By Udara Cumaratunga
1. It is an absolute must that you research about the country you want to undertake your study abroad year in, as much as you research on the university and the programme offered. It is important to make sure that you would feel comfortable in this new environment and culture, to gain the maximum benefit of the study abroad year.
2. It is advisable that you select your modules for the year before you leave Sheffield. As it would give you the opportunity to consult your tutors and be prepared for a smooth transition into the foreign university.
3. Having a list of what is required of you to complete in order to settle in might be useful (eg: opening up a bank account, registering at the university and health services etc.) , as you can rely on it to plan out your activities and get them out of the way and start enjoying the wonderful opportunity as soon as possible.
4. Frequent communication with your tutors at Sheffield is very important as they will assist in adapting to the new teaching styles and also with module changes.
5. Living on campus especially in your 1st semester abroad can be very useful. You are likely to meet a lot of international students who are sharing the same experiences as you and may help with moving into your new home and settling in.
6. Don’t be shy! Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity, make sure you make the best of it. It can be a little daunting when you first arrive and meet loads of new faces. You should take the initiative to interact with people and make new friends. You will be surprised at the great new things you learn about your new friends and their cultures.
7. Be open minded to taking up new challenges, may it be an outdoor activity, a new module or even tasting new cuisines. You never know if you will like it until you try it.
8. Things can be different to your home country and you must be alert. (eg: different bank accounts) It is always good to speak to a student who has already been to your country of choice, so you are better prepared in such situations. The university offers a great opportunity for you to meet previous study abroad students during orientations meetings and so on.
9. Making sure you have appropriate clothing to suite the weather conditions is very important. You DO NOT want to fall sick in the first couple of weeks of you arriving in your new home.
10. Take loads of pictures. Start a blog. Great way to share your experiences and record your most memorable moments.