How to Succeed in Studying Abroad

Photo and essay by Abdulmjeed Almisfer

Before you decide to study abroad, you should be aware that there are steps to succeed. Studying abroad is a complex process. Not everyone is able to complete his educational life studying outside his home country. Leaving your friends and your family will be the most difficult issue in this process. However, there are many other factors that could make our educational life fail. In order to be a successful student, you have to consider many aspects related to your personality, culture, and habits.

First of all, when you make the decision to study abroad, you must think about what kind of life experiences you are going to live in your future. Many students cannot adapt to the new circumstances. I believe that the student has to be able to take care of himself. If he cannot take responsibility for himself, he should not study abroad. You will not find your family next to you when you need support or assistance such as your parent won’t help you each time you need their assistances because they will look at you as an adult not as a child any more. In fact, studying abroad makes you an independent person in all areas of your life, not just the education one.

Second of all, when you believe that you are able to study and live overseas, you have to find the appropriate location to fit yourself in. Some people prefer cold weather over hot, and there are some people that like to live in small towns more than large cities. The student should look carefully where he is going to achieve his goals. It is not only about the size of the city or the weather, it also depends on where the student will feel comfortable. I recommend looking for a city, which is similar to your home city. That will help you to adapt quickly. Furthermore, you should look at a good school, which has a good ranking in your major, to apply to. All the above will support you to succeed to obtain the university degree.

Third, when you find the suitable country and school, you have to do all their requirements. You must follow two steps in this situation. The first is you need to complete all the country’s qualifications to be able to enter this country. For example, if you want to study in the U.S., you have to get the visa and the I-20. The other step is you have to complete the application and take all the tests that allow you to attend this school such as the TOEFL, SAT or GRE.

Fourth, when you arrive at your city, you have to choose your new friends carefully. In my opinion, this is the most important part. Maybe you will keep in touch with your old friends, but it won’t be as much as the previous days. When you select the new friends, make sure you find the good people. They will help you to adapt rapidly in your new life. In addition, they will encourage you to study and do better in your tests and assignments.

In conclusion, studying abroad is one of the hardest decisions student is going to take it in his life. Anyone has his own way to succeed. However, I believe that if you do well in your life as an expatriate student, you will be able to handle all the life difficulties that will face you in the future. Maybe you will be tired in the beginning, but you will forget all your bad experiences when you earn the degree.