Being prepared when going abroad for college (P5)

One thing that I haven't mentioned yet, but is very important, is that you should be prepared for the academic rigor that will come from college—especially if you are attending elite institutions. In these colleges, academics are highly valued, and those who cannot keep up with the coursework and workload may end up in a difficult situation. This is why you should definitely prepare for what you are going to learn in the next few months. You can ask for the syllabus, or you can consult alumni and older students to gain a better overview of what you will be studying and the work you will cover in your classes. This way, you can better prepare yourself for the challenging academic demands of college.

A significant advantage for students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses is that by studying these subjects and passing the exams with high scores, you may be able to skip many introductory classes. In certain cases, this can even allow you to graduate early, as those AP credits count toward your college graduation requirements.

When you go to a new place, it’s common to post pictures with new friends, different sights, and various activities you participate in. However, please remember that you are now a college student, and your digital footprint can have a substantial impact on your life. I understand that in the past, you may have posted silly things online without recognizing the potential consequences, but now that you are older, what you post can either benefit or harm you when employers review your online presence. Therefore, in addition to deleting any embarrassing posts from years ago, it is also advisable to refrain from posting unwise content during your college years, especially regarding sensitive subjects.

On the other hand, social media can be a place where you highlight your interests and values. For example, if you engage in volunteer work during college, you should showcase these experiences on your social media and include them in your CV, as this can enhance your appeal to potential employers.

Finally, it is crucial to have future plans after you graduate. I understand that many of you may be in your first year of college, but please realize that studying in a different country means different policies apply to foreign graduates. Many countries have strict regulations regarding whether international students can remain after graduation. Therefore, you should start planning what you want to do after you finish college. For instance, if you want to stay in the country, consider what major you want to focus on and what job you would like to pursue. Additionally, think about visa requirements and how long foreign graduates are allowed to remain in the country.

These are very important questions to consider as you approach graduation. Remember that the end of college marks the beginning of a new phase in your life—your working life. So please don’t think that just getting into college means everything will be fine; there are many directions you can take after graduation, such as returning to your home country, staying in the country where you studied, or pursuing further education like a master’s degree or PhD.

I hope that through these posts, I have helped you navigate your life path and plan better for your next few years in college. I wish you good luck, and I’ll see you next time!