7 things you NEED to prepare before STUDY ABROAD | International Student in UK

Summary

This video offers essential advice for prospective international students preparing to study abroad. It emphasizes the importance of mastering academic English, research skills, and self-study, as well as having background knowledge in one's field of study. Additionally, the speaker highlights the significance of life skills such as cooking, time management, personal finance, and communication. The video aims to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive academically and personally during their study abroad experience.

Takeaways

• 📚 Familiarize yourself with academic English and writing, as it differs from general English and is essential for university-level essays and critical thinking.
• 🔍 Develop strong research and self-study skills, as you will be responsible for a significant amount of independent learning outside of class.
• 📘 Learn to use academic resources like Google Scholar and develop efficient reading techniques such as skimming and scanning for effective study.
• 🎓 Gain background knowledge in your intended field of study to ease the transition into university coursework and to understand industry-specific terminology.
• 🇬🇧 Be aware of and adapt to the local accent and culture of the country you will be studying in to avoid comprehension issues in lectures.
• 🍳 Learn basic cooking skills and familiarize yourself with common household chores like laundry and cleaning to maintain a healthy lifestyle abroad.
• ⏰ Prioritize time management by using tools like calendars and to-do list apps to stay organized and meet academic deadlines effectively.
• 💰 Keep track of your personal finances using apps or systems to avoid overspending and to budget for unexpected expenses or travel.
• 🗣️ Improve communication skills and be proactive in networking, joining clubs, and societies to build a valuable social and professional network.
• 🌟 Be independent and take responsibility for your actions and decisions to ensure personal growth and success during your study abroad experience.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the essential skills and preparations needed for studying abroad, with a focus on the experiences of an international student in the UK.

Why is academic English and writing important for studying abroad?

Academic English and writing are important because they are different from general English and are expected to be known by students before they arrive at the university. These skills are crucial for writing university-level essays, referencing, and critical thinking.

What does the speaker suggest about the amount of self-study required during university?

The speaker suggests that self-study is very important, as there are only a few classes in a week and students are expected to do a lot of research, reading, and self-study on their own.

Why is Google Scholar mentioned in the video?

Google Scholar is mentioned as a resource for finding academic papers, but the speaker also emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use university library systems effectively.

What is the significance of having background knowledge in the course one is going to study?

Having background knowledge is significant because it helps students understand the course material better and makes the study journey less challenging, especially when the course content is complex.

Why is it important to be familiar with the accent of the country one is going to study in?

Being familiar with the accent of the country is important for comprehension during lectures and interactions, as it can be difficult to understand the local accent if one is not accustomed to it.

What are some of the life skills discussed in the video?

The life skills discussed in the video include cooking, doing chores, time management, personal finance management, communication skills, and being independent.

Why is time management considered the most important skill in the video?

Time management is considered the most important skill because it allows students to make the most of their time abroad, effectively plan for deadlines, and avoid last-minute stress.

How does the speaker suggest keeping track of personal finances?

The speaker suggests using apps like Notion to keep a record of income and expenses, which helps in managing personal finances effectively and avoiding unexpected financial issues.

What is the role of communication skills and being independent in the context of studying abroad?

Communication skills and being independent are crucial for building a network, making friends, joining clubs and societies, and being responsible for one's choices and decisions during the study abroad journey.