8 Essential Tips for Students Studying Abroad

Last updated on 13 Mar 2025

Preparing to study abroad comes with excitement and challenges. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, seeking a promotion, or finishing high school with plans for international education, there are important factors to consider. This guide outlines key strategies to help you transition smoothly into student life in a new country.

1️⃣ You Do Not Need Perfect English

Many students hesitate to study in an English-speaking country because they feel their language skills are not strong enough. However, perfect English is not a requirement to succeed in an international academic environment.

At this stage, your focus should be on passing the Duolingo English Test (DET) or another required proficiency exam. Once you arrive at your destination, you will naturally improve your English through daily conversations, academic interactions, and immersion in the culture. Everyday experiences—ordering food, talking to classmates, or participating in group discussions—will enhance your fluency.

Instead of striving for perfection before you even begin, aim for clear and confident communication. Your language skills will develop significantly once you are living in an English-speaking environment.

2️⃣ Join Clubs and Get Involved

One of the fastest ways to integrate into student life is by joining a club. Universities offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, academic societies, cultural organizations, and volunteer groups.

Being part of a club helps you:

Meet new people in a relaxed setting
Improve your language skills through social interaction
Gain a sense of belonging in a new environment

If you are concerned about making friends, taking the initiative to participate in university activities will naturally lead to meaningful connections. Campus organizations often host social events, workshops, and networking opportunities, making it easier for international students to form friendships.

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3️⃣ Develop Confidence in Small Talk

In many English-speaking countries, small talk is an essential part of social interaction. Casual conversations happen in various settings—waiting for an elevator, standing in line for coffee, or sitting next to someone in a lecture hall.

Topics for small talk often include:

The weather
Weekend plans
Shared experiences (such as university life)

While small talk may feel unfamiliar at first, it plays an important role in building relationships and creating a comfortable atmosphere in social settings. Responding with a simple comment or question can help you ease into conversations, making daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

4️⃣ Be Realistic About University Choices

When selecting a university, it is important to align your application with your current language proficiency.

For example, if a school requires a DET score of 140 but your practice test scores are consistently around 100-110, that institution may not be the best fit at this time. Instead of applying to schools that exceed your current abilities, consider universities that accept lower DET scores (typically 95-100) to increase your chances of admission.

Additionally, different academic programs within the same university may have varying English proficiency requirements. Researching these details ahead of time ensures that you apply to programs that match your qualifications.

5️⃣ Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Many international students are unaware of the scholarship programs available at universities, particularly state institutions in the United States.

Students with strong academic records may qualify for scholarships ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 per year, significantly reducing the cost of tuition. Some universities offer even more substantial financial aid packages based on academic performance and extracurricular achievements.

For instance:

Some institutions provide tuition-free programs under specific circumstances.
American citizens with qualifying family incomes may be eligible for Pell Grants, which provide financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

Many students miss out on financial assistance simply because they do not apply. It is worth investing time in researching available scholarships before finalizing your university applications.

6️⃣ Trust the Process and Keep an Open Mind

If you are reluctant to study abroad—especially due to pressure from family—it is understandable to have mixed feelings about leaving home. Many students worry about being far from their support system, adjusting to new cultures, or managing independence.

However, studying abroad presents valuable opportunities, including:

Exposure to different educational systems
The chance to develop independence and resilience
Access to career opportunities that may not be available in your home country

While the transition may be challenging, keeping an open mind allows you to embrace new experiences and maximize the benefits of international education.

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7️⃣ Consider Language Schools if Needed

If you have taken the DET multiple times but still struggle to achieve the required score, enrolling in a university-affiliated language school could be a practical alternative.

Many universities offer English language programs designed to help students improve their proficiency before transitioning into full-degree programs. Some institutions even allow students to take 3-9 university credits while attending language courses, enabling them to progress academically without delaying their studies.

For students who need additional preparation time, language schools provide a structured path to meeting admission requirements without losing an entire academic year.

8️⃣ Be Proactive in the Classroom

Once you arrive at university, actively participating in classes will enhance your learning experience and help you adapt to an academic environment where student engagement is encouraged.

Key Strategies:

Avoid sitting at the back of the classroom—position yourself where you can engage with the instructor.
Ask questions—professors appreciate students who demonstrate curiosity and initiative.
Contribute to discussions—expressing your thoughts helps build confidence and improves your ability to articulate ideas clearly.

Many international students hesitate to speak in class due to fear of making mistakes. However, professors value participation and do not expect students to be perfect. Asking questions and offering insights shows a willingness to learn and engage with course material.

Conclusion

Preparing for international education requires more than just meeting admission requirements—it involves building confidence, engaging in campus life, and developing academic skills that will contribute to a successful experience abroad.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Focus on passing DET rather than achieving perfect English.
✔ Join student organizations to form connections.
✔ Get comfortable with small talk to navigate social interactions.
✔ Choose a university that aligns with your current proficiency level.
✔ Research scholarship options to reduce tuition costs.
✔ Keep an open mind and trust the opportunities that studying abroad presents.
✔ Consider language schools if additional preparation is needed.
✔ Be proactive in university classes to maximize learning opportunities.

Taking these steps will set you on the right path for a successful and fulfilling experience studying abroad.