Best Ways to Become a Better International Student

When you think about what it takes to become a better student, one might immediately think; well, study hard and score well! This would be partly right, but it does not even begin to entail the entire process it takes to be a good international student. There are a lot of little things that a student must do to become better. As we all know, it’s the little things that matter.

Here are a few things you must consider to become a better international student: 

Choose Your Company Wisely

In absolutely any kind of social situation, you will always find subgroups. We see them in schools, colleges, even in the workplace. The phrase ‘birds of a feather, flock together’ stands true in most situations. When it comes to picking your peer group, it is imperative to align yourself with like-minded peers.

The peer group which you choose will be with you throughout your college or schooling journey. The kind of company you keep will also heavily dictate what kind of social life and academic life you will lead. 

Picking the right kind of peer group can help you keep your focus on your studies while being able to maintain a healthy social life. Peer groups often meet up for group studies as well, which can be very beneficial. Choosing your company wisely can help you become a better student on this journey. 

Keep Your Goals in Mind

You cannot win a race without having your goal in mind. When you enter school, you have to have a purpose in your mind. If you don’t already have it, then take some time out to create a goal and a list of smaller achievements and accomplishments for yourself.

Being able actually to see your goals in writing can be a good reminder of what you have set out to achieve. It can be very easy to get caught up in secondary things and forgetting your primary goal, but that is what separates a good student from a mediocre one. 

Engage in Advanced Reading 

There are some subjects or topics, which you might be great in. Consequently, you will also find some topics which you don’t understand all that well. It can be the most natural thing in the world to get demotivated and give up. However, what will help you to become a better international student is to do some advanced reading in those topics or subjects. 

With the help of the internet, you can also take the help of videos, tutorials, online lectures, and advanced reading material which can help you understand a subject better. Giving up on the topic will only make the subject feel more dreary and intimidating. Take it one step at a time, start reading, and you will find the subject becoming clearer. 

Do Secondary Reading as Well

While reading books and material on your school topics are always a priority, it is also a good habit to engage in other kinds of reading. You might find your interest lies in sci-fi, or light, casual reading. Or maybe you find old classics to be more interesting.

Reading both fiction and non-fiction novels can help you become a better student. How? Well, not only are you increasing your vocabulary, but you are also gaining knowledge, as well as entertainment! 

Show Up to Lectures

Yes, even the best of the best students might skip a class or two, however, making this a regular practice is never a good idea. You might be able to understand most of the study material on your own, but skipping lectures can set you back.

Interactive sessions in class can be beneficial for students, and you might even get tips, pointer, and also make like-minded friends in your class! Make it a point always to attend your lectures and be on time when you do, as this can help you with your studies. 

Take Notes

Of course, just showing up to lectures and then spending all your time doodling mindlessly in your notebook is not going to help at all. Taking notes and actively participating in class is something that ever good student has to do. The more you interact and ask questions, the more you will find that the studies are enjoyable and not an ordeal to you. 

Teach Others

Another great way to understand a lesson is to teach the same lesson to a friend. The primary thing you have to do is go through a particular topic or subject, on your own time. Study it well, make notes, and take the time to understand it. 

The next step is to try and write down whatever you have understood. This process will help you discover any blank spaces or loopholes you might have in your understanding. Study those portions again. 

Finally, teach the entire lesson to a friend or a classmate. This technique is known as The Feynman Technique and is the most helpful way to understand a subject and keep it in your memory. Repeating this technique will ensure that you have completely understood a particular topic. 

Take Part in Extra-Curricular Activities 

Being a good student is not just about sitting in class, taking notes, and scoring well. Being a good student is an overall achievement, from your physical status, your social status, academic status and emotional status. It is a good idea to participate in extra-curricular activities along with your academia.

You might be interested in sports, or drama, music, art, or reading. Whatever it is, you will always find some extra-curricular activities which you can take part in. Not only does this help relieve part of your academic pressure and stress, but it also helps you grow and develop, and even make friends! 

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when you want to become a better international student. Still, the most important thing to take care is to keep your goals and achievements in mind and focus on your studies, your friends and your self-care as well, to develop into an all-rounded student.