Studying abroad may transform the lives of students. It broadens your view, and you get first-hand information about different cultures and lifestyles. When you interact with individuals belonging to various ethnic backgrounds, you learn so many new things.
Studying abroad refers to understanding the concepts in the classroom and experiencing them in real life. International students can master the following skills while studying abroad to show leadership.
Leading by Example
Studying abroad provides you with a better knowledge of the world, and therefore you look at the world differently. You develop a practical approach, which is instrumental in analyzing and solving the problem.
So, instead of staying back, you should come forward and take the initiative to solve any particular issue. Do not be afraid of failures. Develop a passion for leading by example.
Self-Confidence
Self-Confidence is the fundamental attribute in achieving success. Dealing with different people builds confidence in your personality, and you develop a sense of responsibility.
As an international student, you face a competitive environment, which enhances your learning and boosts your confidence. You come across practical examples of leadership in your college, university and workplace, and these foster a confident attitude in your personality.
Excellent Communication Skills
While studying abroad, students interact with native English speakers, and this interaction provides them with the opportunity to build their vocabulary. They utilize these skills to understand the requirement of their job of communicating professionally in the workplace.
When you deal with people belonging to different background, you learn different gestures and body language, and you learn how to respond in different situations. With time, your experience grows, and your exceptional communication skills enable you to take a leadership role at your workplace.
Can-do Attitude
Studying abroad creates a can-do attitude in your personality. Overseas life is quite dynamic; one has to deal with multiple tasks and with can-do Attitude, they manage their work effectively. A can-do attitude will open up the opportunities of success for you. In the future, you will be able to guide others by setting an example.
Decision-Making Skills
As a student, you should evaluate a particular situation and reach a logical conclusion. Eventually, excellent decision-making skills originate from a sense of responsibility, and the tendency to respond quickly under pressure.
Decision-making skills should reflect in every situation, i.e. from choosing subjects to choosing a profession, you should be able to make all decisions wisely and through proper planning. When you demonstrate quick and effective decision-making skills, your classmates or colleagues may take inspiration from you.
Encouraging Others
As an international student, you find yourself among the individuals belonging to different ethnicities of the world. At times, they struggle to follow the instructions given by their teachers. As a result, they may get monotonous and express disinterest in the studies.
Under this type of situation, you should encourage such students; guide them in a friendly environment. When you start encouraging students, other students may also come close to you, and by doing so, you would expand the network of your friends, and they may start considering you a leader, who is always willing to assist people.
Conflict Management
Conflicts are part of student and professional life. Conflict management is the key to control the situation. Frequently, conflict occurs when individuals are not willing to agree.
In the multicultural environment, the conflicts may arise quite often. If the condition aggravates, it is not easy to control that. To defuse tension, you need the following skills:
Listening Skills
In a conflicting situation, avoid making any comments unless you are sure as to what is the actual case. Also, do not reach conclusion straightaway. First, try to analyze the situation by listening to the parties involved in a tense situation. Always listen to the viewpoints of both sides.
Discussion
Always try to resolve the matter through discussion. Engage both the conflicting parties into conversation. Probe the root cause of the issue. Serve as a mediator or facilitator between the groups. Propose a plausible solution, according to the situation. Involve everyone in discussion; do not ignore anyone involved in the conflict.
Patience
Patience is the key to deal with the people both at educational institutes and workplace. In a different situation, you may feel people are provoking you to fight, and under such case, do not lose your temper, and act patiently. Patience will enable you to either defuse the tense situation or reach a mutual agreement.
Impartiality
Impartiality is another crucial element to avoid conflicts. Even if your close friend is wrong in a particular situation, do not support them. Listen to everyone’s views and then reach the decision that seems appropriate.
Do not criticize
If you are of the view that another person is wrong, do not criticize them straight away as it may annoy them, and you may have to face some hostile attitude. Make them realize their mistake by explaining the things gently. Try to deal with the situation on merit. In a tense environment, criticism does not help; instead, it proves to be counterproductive.
Positive Attitude
Positive Attitude is necessary to avoid conflicts. At workplaces and educational institutions, do not blame your colleagues for any wrongdoing; always deal with the situation positively. Always avoid backbiting. Even if someone tries to engage you in a heated conversation, never become part of such controversies, and consistently demonstrate a positive attitude.
Ignore Stubborn and Arrogant People
Those who are not willing to listen to your rational argument, do not waste your time on them and move on. There are the individuals who do not accept sane voices, ignore such people and do not argue with them unnecessarily.
Conclusion
Finally, the international student can show leadership through leading by example, self-confidence, and excellent communication skills. Other essential elements in the context of leadership are “can-do attitude,” decision-making skills and learning conflict management.
When you develop these skills while studying abroad, your classmates and colleagues may start considering you a leader. These skills will also help you in your personal life.
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