Ultimate guide to studying abroad: Tips and insights
Choosing to study abroad is a big decision – one that takes careful planning and consideration. It can also be one of the most exciting times of your life. By choosing to study in a different country, you will be immersing yourself in a new culture and way of life. To help make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible, we have created a list of tips for studying abroad.
Why study abroad?
Before deciding if you want to study abroad, you should consider the reasons why it’s a good idea. There are many reasons why you should study abroad: high-quality education, experiencing new cultures and graduate job opportunities are just a few. Below are our top five reasons why you should study abroad.
1. Top quality education
Home to some of the top universities in the world, the UK is renowned for having high-quality education. Many of these universities, such as the University of Sussex, offer specialised programmes for international students. These programmes are specifically designed to boost your academic skills and knowledge so you can study at some of the best universities in the UK.
2. Career opportunities
While studying in the UK, you can take advantage of being able to work part-time alongside your studies. To do so, you must be enrolled on a full-time course and you cannot work more than 20 hours per week. This opportunity will be invaluable when looking for a gradate job as employers highly value previous work experience.
3. Become independent
A valuable part of studying abroad is learning to be independent. By embracing this opportunity, you will develop problem-solving skills, the ability to make decisions and boost your self-confidence – traits that are highly valued by employers.
4. Experience a new culture
Immersing yourself in a new culture is a great way to become a more global citizen. To make the most of your new student life you can attend cultural events, festivals and participate in local traditions. This will help you understand and appreciate your new home.
5. Make lifelong friends
While studying abroad you will be surrounded by other students in the same position as you. You can share global perspectives and support each other during your studies – making friendships that last a lifetime.
Choosing the right destination
The most important tip in our guide to studying abroad is making sure you choose the right destination. There are a few factors and things you should consider while doing this, including:
Research and exploration
You’ve decided you want to study abroad, now what? One of the first things you should do is research any areas of interest. It’s a good idea to get an understanding of what is available to you, the cost of living, language spoken and the reputation of the university you are interested in.
Cultural compatibility
A top tip for studying abroad is to assess your compatibility with the culture of your chosen destination. Are you comfortable with the customs and social norms? This will play a significant role in your overall experience so it’s important to know whether you will feel comfortable in your new home.
Find out how others experienced studying abroad
Connect with students who have already studied in your prospective destination. Online forums, social media groups and alumni networks can be valuable sources of information. Hearing about their experiences can provide valuable insights and may positively influence your decision to study abroad.
Language considerations
Before you decide to study in a specific country it’s important to consider how well you know the language. If you were to choose the University of Sussex in the UK, you can get excellent support with your English language skills through one of the pathway programmes available at the International Study Centre.
Navigating the challenges
Homesickness
It’s not uncommon to feel homesick when moving to a new country. While this feeling isn’t nice to experience, there are ways you can overcome it. Staying in touch with your friends and family who are back home and making your favourite homecooked meal are two ways to do so. You can also talk to your fellow international students about how you are feeling, they may be feeling the same. Together you could find little ways to remind yourselves of home.
Culture shock
No study abroad guide would be complete without mentioning culture shock. It is completely normal to experience culture shock when living somewhere new. It’s important to stay open-minded about local customs and embrace the ways in which life in your home country is different. This is a great opportunity to learn more about different cultures and broaden your life views.
Maximising your study abroad experience
Travel opportunities
While studying in the UK you will have plenty of opportunities to travel and explore the country. Brighton, home to the University of Sussex, has great transport links to London, the UK’s capital. Travelling during breaks and weekends are a great way to learn more about your new home.
Networking
One of the best study abroad tips we can share with you is to network during your time in the UK. Whether that be with fellow students, teachers or industry professionals, these connections will be valuable for future career opportunities.
Study at the University of Sussex
The University of Sussex, ranked joint 29th out of 104 UK institutions in the UK Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, is an excellent choice for students looking to study in the UK. The University won University of the Year for Student Retention (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and was awarded the global award for student diversity by the Student Satisfaction Awards in 2021.
International students can begin their study abroad journey at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. The pathway programmes taught at the International Study Centre are expertly designed to prepare you for university level teaching in the UK through boosting your English language and academic skills. The successful completion of a pathway programme, achieving the required grades, allows you to progress to your chosen degree at the University of Sussex.
Now that you’ve prepared to study abroad, it’s time to apply for your degree. Learn more about the entry requirements, fees and visa information for your chosen pathway programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre.
FAQs
How can I make the most out of studying abroad?
To make the most out of studying abroad, set clear goals and actively engage academically. You should also immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring new places and find time to network for future career opportunities.
What is the biggest challenge of studying abroad?
The biggest challenge of studying abroad is often dealing with homesickness and adjusting to a new culture and environment. New friends and supportive university staff can help you feel more at home.
Is studying abroad a good idea for my future career?
Yes, studying abroad can be highly beneficial for your career. It can enhance your cross-cultural skills, expand your network, and make you more competitive in the global job market.