wellness

The Life of International Students: My Story and Tips

Written by Prabhjot Kaur | Jul 20, 2024 1:17:44 AM

A dream that was sparked years ago while I was participating in an internship in India is what led me to become an international student at York School of Continuing Studies. My desire to continue further education in a place recognized for its academic brilliance and cultural diversity was sparked by the expansive campuses and dynamic educational atmosphere.  I then promised to study at a famous university, York School of Continuing Studies. I spent years developing my language and professional skills to make this ambition a reality. This represented the proactive lives of international students who are committed to pursuing both academic excellence and personal development.

I took the risk, accepted an offer from York University, and came abroad despite having numerous misgivings about my capacity to start fresh. In my continued search for knowledge and opportunity, this was a pivotal point in my journey as an international student—a path undertaken by countless others worldwide.

Now that I'm only a month away from receiving my Certification in Digital and Content Marketing, I think it's necessary to look back on this path and assess if it was worth the effort, as well as how it has molded me personally and affected my career decisions. By doing this, I want to be able to provide helpful advice to foreign students who may be traveling in similar directions.

Accepting Cultural Differences and Making New Friends

International students have a lot of new experiences in their lives, and mine was no different. Developing relationships with students from different cultural backgrounds as well as local students and other international students was one of the best experiences I had. These friendships have not only made it easier for me to adjust, but they have also given me a wider perspective on the lives and values of people in other nations, which has made me even more accepting of other people. I think I'm successful because I learn every day that anything is possible from the individuals here. 


Growing Self-Reliant and Resilient

Being a York student living abroad teaches you to take responsibility for all facets of your life, including organizing your time effectively and handling your finances and paperwork. I've learned from my education and culture in India that making a plan and taking baby steps each day are important life lessons. I've learned the joy of being focused and making steady progress toward my objectives, which enables me to be proud of my accomplishments. This strategy has also given me the means to go back and examine my interests and take advantage of new chances. I am determined to stick with this habit because it has given me a newfound sense of strength. 

Explore Outside the Keele Campus

I believe that your time spent overseas goes beyond academics and grades. Even if professional growth is crucial, I would also suggest that you don't discount the experiences that may be had off campus, like going to museums, taking road trips, or hiking. These experiences also add a great deal of value to your life overall and enable you to have a more rewarding and integrated transition to a new nation. These off-campus experiences can also help you recharge and lead a more successful academic life.

Trust Yourself with Kindness

It's simple for an overseas student to get caught up in comparing themselves to classmates who might speak the language or have more cultural familiarity. I discovered the hard way that it is useless to compare oneself to others. Releasing myself from my high expectations resulted in small steps forward, and accepting my special route with all of its unique obstacles provided me serenity and organic growth. Thus, be patient and give things time to unfold organically. 

Utilize the Available Support

You're constantly learning how to handle my daily responsibilities after relocating to a new nation, which demands a substantial amount of energy as you adjust to your new surroundings. At first, managing housing, insurance, grocery shopping, and school scheduling can be very stressful. Because of this, I highly advise getting as much assistance as you can and making use of all the resources at your disposal, including other international students and campus services. They would be more than happy to share their knowledge with you, I can tell you. It's also a great method to meet new people.

In short, the lives of international students are a tapestry of experiences that can result in significant personal and professional fulfillment if they are traversed with intention and an open heart. I am grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves and the lessons I have learned as I reflect on my trip. I am also eager to go forward into the future with a global education and a plethora of opportunities at my disposal.

I recommend students who are thinking about studying overseas to jump at the chance, especially if York School of Continuing Studies is offering this opportunity. Being an international student will broaden your viewpoint and get you ready for a global future in addition to improving your education.