So, you’ve finally started your new life as an international student studying at university. After the stress of applying and waiting to hear if you’ve been successful, you can finally get started and focus on doing well on your course. But there are other factors to being a new international student that you may not have considered when starting this new phase of your life. What is culture shock? Culture shock is the feeling of
Congratulations, you’ve successfully started your degree course at the university and country of your choice. You may feel that you no longer need to have English language lessons or focus on improving your English, but the truth is, you are still going to need help. The level and type of English language skills you’ll need to write assignments and give presentations are very different from what you have been used to. The good news is
The day you have been working so hard for has finally arrived. That’s right, graduation day. It’s the day all your hard work and your achievements are celebrated. It’s a busy, exciting day but, what exactly happens, and what can you expect? We guide you through the big day. What happens before graduation day? You’ll receive
Should I go home and spend the holidays with my family, or should I stay at university on my own? This is one of the hardest questions that international students ask themselves every time there’s a holiday. The stress, worry and loneliness are real. But you do have options and there are solutions. They might not be perfect, but they might help. Read on to find out more. Reasons why I can’t go home for
The great thing about the IELTS test is that you can’t fail it. Your results will always be valid evidence of your ability to use the English language. All overseas institutions will need to see that you have the correct level of English to be able to start your undergraduate or postgraduate degree. All institutions have their own entry requirements for each of their courses. When you choose where and
New Zealand has a lot to offer international students: amazing landscapes; a rich culture, and equally important, quality teaching and small classes. If you decide to make New Zealand your study destination, you won’t regret it, but what can you expect from life at a university in New Zealand? Academic life in New Zealand Many students (international and national) find the difference between academic life before university and
Studying at university in another country is exciting, and it shouldn’t be long before it seems like home. But what if you feel different from other people there, or that you are not a part of things in the same way? In truth, nearly everybody feels ‘different’ – even those who aren’t international students – so you shouldn’t worry too much. Whoever you are, feeling included at university is something that your institution will want for you. Read on to find out
When you’re applying to study at a university in an English-speaking country, you’re going to need to show the institution that you have a good level of English. You’re going to be listening to lectures in English, discussing things with tutors, taking part in group work, reading academic journals, researching, writing, eating, socialising, and all in English. Your level of
