Finding yourself in the country of your dreams to study for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. This is because you’re trying to familiarize yourself with the new environment. So while you’re trying to catch your breath, note that there are some people international students studying abroad need to meet.
Developing a sense of belonging and finding a support network in school is crucial to your success. To help you succeed in this regard, here’s an outline of some people international students studying abroad need to meet on campus.
1. Academic Advisers
Academic advisors advise students on how to make the most of their study experience. They help students who have personal or academic issues. They are in a great position to help students with choosing majors, course registration and time schedule for classes. They can also help you stay on track while studying.
2. Professors
It is very important for you as an international student to know and be known by your professors. Make it a point of duty to develop a cordial relationship with them; they can link you to experts in your faculty who can help you with your research project.
3. Peers
Getting along with fellow students gives you the opportunity to learn to navigate through campus with ease. Your association through student organizations, mentorship programs, and classes open you up to beneficial relationships beyond school. Also, attend social gatherings where you can make new friends.
4. Spiritual Advisers
Religious students can identify and connect to spiritual groups in school as finding a connection in their faith can be affirming. Many campuses welcome students of all faiths, regardless of the institution’s religious affiliation. So, feel free to connect as spiritual advisers are some of the people international students studying abroad need to meet on campus.
4. Resident Advisers
For students living on campus, resident advisors are a valuable resource. They are repositories of information and provide support or access to resources. Having been freshmen once upon a time, they’re knowledgeable peers who want you to be successful.
5. Staff Members
These set of people can influence a student’s life and college experience in many ways. You could build cordial relationships among the administrative ranks, non-academic ranks, etc. The idea here is to find a support network that makes you feel comfortable and at home.
6. Career Services Staff
7. The International Student Office Staff
The international student office helps with visa issues and connects students to events, campus clubs and other organizations that can help them feel at home. They equally help students familiarize with the teaching styles of the host country and other relevant information.
8. Campus Counselling Centre
Students with personal issues can solicit the services of the campus counselling centre. The goal is to ensure that students enjoy general health and well being while studying.