Best International Student Study Guide

Studying abroad broadens your perspective while providing you with a wealth of personal and professional options. Hence, as an international student, it is crucial to have a study guide to plan your studies abroad.

Global thinkers among students may already have plans to study abroad, hence, Studying and interning abroad are definitely options to consider if you’re just starting to get intrigued about the world, however you need a guide.

Besides, most international student do not know the processes and steps to take to study abroad, hence the need for a study guide.

Therefore, in the copy, you will learn why you should consider studying abroad. You will also learn about the best international student study abroad guide.

Why Should I Study Abroad?

Students from all over the world go across borders, continents, and oceans to pursue higher education abroad.

But why has opting to attend a university in another nation grown to be so common?

The fact is that studying abroad has many wonderful advantages, from enhancing your social life to aiding in job search. You’re unsure yet. Here are the top 8 reasons for studying abroad.

#1. It’s a challenge

It may seem odd to begin with this, but it should be acknowledged that studying abroad isn’t always simple. Going abroad to study has its special challenges, but it is all part of the adventure and fun.

Before leaving your own country, you might have certain worries, but don’t be alarmed—entirely that’s normal.

One of the things that makes the experience so useful and worthwhile is stepping outside of your comfort zone. After all, anything is possible if you can study abroad.

#2. Experience a different culture

The opportunity to immerse oneself in a completely different environment is one of the main benefits of studying abroad for many foreign students.

You will be able to meet people who have grown up in a different culture and see and do things you wouldn’t imagine thanks to this enlightening trip.

For instance, while living abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to experience new cuisine, listen to local music, participate in regional sports, and discover all that your host nation has to offer.

Seeing your own culture via someone else’s is equally fascinating because you might discover a lot about yourself and your native nation in this way.

#3. Top quality education

Naturally, your aim will always be to receive the best education available, regardless of where you study.

Your options for study can be substantially increased by enrolling as an overseas student. After all, why are you only able to select an institution from your own nation?

The greatest option for you is to frequently attend a university abroad. For instance, the higher education systems in the USA, UK, and Australia are all incredibly well-regarded, and a sizable portion of the world’s top colleges are located in these three nations.

#4. Learn a new language

The opportunity to learn a new language is one of the many advantages of being an international student. It can be difficult to learn a language, but nothing compares to living in a country where it is widely spoken. It’s a big assistance!

Studying in a nation like the USA or the UK can be beneficial because English is such a widely spoken language. You can learn in English, converse with natives, and greatly improve your language abilities.

#5. Career opportunities

Naturally, advancing your professional chances is the primary motivation for earning a degree in the first place.

Employers respect graduates with foreign experience and education more and more in today’s globalized, interconnected society.

Learning a new language, appreciating another culture, overcoming the difficulties of living abroad, and gaining a better understanding of the world are all benefits of studying abroad.

These are all qualities that contemporary firms seek for when hiring, and these qualities will only become more significant in the future.

You may consider 23 Highest Paying IT Careers: Salaries and Job Prospects

#6. Make new friends

You will undoubtedly meet many new individuals and establish friends who are all in the same situation as you wherever you attend university.

Studying abroad gives you the chance to learn about other cultures, make friends with individuals from all backgrounds, and develop cultural awareness.

Many friendships that last a lifetime begin in college, where you’ll also have the chance to live, study, and travel together. Knowing people from different nations can also be really helpful, particularly after you graduate.

#7. International travel

You will have the opportunity to visit other close-by nations in addition to learning about the local culture where you are studying. If you attend a university in the UK, for instance, you may quickly and easily take a trip to continental Europe to see Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and other intriguing locations.

Therefore, studying abroad offers a rare chance to travel more, which is in and of itself a very fulfilling and educational experience.

There is no question that traveling to various regions of the world will have a significant impact on your personality and outlook and help you get ready for living in a global society.

#8. Become independent

It’s frequently claimed that attending college is when you first start to feel completely independent from your parents and extended family. When attending a university abroad, this is especially true!

Bringing things full circle, achieving independence is difficult in and of itself. You will develop into a self-sufficient, adventurous adult who is prepared to excel in your future career, however, if you live and study abroad.

Best International Student Study Guide

It could seem a little challenging to go through the complete application procedure to study abroad. However, if you are aware of each step that must be taken and how to prepare everything you need, you won’t waste any time enrolling in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program overseas.

• Determine how much you want to spend on your education abroad
• Decide what you want to study
• Decide where you want to study
• Choose your favorite study programs and compare them
• Apply at multiple universities
• Pass your English language test if you haven’t already
• Apply for scholarships
• Confirm your place after receiving the letter from the university
• Apply for a student visa (if required)
• Choose an accommodation option and make arrangements
• Decide how you’ll travel abroad
• Decide what you’ll pack and the size of your luggage

#1. Determine how much you want to spend on your education abroad

In addition to being thrilling, difficult, empowering, and life-changing, studying abroad is also not exactly inexpensive. Naturally, some study locations are more economical than others, but it’s wise to determine your budget range in advance.

Bachelor’s and Master’s programs have a wide range of tuition costs, so there is always something for any budget.

Bachelor’s degree tuition range

• Bachelor’s degrees that cost between 0 and 5,000 EUR annually
• Bachelor’s degrees that cost between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR annually
• Bachelor’s degrees that cost between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR per year
• Bachelor’s degrees that cost more than 20,000 euros annually

Master’s degrees

• Masters that cost between 0 and 5,000 EUR per year
• Masters that cost between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR per year
• Masters that cost between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR per year
• Masters degrees that cost more than 20,000 euros each year

Don’t forget to factor in the expense of living. You could spend anywhere from 300 to more than 1,000 EUR each month, depending on the city and nation where you’ll be residing.

#2. Decide what you want to study

Some people have had a clear vision of their future since they were very young. Some people find out later, usually in high school. But for some, even weeks before enrolling to degree-level schools, the choice is still unclear.

Any one of the most well-liked disciplines is an option. This frequently ensures that you’ll have high demand for your skills on the job market and earn a very nice income. But it’s not always a good idea to study something you don’t enjoy only to save money. In light of this, the following are some of the most well-liked fields:

• Business and Management  
• Computer Science and IT  
• Engineering  
• Law  
• Medicine  
• International Relations  
• Psychology 

#3. Decide where you want to study

Your choice of international destination is greatly influenced by your travel budget and preferred field. But before selecting this or that nation, you need also take other things into account. Here are some queries and tips to assist you in focusing your search:

• Are you open to attending school in a place where English is not widely spoken?
• Do you intend to work while you are a student? If so, look into whether nations offer welcoming policies for international students.
• How significant are your extracurricular activities and social life?
• Do you prefer living in a bustling city or a sleepy town?
• Are you ready to go a distance to your university?
• Do you want to further your education in a nation that is reasonably close to your own?
• Do you adore going on trips? If so, choose a nation that offers many chances and connections in this direction.
• Pick no more than two or three ideal locations. start weighing each option’s advantages and disadvantages.

You might not have complete control over your ultimate decision if you apply to universities across several nations. Consider that you submitted applications to colleges in Germany, Finland, and the UK. But even though Finland was your preferred destination, only those in the UK accepted you. Consider this and give it a shot.

#4. Choose your favorite study programmes and compare them

At this time, you are certain of the location and academic field you wish to attend. Congrats! But now, which academic course should you pick? In the same discipline, each university provides one or more study programs.

Each program has its own unique curriculum and set of academic objectives. You must be quite attentive while making your decision since the last thing you want is to discover midway through your first academic year that you’ve enrolled in the wrong degree.

Always checking the overview or list of courses for the program is the simplest approach to prevent this. Find out what and how you’ll study. Some degrees place a stronger emphasis on theory than others do. Have any inquiries? Never be reluctant to get in touch with the university. A representative ought to be delighted to assist you.

In addition, consider the following:

• Typically, it takes 3 or 4 years to finish a bachelor’s degree, however it only takes 1 or 2 years to accomplish a master’s. Yet there are some exceptions! A five- or six-year degree may be required for highly specialized areas. Don’t forget about this because it will also raise your costs.
• Part-time studies give you the flexibility to work a side job and take care of other obligations. Full-time study options have advantages as well. Taking classes full-time will save you time and let you fully experience campus life.

#5. Apply at multiple universities

Applying to just one university is not a good idea, even if you have stellar marks and an excellent motivation letter or essay. Although it’s possible, what will you do if you’re rejected? You should submit applications to at least two or three colleges because of this.

More than that is OK, but bear in mind that there may be restrictions on the number of colleges to which international students may apply in some nations.

Even if choosing universities from different nations is relatively popular, the application procedure is simpler if you apply to institutions of higher learning that are located in the same nation. Please read the entry requirements carefully and follow the steps, and only then:

• In some nations, you can apply to various institutions via a centralized system.
• You will have to apply to each university separately in other countries.
• Certain institutions merely require digital versions of your documents.
• Others demand tangible copies in addition to the digital scans being supplied by postal delivery.

#6. Pass your English language test if you haven’t already

You must first show proof of your English language skills in order to enroll in an English-taught program at a university abroad. The following English language credentials are accepted by the majority of universities:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced

Before enrolling in college, you must pass one of these exams. You may be able to pass an exam with as little as a few days or as much as a few weeks of study, depending on your current level of English. Take at least a few months to get ready, though, if your English could use some work.

Four key competencies are assessed on international English exams:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Writing
• Reading

Although each test’s format is different, all of them involve listening to speakers with varied accents, completing multiple-choice questions, writing letters and essays, responding to questions based on various kinds of literature, and performing a variety of other tasks.

#7. Apply for scholarships

This phase has an impact on your spending plan and the portion of the application for the university. Why? Because sometimes you apply for a scholarship when you apply to universities. In other cases, you apply for the scholarship thereafter or following confirmation of your enrollment.

You should be aware that there are various types of financial help programs.

• scholarships
• grants
• education loans
• military support

Some of them require repayment, while others, like grants or scholarships, don’t. However, grants and scholarships are awarded in the same manner. You must fulfill the prerequisites for applying. There are also many different needs.

According to academic excellence, financial necessity, research needs, and other factors, some scholarships are given out. Do not rush to apply if you do not match the requirements. You probably won’t even be taken into account.

#8. Confirm your place after receiving the letter from the university

One of the best and most satisfying steps is by far this one. After choosing the best program, passing your English exam, and submitting your application, you have now received word from the institution that you have been admitted!

Congrats! You will soon study abroad because you are on your way there! What happens, though, if you have received acceptances from several colleges?

So, thoroughly consider your possibilities before making a choice. It’s simple if you already have a favorite. If not, take your time and respond right away. Spend at least 2 or 3 days clearing your mind before deciding which course of action is best for you.

After that, make sure the university receives the confirmation by sending it to them. You may be requested to send more documentation or official copies both during and after this process.

#9. Apply for a student visa (if required)

Not every student traveling overseas is required to obtain a visa. Do thorough research if you decide to, though. The process of getting a visa might take anything from a few weeks to a few months because so much paperwork is required. This is why you should apply as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss the start of your studies abroad.

You won’t require a visa to study in an EU/EEA nation if you’re an EU/EEA student enrolled at an institution there and are from one of those nations.

Except in a few instances, you will require a visa in all other circumstances.

#10. Choose an accommodation option and make arrangements

Making a decision about your overseas residence is crucial because it will have a significant impact on your experience and expenses. The most preferred choices are as follows:

• Student dormitories
• Renting a private flat
• Living with a local family

Any option you select will have a wide variation in cost. Depending on where you choose to reside, you can pay anything from 100–200 EUR to over 700 EUR each month.

Always read the fine print of any contracts you sign, ask questions about any unclear language, and don’t settle for the first solution you come across. Make a decision after comparing the options on the market.

#11. Decide how you’ll travel abroad

Finally, it’s time to start organizing your trip. How are you going to go to your study location? Will you travel by yourself? Do you need to switch your mode of transportation? You must think about each of these issues.

Taking a plane is by far the greatest choice if you plan to attend school in a distant continent or nation. Even cheaper at times, albeit this depends on numerous other circumstances. Since many major airlines have weight restrictions, you should confirm how much luggage you are allowed to bring. Additional bags or luggage will incur an additional fee.

The choice to use the train or bus may be made by some pupils. Depending on the distance and travel time to your destination, this may be more or less pleasant. However, don’t think you can just fill up half the storage space with your belongings. The advantage is that it may be less expensive and there is no baggage limit. They won’t be liked by other travelers, for sure.

Traveling by automobile, whether solo or with the family, is an alternative for Europeans who relocate to another European country. Along with helping you settle in and become accustomed to your new surroundings, your loved ones will accompany you on your journey.

#12. Decide what you’ll pack and the size of your luggage

Your mode of transportation will mostly determine how much luggage you’ll bring. However, the following supplies are necessary no matter how you travel:

• Laptop, power converters, and adapters
• I.D., a passport, a copy of a birth certificate
• Medication, particularly if you have an allergy or other medical issues.
• Atypical day-to-day backpack
• A picture or other object to help you remember your house or loved ones
• Headphones, maybe two pairs in case one breaks

Toiletries, clothing for various weather conditions, towels, and any other goods you use frequently should also be packed.

You might not need to pack winter clothing, depending on the weather. But if you do, you can ask your parents to send them using the postal service or a specialized courier service. Additionally, you can unwind knowing that this alternative is available in case you forget to bring something.

However, don’t bother traveling with your entire wardrobe. In actuality, there are many stores where you may find new ones, especially if you want to stay in your new nation for at least two or three years.

International Student Study in USA

International students frequently choose to study abroad in the United States. After all, the United States is home to a large number of elite colleges and universities that continue to rule the global rankings.

Because of this, many international students who study in the United States benefit from greater employment opportunities in their home nations as well as other regions of the world.

Read this guide on how to study in the US as an international student if you wish to gain from the academic and professional advantages that only an American education can provide.

• Know the cost of studying in the US
• Know the General Application Requirements for Studying in the United States
• Apply for student visa

#1. Know the cost of studying in the US

In the United States, tuition costs can be a touch excessive. An average public university costs $26,000 per year. On the other hand, private universities can cost you on average $36,000 to attend.

Each state has a different cost of living. Your monthly expenses for lodging, food, travel, and other things can range from $700 to $1,000.

You may also check out Top 25 Most Affordable States to Study In USA

#2. Know the General Application Requirements for Studying in the United States

The typical language and application requirements set forth by the majority of American institutions are as follows:

General English requirements(undergraduate)

To study in the USA as an international student, you must pass a competency test if English is not your first language. You should check your school’s website for specifics because scores differ between institutions and their individual departments.

However, the following are the overall trends:

• IELTS: bands 6 to 7.5
• TOEFL iBT: 92–100
• The B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficient levels of the Cambridge Language Exam

Your IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores for New York University should be higher than 7.5 and 100, respectively. Additionally, it accepts the Cambridge English Scale (>=70), MELAB (>84), iTEP (>=4.5), and Duolingo (>=125) as well as other language tests.

Harvard University’s English admissions standards appear to be more relaxed, since the school only requires a minimum IELTS score of 7, a TOEFL-iBT score of 100, and a Pearson Test of English Academic score of 7.

Although the majority of schools demand confirmation of English competence, the following people may be exempt:

• English native speakers (Canadians, Australians, etc.)
• Graduates from overseas universities or colleges where English is the ONLY language of instruction.

General English Requirements (Graduate)

American colleges also demand international graduate applicants to complete the aforementioned English proficiency exams, which is to be expected.

Consider Stanford University, which is the second-best university in the world but only takes TOEFL scores as proof of language ability. You need a mark of 89 to 100 on the online test and a mark of 575 to 600 on the paper exam to be taken into consideration.

In striking contrast, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) takes both the TOEFL (iBT minimum score of 87 and PBT minimum score of 560) and IELTS (band 7 minimum) tests.

Once more, there are several minimum acceptable scores. Make careful to ask your university about its English proficiency requirements as there are different standards for post-graduate students.

Application Requirements (Undergraduate)

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT must be taken by all international applicants (American College Testing). These are the common entrance exams taken for admission to all US universities.

SAT Scores requirements

You must inquire with a school representative for the complete facts as minimum score requirements differ for each university. The average SAT requirement at California Institute of Technology, which is rated fourth, is 1560. However, UCLA, which is ranked number 36 in the world, allows SAT scores as low as 1365.

GPA scores requirements

Your high school diploma is a further essential need. Your top-choice university will take into account more than just your SAT or ACT scores, such as your GPA. While some institutions may only accept applicants with a GPA of 2.5, others may demand a GPA of 3.6.

A completed application form and letters of recommendation from instructors and/or counselors are also necessary. Some colleges, like Princeton University, demand school reports, art supplements, and interviews as needed.

GRE/GMAT Examinations

On the other hand, graduate applicants who wish to study in the US as an international student must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

You must also include a copy of your baccalaureate diploma, which should have taken you at least three years to complete. It must also be pertinent to the Master’s or PhD program you want to enroll in.

Transcripts of records are a further necessity, as institutions also take your GPA into account when deciding whether to admit you. The standard minimum GPA requirement is 3.

A résumé or CV, a personal statement, and recommendation letters are additionally required. For your thesis, you can even be required to submit a research statement depending on the program.

Apply to universities in the US

International students must apply in order to study in the US. Application deadlines are typically established a year in advance since there are so many students—both domestic and international—who want to study in the US.

Undergraduate

The academic year begins in September in American universities as it does at many others. However, the application period begins as early as August the year before due to the intense rivalry among applicants.

Johns Hopkins University, which is now placed 25th in the QS World University Rankings, is one such institution that accepts students early. Candidates can apply here as early as August. Typically, the deadline is announced in January.

Despite the fact that this is the case, certain organizations, including the University of Chicago, will accept applications until November. Another application time is also available, and it runs until December. For the first intake, the admission decision is often made public in December; for the second intake, it may not be until March.

There are application costs that can range from $35 to $100, however some universities will waive these for certain applicants.

Visit the admissions website for your institution to get detailed information about costs and submission dates.

Graduate

For applicants to master’s or doctoral programs, graduate schools typically set a later deadline. The University of Pennsylvania, which is ranked second by US News for graduate study, is an example of this. From November to March, it goes through its early cycle. However, it also has a second intake from March to May.

The deadlines for applying to Northwestern University, another prestigious graduate school, are as late as mid-December.

#3. Apply for student visa

You must be accepted by a college recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program in order to obtain a student visa for the United States. As soon as the school registers you, you must pay $350 to do so through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Your school will then give you a Form I-120, which you must register in your SEVIS account after receiving. Following these procedures, you can submit an online application for a student visa through the US Embassy website. You only need to submit the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application and an up-to-date photo.

Keep in mind the following before your interview:

• Certificate of Non-Immigrant Eligibility, Form I-120 (F-1) Student Status for Language and Academic Students
• Passport
• Receipt for application fee payment (an additional $160 is required).

During your interview, additional documents can be required, such as:

• Transcripts from the schools you have attended, including certificates
• Your university requires standardized test results.
• Proof of ability to pay for studies in the US

Graduates of American universities will find a wealth of options, both here and in your own nation. Even while applying to US colleges might be time-consuming and expensive, it is a wise investment in your future. 

How International Students get Green Card

International students may attempt to obtain a Green Card even though the US has made the procedure extremely challenging. International students with F-1 visas can obtain a Green Card in four different methods.

• Self-petition as a person with extraordinary abilities
• Adjust status to a dual intent visa
• Become an investor in the US
• Marry a US citizen

#1. Self-petition as a person with extraordinary abilities

Because they are pursuing higher education in large numbers, F-1 visa holders are quite knowledgeable. They are capable of things that the normal person or Green Card application might not be. The US has created a unique visa just for these accomplished individuals. This is the EB-1 visa or the Green Card for Persons with Extraordinary Abilities.

These categories of people fall under the EB-1 visa:

• excellent academics and researchers,
• exceptional talent in the arts, sciences, business, athletics, or education, and
• executive managers who have spent the last three years working for a foreign division of a US business

A person can then work permanently in the US in their field of specialization with an EB-1 visa. However, because of the stringent standards, obtaining an EB-1 visa might be challenging. Going from an F-1 visa to an EB-1 visa is equally challenging because very few people can meet them.

Requirements to qualify for EB-1 Visa

The following must be demonstrated in order to qualify for an EB-1 visa, among other things:

• Having received an Olympic Medal, Pulitzer Prize, or other award
• Evidence that you have been honored nationally or internationally for your accomplishments and greatness
• A record of your membership in a professional organization in your sector that consistently requests advancements from its members
• Evidence showing you have done research in your field and produced papers that have been recognized in journals or the media
• Evidence indicating you had to judge the work of others either individually or in a panel, etc.

There are other additional conditions, which are listed in the EB-1 visa article.

The F-1 international student has two options when applying for the EB-1 visa:

• a position in their area of expertise
• self-petition

The employer who hires you must sponsor you by paying for the petition if you are hired. Additionally, they must be sure to abide by immigration and labor rules.

You must complete the entire process by yourself if you self-petition. This entails submitting an application and paying the steep expenses. Even after you complete this, there is no assurance that you will receive a yes.

#2. Adjust status to a dual intent visa

There are other options because only a very tiny number of people can obtain a Green Card through the EB-1 visa. A side-effect of this is changing your status from an F-1 visa to a dual intent visa.

A nonimmigrant work visa with dual intent enables you to submit a Green Card application. After a specific amount of time has passed, the correction may occur. H nonimmigrant visas with dual purposes include the H-1B visa.

The F-1 students are permitted to work in the US for an additional 12 months after receiving their degree. They have access to two separate programs.

The Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)

The institution of higher learning that the F-1 student attends may offer them employment. They can finish training in a practical setting by working as teaching or research assistants. After enrolling in the educational institution for nine months, students can begin their CPT.

A 12-month period is allowed for the CPT. The institution might be persuaded by this to fund the student. If the candidate meets the requirements, he or she may continue as an Associate Professor.

The Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Through the OPT program, international students can gain some job experience in the US. Only until the student has earned their degree can it begin. A US employer offers the student a job in their area of competence, and they are permitted to work there for a year. The student must go back to their nation of origin after a year.

However, you may be eligible for a dual intent visa if your OPT is a success. Your employer may sponsor your application for an H-1B visa. You must be the subject of an employer’s US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) petition, which must be granted.

The F-1 student is not eligible to file for a nonimmigrant visa on their own. Only the employer has the authority to begin.

An international student may attempt to apply for a Green Card after receiving a dual-purpose visa. Most international students opt for this route even though it is more difficult to obtain than the EB-1 visa and takes longer.

You may also check out US Student VISA Requirements: How To Get US Student Visa

#3. Become an investor in the US

Investing in the US economy is another method of obtaining a Green Card. Only if you are affluent enough to afford it does this apply. You are eligible for the EB-5 visa if you invest $500k to $1m in a US business and create at least 10 permanent jobs.

For rich investors, the EB-5 visa can lead to a green card. There are four categories of EB-5 visas, and to qualify for one, you must meet certain requirements.

• Investors who create jobs outside the designated areas are eligible for the C-5 visa.
• T-5 visa for business people who create jobs in high-unemployment or rural areas that are targeted
• R-5 visa for participants in an Investor Pilot Program who are not in a target region
• I-5 visa for investors participating in an Investor Pilot Program in a certain location

The EB-5 visa is challenging due to the financial criteria, whereas the EB-1 visa is challenging due to its stringent requirements. One of the better methods to transition from an F-1 visa to a Green Card, though, is to be able to finance it.

#4. Marry a US citizen

Finally, if you are an international student, you can obtain a Green Card by getting married to a US citizen. This route to citizenship will change your status to that of a spouse or IR-1 visa holder. Spouse visas are exclusively available to foreign spouses of US citizens.

Think again if you believe that this is a simple way to obtain a Green Card. To confirm the validity of the relationship, USCIS performs thorough background checks. They want to be certain that the connection is not just for the Green Card.

Because of this, USCIS grants a conditional status to the foreign spouse once a foreigner marries a US citizen. They receive a CR-1 visa that is good for two years. The foreign spouse loses their status if the pair files for divorce during those two years. Then, the foreign spouse must go back to their nation of origin.

The foreign spouse may change their status if the couple remains married for two years. They can convert their temporary status to a permanent one and obtain a Green Card. Therefore, you can take this route to obtain a Green Card if you are an international student who is in a committed relationship with a citizen of the US.

How to Make a Study Guide for College Students

Below are ways to make the best student study guide for international college students.

• Review your material
• Find key points
• Prioritize the information
• Include vocabulary words
• Add examples
• Come up with questions
• Create your study guide
• Use your own words
• Use an easy-to-study format

#1. Review your material

Start by quickly reviewing the materials you have already studied this semester, including the textbook, any notes you may have made, PowerPoint presentations, and anything else you may have seen in class.

This will help you create your study guide as an international student. If you haven’t already, arrange your notes in a way that makes sense to you. If you haven’t already, now would be an excellent opportunity to finish up any unfinished reading assignments. You’re not required to read everything again at this stage. You simply want to refresh your memory on the material to make studying easier.

Be careful to review past tasks or tests as well! Some questions from previous tests or exams are frequently reused by professors (sometimes even the exact same question!). I lost count of how many times I noticed a question from my midterm exam being repeated again in the final. 

But make sure you read the updated version! You wouldn’t want to commit the same errors once more.

#2. Find key points

Locate the key ideas you learned in class after skimming the reading material. Not everything you’ve seen should be in your study guide because the test won’t cover everything! Instead, concentrate on the main ideas and points. This will assist you in forming an overall impression of what you have learned about in class this semester.

Ensure that you comprehend those ideas, and note them in your study guide. You do not need to record complete sentences. Sometimes, concept maps and keywords are the most effective tools! Stick to what you find to be effective for you.

The time is now to ask questions if there are any ideas that you feel you don’t fully grasp. If there is anything you are unsure of, ask a classmate or your professor for clarification.

#3. Prioritize the information

You can think that everything is significant. In my textbook or class notes, I definitely have a tendency to highlight everything. That means you have a lot of knowledge to memorize, much of which won’t be tested in the exam.

When you know something won’t help you in the long run, why would you want to spend hours studying it? much more so if you know that you could use those hours to study for the material that will really be on the test!

Besides, being an international student, Only the most significant ideas that you learned in class this semester should be included in your study guide. It’s more than just a revised copy of your course notes. It is meant to assist you in properly studying and getting ready for an exam.

Even some teachers like to make the not-so-subtle remark, “That would make a terrific test question.” Put a star next to the material or highlight it when that occurs in class! Once you begin studying, you’ll want to keep that in mind.

See whether there are any redundancies between your class notes and your textbook. Typically, if your professor spent time describing something in the textbook, there is a good likelihood that it will appear on the exam. Be sure to incorporate that information in your study guide.

#4. Include vocabulary words

Being an international student, Make sure to write down any terminology from that course, along with definitions, in your study guide. Their meanings may be incorporated into a question even if you aren’t specifically asked for them. To avoid being stopped by a word you don’t understand on a question on your exam, be sure you cover and every one of them.

#5. Add examples

Adding an example to a subject can help you grasp it better. You might have received some from your teacher in class, or you might have created something. It’s crucial that you include examples that you comprehend and that make it simpler for you to learn.

Some teachers like including exam questions that expressly demand that we provide an example to illustrate a subject. It’s far simpler for you to respond to the question when you’ve already practiced with some as opposed to trying to think of one immediately! It will relieve a lot of your stress, and using examples actually makes studying simpler.

#6. Come up with questions

After familiarizing yourself with the subject matter, try to come up with questions that your lecturers might ask you on the test.

You can either make a mock test for yourself or just include those inquiries in your study manual and respond to them there. Examine the queries as well as the responses! You might have struck a nerve, even if your professor didn’t ask the exact same question.

You can use these questions and answers to assist you respond to exam questions.

#7. Create your study guide

As an international student, you need a study guide, therefore, Numerous formats are possible for your study guide, including a concept map, a timeline (if you’re studying history or a related subject), questions and answers, and a Word document. You have the option.

 It might even be a combination of several approaches (studying the topic in various ways actually improves memory!). Find what works best for you, and don’t be hesitant to modify your study guide to fit the subject matter of the course you are taking.

#8. Use your own words

Furthermore, as an international student, Using your own words is one of the most crucial things to keep in mind when writing your study guide. Your professor wants to make sure that you comprehended the material covered in class; hence, they do not want you to memorize the material and then repeat it on the test copy. Besides, Writing in your own words also makes studying easier for you.

If you express the material you’re learning in your own terms, it will be easier for you to comprehend.

#9. Use an easy-to-study format

As was already stated, an international student study guide should not be only a revised version of your course notes or textbook.

Hence, To make it easier for you to study, format it like such. To also help your brain remember the information, use headings, bullet points, and a variety of colors. Similarly, Use short, simple phrases or keywords that are easier to recall rather than complete sentences.

As an international student, The fundamental goal of a study guide is to make studying easier for you, and designing your paper visually will undoubtedly assist you in achieving that goal, particularly if you’re a visual learner. Prioritizing the information is made easier by using bullet points, headings, and color coding.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is the best option if you want a fantastic chance to discover a new culture, obtain priceless professional experience, and make friends for life. Therefore, we hope you have learnt the best international student study guide for your studies abroad.

FAQs On Best International Student Study Guide

References

• https://www.kaplanpathways.com
• https://www.mastersportal.com
• https://studyabroadaide.com
• https://visaguide.world
• https://thehappyarkansan.com

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