Visiting a new country always seems exciting and fascinating. Unexplored culture, variety of delicious food, complexity of language and new mentality of people are the main weaknesses of a tourist who cannot say “No” to get a new experience, unless it comes to a student who is leaving the nest to pursue their study path in a foreign county.
When I was moving to Germany to do my Master’s degree, I was feeling very confident and assembled, thinking that a university will take care of me and simplify my start in a new culture. However, couple of days later I found out that I am the only person responsible for my adaptation and blending into the ‘environment’ that I turned out to be in. Striving not only to organize my student and working life, but my mindset as well, after three months I could proudly confirm that I had found all the hidden gems and secrets for a perfect start as an international student, which I am glad to share!
1. Check your studies beforehand
All universities and colleges differ in terms of structure, credits, schedule, and organization. In order to be prepared, you need to check everything in advance.
- Flick through the catalogue of offered courses: highlight the most informative and suitable for you.
- Try to find out the examination period of your studies, so you will be able to find a job that suits your schedule.
- Plan your holidays in advance, so you can visit your family.
- Keep in touch with a mentor(s) of your program because they are the main source of all information that you need for the whole period of your studies.
Being informed beforehand will help you to anticipate any possible surprises or at least be mentally prepared for them.
2. Make as many connections as possible
Making the first move might be the biggest fear for all of us. Although as normal human beings we are scared of being rejected or laughed at, we all share the same fear which bond everybody together. Do not be afraid to come to your groupmates and exchange contacts. It is not only helpful for your studies, in case you do not know something or need some extra explanation and clarification with a subject, but you also never know how it might end up: the most close-knit friendships are always unexpected!
My personal piece of advice, which might be obvious but so easy to forget, is to find people from your country or at least speaking the same mother tongue. Any kind of burеacracy or formalities that we face daily as international students can cause anxiety and misunderstanding, especially if they are carried in a foreign language. Knowing a few people that share your mother tongue is the key to fill in all the gaps that remained unclear to you.
Also, do not forget about events and parties managed by the university or university organizations and groups. Such places are the biggest opportunities to meet people, make small talks, networking and, of course, have fun and relax from tiring and constant cramming.
3. Language Courses
No matter if you study in English or you are fully surrounded by non-German society, if you are planning to stay in the country for a longer period of time, it is high time to learn language. All formalities, especially paperwork, is done faster and easier if you are able to and know how to communicate with native speakers. It does not only show your respect towards people and the whole country in general, but it also reduces time you need to spend on bureaucracy.
To sum it up, starting your semester abroad is a new chapter of your life which might have some hindrances and difficulties. However, it is important to stay motivated and strong because all issues can be solved, but the experience that you will get as a student is a golden chance for career opportunities and unique moments.
Author: Alice Guseva
