Support for international students

For many international students, studying abroad can be an exciting and challenging experience. my goal is to provide you with the support you need to make the most of your time here. We are committed to helping you navigate the cultural, linguistic, and academic challenges you may face as an international student. Whether you need help with language skills, cultural adjustment, or finding resources on campus, we hope that this webpage will be a valuable resource for you as you embark on your academic journey.

Cultural adjustment

Adjusting to a new culture can be tough, but remember that it takes time and to be patient with yourself. It’s important to remember that by immersing yourself in the culture, you’ll find things that you may have in common with it, and also discover new and exciting things that can brighten your mood.

Being in a foreign country, you may find yourself without many people from your home country (or maybe there are many, I am looking at you my Indian friends), so learning the language can be a great step in feeling more connected to your new home. Even if you don’t become fluent, being able to carry out simple conversations in the local language can give you a sense of accomplishment and make day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping feel less daunting.

The university you applied to, most likely offers some culture adjustment programs and support services. These can include:

Language classes: Many universities and colleges offer language classes to support international students in learning the language spoken in the host country.

Cultural Orientation Programs: These programs provide international students with an introduction to the culture, customs, and expectations of the host country. They may include information on the local customs, social norms, and expectations, as well as practical information on how to navigate daily life in the new country.
Mentoring Programs: Many universities and colleges match international students with local students or community members who can serve as mentors and provide support and advice as they adjust to their new environment.
International Student Organizations: Many universities and colleges have clubs and organizations specifically for international students. These groups provide a sense of community and belonging, and can help students connect with other students who are also adjusting to a new culture.
Social and Cultural Activities: Many universities and colleges organize social and cultural activities for international students to participate in, such as trips, festivals, and cultural events. These activities can help students connect with the local community, learn about the culture, and make new friends.

Legal and immigration support

As an international student, obtaining a student visa is a crucial step in your journey to study abroad. The visa requirements can vary depending on the country and the university you will attend, but generally, you will need to provide documentation such as your passport, proof of acceptance to the university, proof of financial support during your studies, and sometimes a language proficiency test score.

It’s important to keep in mind that the visa application process can be time-consuming, so make sure to apply for your visa well ahead of your program’s start date. Additionally, once you arrive in the host country, you may have additional responsibilities and restrictions due to your visa status. For example, you may be required to maintain full-time student status, may be limited in the number of hours you can work, and may need to leave the country once your studies are completed.

It’s also important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as an international student. This may include understanding labor laws, housing laws, and laws regarding discrimination and harassment.

Lastly, make sure to keep track of your visa’s expiration date and renew it if necessary. Some countries may also require you to renew your visa periodically. If you need help with the visa application process or have any questions about immigration and legal matters, most universities have International student offices that can assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for help, they are there to support you.

Financial aid and scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships for international students can be limited compared to those for domestic students. However, it’s still possible to find financial aid and scholarships to help pay for your education. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students, while other scholarships are open to both international and domestic students. For the EU, you can find your rights as a foreign student on their official homepage.

The most common sources of financial aid and scholarships for international students are:

Universities and colleges: Many universities and colleges offer scholarships for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both.
Government agencies: Some government agencies in the host country may offer scholarships for international students.
Private organizations: Some private organizations and foundations also offer scholarships for international students. These can include organizations that focus on a specific field of study, organizations that support students from a particular country or region, and organizations that support students with specific interests or backgrounds.
International organizations: There are also international organizations such as Rotary International, Fulbright, and DAAD that offer scholarships to international students.

It’s important to note that scholarships and financial aid may also have some restrictions on their use, such as it’s only for tuition fees, or it’s only for certain fields of study. Additionally, some scholarships and financial aid may have specific requirements, such as maintaining a certain grade point average, participating in certain activities, or committing to work for the organization that provided the scholarship after graduation.

It’s also important to note that the application process for financial aid and scholarships can be competitive, so make sure to apply to as many as possible and meet the deadlines. It’s also good to start looking for scholarships early, as some deadlines may be several months before the start of the academic year.

Erasmus program

The Erasmus program is a European Union scholarship program that provides funding for international students to study or conduct research within the European Union. The program aims to promote student mobility and cultural exchange among European countries.

Erasmus scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, as well as for staff members of higher education institutions. The scholarship covers expenses such as tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses while studying abroad.

To be eligible for the Erasmus scholarship, students must be enrolled in a higher education institution in a participating European country and have been accepted to study or conduct research at another participating institution within the European Union.

The application process for the Erasmus scholarship can vary depending on the host institution, but typically involves submitting academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and a personal statement.

It’s important to note that the Erasmus program is a highly competitive scholarship, so it’s important to submit a strong application and meet the deadlines. Additionally, the Erasmus scholarship is only available to students in Europe, so it may not be an option for international students outside of the European Union.

Links

here are a few websites that can help you find scholarships for international students:

It’s worth noting that these websites offer a wide range of scholarships, but not all of them may be suitable for your specific needs. Be sure to thoroughly research the scholarships you are interested in and check the eligibility criteria before applying. Also, be sure to check the deadline for applying to the scholarship.