Tips for international students to live in a foreign country
International experience is a great one but when a student moves to a new country for education, there are circumstances that surrounds you ranging from your first days in Russia, down to the first days of school. This new experience comes with challenges and demands in order to perform better in academics and even as a person. Clearly, there are things that you must do to avoid or overcome certain difficult encounters and also things that you must not do as a HSE student.
As an international student, these are some Do’s and Don’ts that I found helpful for any new student to practice and to avoid in order to maintain a good image and achieve academic success and a beautiful experience in HSE.
The Dos
Learn the language of the country
If you are a new student in a new country where a different language is spoken, it is important to learn the local language to interact and communicate with people. It not only helps you communicate but also show your appreciation of the culture and the people around you. Speaking the local language can come in handy in a lot of situations that you can come across, so I suggest you gradually learn the language by enrolling in language classes or joining conversation groups to improve. Also make an effort to practice with your fellow students in the dormitory, school or the locals.
Socially connect and interact with people around you
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a student is the chance to meet new people. Social connection is like a gold at hand; when you are able to build positive social ties with people around you irrespective of their background. This social connection comes with tolerance and the willingness to learn and embrace new things so I say embrace the opportunity! Attend orientation events, join clubs to meet new people, and participate in social affairs. These connections help you as a new student in a totally new and daunting environment to get valuable information about your school, city and place of residence. It also helps you to build a good rapport with people around as it is believed that one doesn’t survive alone in society.
When meeting new people, it is advisable to be open-minded, share your interests and ask about others to find common interests. Remember that everyone is surely feeling a bit nervous and would like to interact so I say take the initiative and make new friends. Interacting with people in a positive nature not only boosts your connection with people but also increases your chances of making new friends and opportunities that will help you in your academic, personal life and even in the future.
Accept cultural diversity
If you find yourself in a multicultural environment, it is important to take the time to learn about the culture of the people around you. As a new student, finding yourself in a new environment of people of different backgrounds, calls for tolerance, respectfulness and understanding of the new culture you found because this will help you to acclimatize with the new environment. Understanding the cultural shock that comes with it and treating it as an opportunity for growth and a diverse understanding of the world that surrounds you is a huge plus. For instance, you can find greetings and handshakes as a cultural obligation in your home country but experience a difference in terms of greetings in your new environment. So, you need to learn to conform with the new realities in order to avoid trespassing on others by trying to impose your culture on them. So, as a new student in a totally new environment, you should be able to realize these differences and respect them. To acclimate seamlessly in the new environment, I suggest you participate in cultural events or festivals on campus because this is a good opportunity to learn about other culture.
Always have your documents with you
As a new student, especially one studying abroad, it is important to carry important documents with you at all times. These documents include your passport with your migration and registration card carefully stored inside, student ID, health insurance information, and any other relevant document. Having these documents with you at all times can save you a whole lot of trouble especially if you are stopped by the police or need assistance in an emergency.
Also, it is wise to keep all digital copies of these documents on your phone or in cloud storage, so that even if you somehow lose the physical copies, you can still have access to them on hand.
Be observant and ask questions
When I first came to Moscow, there is a saying I was told that ‘Nobody Knows Moscow’. This is a reality because of the large city and its beautiful and complicated structure. For instance, for one to understand the in and out of the metro stations, the different similar streets and even the complex nature of the school campus, you need more like a tour guide; someone who has a good understanding of all these things to guide you as a new student. While you are being guided, it is crucial for you to be observant and smart enough to quickly understand and adapt. This is the fastest way to kick-off with a better experience.
While the above are things that a new student must comply with in order to stay safe in his/her new life in Russia, below are also recommendations to be wary of from my own experience and other students’ experiences to be safe.
The don’ts
Avoid missing visa extension/renewal deadline
An issue I have come to realize that happens to most students, old or new, is the issue of late renewal of Visa. Speaking from experience, I was almost a victim of this which I remember happened to some of the people I know. As a new student, what you should be careful of is not to miss the visa extension or renewal deadline due to procrastination or some other reasons you might have. Failure to abide by the deadline will result to you being sent home to your country and wait for another visa to be issued and believe me when I say this is not what you would want to happen to you.
So, I advise you to seek assistance from your school’s international office if you have questions about visa regulations or need help with the renewal process to avoid encountering this problem. Set reminders for important dates and make sure you have all the necessary documents ready well in advance. No matter your schedules, you must take these things as a priority. Not taking getting proper documentations and papers serious is equivalent to illegally staying in the country which will lead to you being deported.
Do not engage in violence and misconduct
Violence is a serious crime in every country, and misconducts are punishable. For a student to stay safe and sound, you must avoid this by all means. Violence of physical assault, insults, body shaming and caricature are not accepted and must be avoided. Misconducts like making public noise, creating tensions in class, engaging in denial acts especially when police officers stop you to do their work or wants to search you on the way, should be avoided. You must learn to respect people you meet irrespective of their colour, race, background or beliefs.
Do not argue or run when stopped by the police
It is possible to run into the police or have some issues that is out of your control but if approached, it is important that you remain calm and respectful. Making disrespectful remarks, arguing or attempting to flee from police is an offense that can land you in the police station. Instead, I advise you listen and respond politely.
Also, it will be in your favour to know your rights as a student and if you feel uncomfortable or believe you are being treated unfairly, you can contact the international students help desk to resolve any issues you might have with the police, instead of being confrontational with the police.
Do not have any negative preconceptions beforehand
Making a decision to study abroad is not easy but at the same time I would advise you to trust your decision and avoid moving to a new environment with any preconceived notions that can disrupt your ability to adapt and connect with other people. It is important to approach your new environment with an open mind and a willingness to learn and understand the culture of the people. Having negative thoughts about the country or the people itself can create a divide or barrier that can prevent you from building meaningful relationships.
So instead of having all these thoughts and worrying about it, I suggest you view them as opportunities for growth. This mindset can help you get better acclimated with your environment and the people.
Student life itself is a tough but interesting journey that passing through it teaches you the meaning of life starting from how diverse human beings are all over the world. It teaches you tolerance, patience and a good grip of what the world demands to stay active and productive. Most people do not have the opportunity to see the different aspects of life, and if you have the chance, you should take the opportunity with care, ease and enthusiasm. All these above-mentioned points in my article are a true reflection of realities backed by submission from students who without coerce or conditions spoke about their experience and how this can help new students to enjoy their studies and stay safe.
Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every interaction can lead to new relationships and experiences that lasts for a lifetime. Stay connected, be observant, respect and embrace new cultures and believe you’ll be just fine.
Tips prepared by
