Today STUDY ABROAD CONGRESS, a leading study abroad information hub brings you top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
Studying abroad is so breathtaking, there is no other way that best describes it. I can assure you that it is going to be the biggest dream coming to life. From meeting new people all over the world, gaining experiences unlike others,also making new memories in life.
Top 10 Key Points Nigerian Students Must Know Before Studying Abroad
The following are the top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
- Choose where to study
- Weather & clothes
- Language
- Budgeting and finances
- Emergency number
- Electronic devices
- Culture shock
- Phone Plan
- Food
- Social roles
1. Choose Where To Study.
Choose where to study is the 1st pick on our list of 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
Countries are just like individuals, no two are exactly the same. When you’re making friends, you will most likely find it easier to connect with people who are compatible with you. In choosing a country or place where you want to spend a significant amount of your time living and studying,you will do the same but in the form of some research.
First, learn more about the country’s language, culture, religion,mannerisms,wish i find it essential so you are not flying in blind. Perhaps you do want to go in without any previous conceptions or expectations, which is fine as well. No matter what, it is always pleasant to know what you are dealing with first so you won’t regret your decision in the near future.
Another thing is living situation, wish lead to the question:
Do you want to live with a host family or in a dorm?
They both have a positive and negative side. Leaving in DORM you are more likely to interact with people your age, who are going through the same adjustment you’re going through, and can therefore relate with you on a greater level. In most dorms, there’s no curfew, and living in a dorm requires you to be much more independent. On the other hand If you’re studying a language, living with a HOST family will vastly increase the amount of interactive situations in which you’ll speak that language. There’s also a greater possibility that you’ll experience more local culture first-hand.
2. Weather And Clothes
Weather and Clothes is the 2nd pick on our list of top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
It is advisable for you to research the weather, in terms of climate and the average temperature of the place you’ve chosen. This helps you to pack the appropriate clothes and also you can put your health standard into proper check before applying to study in a particular country.
3. Language
Listening and speaking in a new language is tiring. Some international students have trouble understanding the lecture and reading materials. In a situation where the lecturer speaks so quickly and you may feel embarrassed to ask him to repeat what they said. Language is the 3rd pick on our list of top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
But the situation whereby English is their First language, I am sure you will find it interesting.
If you are so determined to go to country that it is non -English speaking country, you need to have confident in your ability and find your way by all means to go for it
4. Budgeting and Finances
Budget and finances is the 4th pick on our list of 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
This must be strictly adhered to. Although this may not be something that’s constantly on your mind when your parents are around but while studying abroad, you need to be aware of your monetary circumstances and budgeting. Just like your mobile service provider, if it requires you to make your bank know what’s up before you leave so they don’t decline your payments when you’re buying some coffee.
Some major things you should be aware of before living to study abroad
- your bank’s international charging fee
- the current exchange rate between your home country and the country you’re moving too
- the monetary system of your new home.
top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad
5. Emergency Number
Get to know the emergency hotline of the country you’re moving to if you don’t already know it.) What I’m talking about is the emergency number of your school/college/university so there’s someone you can call if you get lost or something has happened to you at the airport upon landing. This is the 5th pick on our list of top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
To be well prepared, be sure to have the emergency number written physically on a piece of paper as well to keep in your luggage in case something happens to your phone.
6. Electronic devices
Electronic devices is the 5th pick on our list of top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
As we all know, phones and laptops are absolutely essential as most schools and colleges nowadays are being more electronic through the implementation of Google and other learning programs in the world. If you don’t have a laptop you are going to find it difficult to read assignments of more than 1000 words on your mobile phone or even create presentations.
7. Culture Shock And Homesickness
A Lot of people will experience culture shock when they first start studying abroad and some may experience homesickness. This is the 6th pick on our list of top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad
Culture shock describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one that is unfamiliar. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a new country. It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, such as family, friends, colleagues, and teachers: people you would talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance.
In order to do this, do keep an open and positive mind of what’s happening around you and ask for help. Don’t isolate yourself and just hope for someone to come along. You have to take responsibility for yourself because you’re now a young adult.
8. Phone Plan
Phone Plan is one of the essential thing to know and a top item on things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad. A need to make an important call might arise, then a need for Google search,or a need to search for a taxi company. As much as your phone can be connected to the internet.
Pls do check with your mobile phone provider if they have international plans with the country you’re moving to and if it’s still affordable.
If none is available, sign up for a mobile plan at the airport once you touch down so you have one less thing to worry about. If you can, also buy a cheap backup phone just in case something happens to yours. You can never be too careful.
9. Food
Do you like the food common in that country? Can you get by on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? I would advise you to go somewhere where you can appreciate local cuisine as it’s definitely a big part of the overall immersion experience. Therefore we advise this our one of the top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
10. Social roles
Social behaviours may be wildered, amazing or annoy you. For example you may find people appear cold, distant or always in a hurry. Or you may be surprised to see couples holding hands and kissing in public. You may find the relationships between men and women more formal or less formal than you are used to, as well as differences in same sex social contact and relationships. This is the last of our top 10 things Nigerian Students must know before studying abroad.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT KEY THINGS NIGERIAN STUDENTS MUST KNOW BEFORE STUDYING ABROAD.
What is The Right Study For You To Study Abroad?
Your study abroad program depends on what you want to do. If you choose an exchange program, you will have to transfer from one college to another. If you choose a direct enrollment program, then you can go straight into the class with the rest of your classmates. But keep in mind that study abroad programs are not easy to get into.
What Will Be The Tuition Fee Of Your Chosen School?
You should always consider whether or not studying abroad fits into your budget and how much money you will need during your stay. Tuition fee is probably the biggest concern of both students and their parents.
What Type Of Facilities Does the School Have?
There are many schools that offer accommodation to their students and there are some who don’t. And if there’s no free dorm room to live in, that means you have to live off-campus.
Another thing is that facilities might vary from schools to schools – and they may not be the same as what you’re used to. If you’re going to a European country, many colleges will have everything you need such as Wi-Fi and computers in every room. On the other hand, some Asian universities don’t provide any of those facilities.
