills that can enable your success and help achieve the goals you set out for yourself.”

Chanokchon’s US study experience

Chanokchon, from Thailand,  is a former INTO Suffolk University student. This is what she wished she knew before arriving to study in Boston:

“Before coming here you have to learn about the culture, because in Thailand we have a lot of traditions and it’s different from the US. Here, everyone is friendly and will ask “how are you?” every time they see you. It’s different from home but here you have to open your mind and try something new.“

“And for studying, you have to prepare yourself a lot. You need to read before class. Talking to the professor is very important. Professors here understand students and their cultures. If you come here and have any problem, you can talk to somebody at INTO or in your program.”

Meet Diego from Colombia

Diego, from Colombia, studied at INTO Colorado State University, he tells us:

“Please understand that your parents are making a huge effort to send you here. Take advantage of all those opportunities that will only be given to you once in your life. You are the creator of your journey and it is up to you to choose who you want to be.”

“Remember that what you put in is what you are going to get out, and if you are willing to challenge yourself in the next four years you are going to thank yourself for the rest of your life, trust me.”

Chen’s study tips

Chen, from Singapore, studies at INTO City, University of London and she says:

“Ultimately our grades are a reflection of our efforts to achieve our goals. I truly believe that if you want to achieve something great, you must prepare to sacrifice some fun and work when everyone else is resting.”

“At our age, we should start taking responsibility to plan our future out, instead of letting life take us wherever. While I encourage students to have fun too, it is important to keep in mind the reason why we are in London. For me, it was a second chance towards a better education!”

From Austria to UEA

Lea is an INTO University of East Anglia student from Austria. This is her advice for students coming to study in the UK:

“If I had to offer advice to an international student coming to the UK I’d say everyone dislikes being outside of their comfort zone, but the reality is you will have to do that. As much as we might hate that feeling initially it really does open doors to new friendships, new hobbies and new aspirations.”

Studying in Belfast, Ali’s top tips

Ali is a former INTO Queen’s University Belfast student from Kuwait:

“Get out of your comfort zone and engage with people who are completely different from you. Forming multicultural friendships has broadened my perspective beyond what I thought possible.”

Studying A-levels in the UK

Suki, from Hong Kong studied her A-levels at INTO University of East Anglia’s Newton Programme. This is her advice to anyone thinking of following in her footsteps:

“The Newton Programme encourages students to step outside of their comfort zone and meet people from all over the world. Students get support from peers, teachers and the Social and Welfare team who give really good advice on studying and socialising. Studying abroad helps your personal development, providing opportunities to find new interests and make lifelong friends.”

Meet SeoYeom

Lastly we have some great advice from INTO University of Exeter Ambassador SeoYeom, from South Korea:

“The one thing I wish I knew before I arrived at INTO is that universities in the UK emphasise a lot on independent learning. You are encouraged to do 10 hours of independent studying per week outside of your lectures and tutorials.”

“The school has a lot of study areas which you can take use of to do your independent studying either between classes or after classes! Rushing all of your content before exams is very tiring and not encouraged so try and spread out your studying.”

If you found these study tips helpful and you’re thinking about continuing your studies abroad, you can find out more and apply on INTOStudy.com. Or, if you’d like more support with becoming career ready for the future, visit INTOFuture.com today.

You may also like to read 7 ways to prepare for studying abroad or 7 top tips to stand out to employers.

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