The 5 people who can make or break your study abroad experience

When you embark on your study abroad experience, your adventure won't just be shaped by the sights you see and the classes you take. It's the people you meet along the way that truly make or break your experience. From your lecturer to your roommate, let's dive into the five individuals likely to play a significant role in your international student experience.

1. Your lecturer - your academic navigator

For starters, your lecturer is not only a crucial academic guide but often your initial touchpoint in your chosen field of study abroad. They act as the custodians of your education, holding a wealth of knowledge, resources, and industry connections that are instrumental in shaping your academic journey.

The good

A great lecturer can simplify complex concepts and stimulate your intellectual curiosity. Beyond their role as educators, their career trajectories and insights can also offer valuable guidance to students looking to navigate their paths in the field. They may provide advice on internships, research projects, or industry trends. This mentorship, combined with the academic knowledge they impart, makes the relationship with your lecturer a cornerstone of the study abroad experience.

The bad

However, you may encounter lecturers who are not as invested in student learning. Their teaching methods may be unclear, leaving students to grapple with more complex concepts. Some may not be approachable, making it difficult for students to seek clarification or advice.

Experiences like these can create academic roadblocks, but they also serve as opportunities to cultivate resilience and self-reliance. Self-study skills, online resources, and study groups with classmates are all strategies that can help overcome these challenges.

Pro tip: Foster a good relationship with your lecturers. Actively engage in class discussions and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.

2. Your landlord - your home base manager

Your landlord is more than just a rent collector; they hold the key to your overseas study experience. Their role is not limited to leasing you a space but extends to ensuring that your home abroad is safe, comfortable, and well-maintained.

The good

A good landlord takes their responsibilities seriously and understands the importance of providing a conducive living environment for their tenants. They are responsive to your needs and concerns, promptly addressing any issues that may arise. Whether it's a broken appliance, a leaky faucet, or a malfunctioning heating system, a responsible landlord ensures that necessary repairs and maintenance work are carried out efficiently.

Their proactive approach to property management can instil a sense of security and comfort, allowing you to feel at home in your new surroundings. Knowing that you have a reliable and caring landlord provides peace of mind, enabling you to concentrate on your studies and make the most of your time abroad.

The bad

Unfortunately, not all landlords take their responsibilities seriously. Negligent landlords who neglect maintenance issues or enforce excessively strict rules can create an uncomfortable and stressful living environment. Minor problems, if left unaddressed, can escalate into major disruptions, negatively impacting your overall living experience.

Moreover, some landlords may impose overly strict rules, leading to a tense and uncomfortable living environment. This can create unnecessary stress and distract you from fully immersing yourself in your study abroad journey.

Pro tip: While choosing accommodations abroad, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to avoid unpleasant surprises. Check out reviews, inspect the property thoroughly, and ensure the landlord is trustworthy and responsive.

3. Your roommate - your home away from home buddy

Your roommate is a crucial part of your living situation while studying abroad. This is the person who will share not just your living space, but your overseas experiences as well.

The good

A compatible roommate can transform your living situation into a joyous aspect of your study abroad journey. Sharing household chores can ease the burden of maintaining your living space, making it feel more like a home away from home.

Beyond the practical aspects, a great roommate can provide emotional support during the ups and downs of studying abroad. Being away from family and friends in a foreign land can be overwhelming, but having someone to talk to and lean on can be immensely comforting. In essence, a great roommate can make your study abroad student experience feel like a perpetual sleepover.

The bad

However, a roommate who is incompatible with your lifestyle or personality can cause stress. Differences in schedules, cleanliness standards, noise levels, and personal habits can lead to conflicts.

When this happens, it's essential to address them openly and respectfully. Ignoring issues or allowing resentment to build up can escalate the situation and potentially negatively impact your overall well-being and academic performance.

Pro tip: Before moving in, have an honest conversation about your preferences regarding cleanliness, privacy, noise levels, and any other potential sources of conflict. If you're unsure about how to initiate such conversations, you can always seek advice from your counsellor.

4. Your classmates - your peers in this journey

Your classmates play a critical role in your academic journey. These are the people who will share your learning experiences, offer academic collaboration, and potentially form a part of your social network abroad.

The good

When you find peers who are enthusiastic about learning and willing to work together, you can form study groups, brainstorm ideas, and tackle complex assignments as a team. This collaborative approach fosters a conducive learning environment, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the course material and potentially excel in your studies.

Forming connections with your classmates can also be the foundation of building a vibrant social life abroad. Sharing experiences, exploring the host country together, and participating in extracurricular activities can create lasting friendships, making you feel more at ease in a foreign environment.

The bad

On the flip side, classmates who are disinterested in their studies might be less motivated to engage in collaborative learning, making it difficult to form study groups or receive the support you need. This lack of academic engagement can be frustrating, leaving you feeling isolated and alone in your academic pursuits.

Furthermore, an atmosphere of excessive competition within the class can add unnecessary stress and pressure to your studies. When classmates are more concerned with outperforming each other rather than supporting each other's growth, it can foster a toxic environment that hinders learning and personal development.

Pro tip: Choose your company wisely. Foster relationships with supportive classmates, share common interests, and contribute positively to your study experience. Building meaningful relationships with like-minded peers can enhance your academic and social journey abroad.

5. Your education counsellor - get off on the right foot

Before your journey even begins, you need to have spoken to someone who knows what key decisions you would be making for your study abroad experience, from adjusting to a new environment to setting up an essential support system.

The good

While a skilled counsellor may not be your personal problem solver, they will be able to foresee aspects of your study abroad experience that you may not have thought of. This starts with selecting the right course, and deciding on the right country destination for you. They are well-versed in the various challenges that international students may face and can offer practical solutions and support.

As professionals, the best counsellors also excel in understanding you and your unique circumstances, concerns, and aspirations. By actively listening to your needs and feelings, and tapping into their knowledge of the various courses, universities and countries, they can tailor their guidance to address your specific situation, making sure you get the right fit for a wonderful study abroad journey that is also manageable for you.

The bad

On the other hand, an ineffective counsellor may leave you feeling unsupported and unheard. If they offer generic or unhelpful advice without considering your individual circumstances, it can be frustrating and leave you struggling to find the necessary solutions. In such cases, you may feel lost and unguided, adding to the stress and challenges even before you study abroad.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until you're overwhelmed to reach out to a counsellor for guidance. Make use of their knowledge and experience to make the right decision for yourself. Who knows, you might even develop a friendship with your counsellor, who could end up giving you mentoring advice on studying overseas.

Kickstart your study abroad experience

Overall, the journey towards an enriching study abroad experience extends far beyond the classrooms. It is formed by the people you meet, the relationships you make and the environment you live in. As you navigate your way through these relationships, remember that every encounter is a learning opportunity in itself.

Feel a little overwhelmed? Our dedicated IDP counsellors are here to guide you through every step of your journey. After all, moving to some of the best countries for studying abroad requires comprehensive preparation. Whether it's understanding your course options, guidance on visa application, or support with accommodation, our dedicated team is equipped to provide the help you need.

So why wait? Book your free counselling session with a friendly counsellor at IDP today! Enquire with us or hit the message button to drop us a question.