World Colleges Information

Why do we want to study abroad?

We can say (based on my experience) most of the students choose get a degree in UK, US etc... Because:

1. Scholarship (academic or corporate)
2. Foreign degree considered better than home
3. Better job prospects
4. Just get away from home!
5. The academic knowledge
6. Need a MA/MBA/PhD to step up in the carrier ladder
7. Other…

Before Moving Abroad:

 When you make the decision to take a studies or job abroad, there are many things you need to prepare for.

 In order to avoid being homesick, and possibly depressed, here are the basic elements you need to focus on, outside the packing and moving logistics, to create a life you love, and learn to feel at home wherever in the world you may be:

Get in touch with your pre-formed judgments and expectations. It’s natural to have dreams, and ideals of how your experience will turn out, where you might live, what the people will be like, what foods you’ll eat, etc. Many relocations fail on this point alone because the truth is, reality is almost never like you expect it to be. By getting in touch with your expectations and judgments, you can become aware of your core needs and thereby figure out how to meet them in a different way than you are now.

Learn about local history and traditions:   knowing about these helps you better understand the core values and behaviors you’re likely to encounter. This, in turn, will help you make friends, understand cultural sensitivities, and help explain why you might sometimes feel out of sorts.

Make a list of all the activities you like doing: This can include hobbies, organizations – anything that enriches your life currently. Since you might not find the exact same activities when you move, understanding what you like doing, will help you find a new way to do things you love.

Network and reach out to contacts: Ask everyone you know for contacts in the place you’re moving to, and then reach out to them to make plans to see them after you arrive. If you’ve already relocated, then set up a meeting with them as soon as you can.

Plan for relationship changes:  If you’re married, your roles in the family may have changed, so it’s natural that you’ll have some adjusting to do. And, if you’re single, then the “dating game” may be very different than you’re accustomed to.

Learn the language:  If you’re moving someplace where they speak a different language, take lessons, and practice. There’s no better way to get your needs across.

Discover your new city: Figure out the parts you like, what areas are safe and unsafe, where the tourists go, and where the locals go. Feeling at home comes more easily when you are familiar with your surroundings.

Watch and learn at the office: If you are the expatriate, when you head off to work, make sure to spend some time observing important behaviors and learn about who is most respected and find out why. You will hopefully end up with some good friends here who can suggest resources you need along the way.

Take time to relax:  Moving is stressful, so is the feeling of starting your life all over. Take time for yourself – whether, for you, that’s meditation, yoga, walking, spa pampering, or a mini-vacation, allow yourself to indulge!