10 Steps to Scale Up Your Total Educational Scheme

The classroom is the best place to expand your academic knowledge, but when it comes to learning about life, there is nothing more enriching than travel. Proof of this is the increasing number of students who understand the benefits of studying abroad and international experience. According to studies, cross-country study mobility is now a “mass movement,” with the number of students edging to 5 million in 2014. A lot of opportunities exist alright, yet the challenges of studying abroad are real. This applies to both first-time and more experienced exchange students who can be as much excited as they are anxious about how to begin applying for a program and keep up with the new environment. If you’re one among millions of students who dream of successfully studying abroad, this article is for you. Here are 10 ways to make your education experience more valuable.

1. Seek the Mobility Track Best Suited for You

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Among the many options, the two most popular mobility tracks among students are study abroad programs and international internships. Study abroad programs and international internships focus on academic credit and professional experience, respectively, but sometimes they are combined in a single program. These two programs are appealing to students largely due to wide institutional support and increasing accessibility. But whether you go for these options or consider other means (such as exchange programs offered by private companies), what’s important is you seek the one best suited and available for you.

2. Try to Be in the Pink of Health

While exchange programs usually come with a health insurance, it remains important that you stay healthy for the physical demands of studying abroad. Attending classes, rushing deadlines, meeting with your classmates, exploring the local scene—practically every aspect in your learning experience requires a robust physical health. Small adjustments like eating more fruits and vegetables can do wonders in boosting your immune system so you’re less likely to catch a cold and miss class.

3. Know All You Can About the Campus and Local Life

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Studying abroad is a fantastic way to broaden your horizon, but it can also be difficult and confusing. The things to know when studying or interning abroad can be overwhelming. Your best ally here is preparation and research. With the wealth of information available online, such as student reviews and travel advice, you are likely to find the answers to many of your questions. How’s the weather like? What do locals do on weekends? What is the usual diet? List down all your questions, no matter how trivial they may seem. Then refer to the Internet and/or talk to your academic adviser for the answers. You will better appreciate and most likely survive the exchange program when your questions are clarified beforehand.

4. Keep a Close Eye for Scholarships

Many students pass up opportunities to study abroad because they think it’s expensive. True, the expenses can be quite high, but this is balanced out by the many funding sources available. As each funding scheme is different, consult your academic adviser on where and how to clinch a scholarship. Bear in mind that most exchange programs have built-in financial aid, so oftentimes you need to only do your best in the application process.

5. Be Open to Cultural Exchange

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One fundamental purpose of any exchange program is for students to experience a different culture. In fact, your openness to cultural exchange informs how successful you can be with the program. Be respectful towards the customs of the people you meet like your host family. Being open to cultural exchange is vital in strengthening your education experience and guard against possible conflict and failure.

6. Explore Additional Funding While Studying

For an international internship, take into account that most are likely unpaid. Many students go around this by getting academic credits that are convertible to financial aid. In the case of study programs, students are sometimes discouraged from working, but there is no harm in clarifying if your program allows you to work. Find out as well what employment options are open for you. Just remember that your primary objective is to successfully complete your program, so treat work only as a means to that end.

7. Learn How to Properly Communicate

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Communication is fundamental throughout the whole process. Starting with your email inquiries to academics and search committees, being mindful of what and how you communicate can spell the difference between getting accepted or declined in your application. On the actual exchange program, it never fails to be polite and sensitive when addressing people. If unsure, it’s always safe to begin by addressing the person with his or her title (Professor, Ma’am, Monsieur, etc.).

8. Save Up Money Before Leaving

Saving up money before leaving can take you far in the exchange program. Don’t be complacent and too reliant towards scholarships. Having extra money is always a good thing because of the many interesting activities you may have to spend for, such as visiting museums, going on short weekend trips, and trying out local restaurants.

9. Forget About Shyness and Make New Friends

Many students experience loneliness at one point in the course of the exchange program. Combat this by making new friends. Creating lasting friendships is not that difficult because of the many opportunities to interact with other people. Forget about shyness and focus on building bridges with others.

10. Enjoy Life in the Process

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Any academic venture can feel difficult and lead to failure if you don’t enjoy life in the process. Sure, you will be super busy. But learn to de-compress and have fun! Besides, exchange programs by definition is an opportunity for fun learning. Go out with your new friends or explore the locality. Succeeding in your study program and enjoying life in the process should go hand in hand. Studying abroad will open your mind to new knowledge and experiences. While the foreign environment in itself can be exciting, it is the cultural discoveries and encounters with different people that can make the exchange program priceless. As the French novelist Marcel Proust observed, "the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new lands but in seeing with new eyes.” Remember that the knowledge and experience you gain are relative to how open you have allowed yourself towards the overall journey.