If you’re reading this, you probably understand that college isn’t for everyone. And if you’re even remotely considering going to school, the overwhelming amount of information out there about it will probably turn your head. But in case you aren’t quite ready to make a decision yet, here are some great tips on how an Independent College Girls can have the perfect study-abroad/internship experience!
GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMPUS AND COSTS
College is expensive, and the more expensive the school, the more popular the program. So it makes sense to get a jump on the competition and get on the same page with the cost of attendance as soon as possible. If you know in advance what it will cost to attend your school, you’ll have more of an idea of what to expect upon graduation. And if you’re coming from a high-cost area, you’ll have an idea of what to expect during your year abroad.
GO LOCAL
As a college student, you’ll have the chance to make new friends from all over the world. And since you’ll be living in different cities each month, you’ll get a chance to meet people from all walks of life. There will be people who are going to work in finance while you’re in school, people who work in advertising, art students, etc.
TRAVEL IS A BIG DEAL
One of the nice things about going to school abroad is that you get to experience a new culture firsthand. You’ll get to take the time to study a specific language and get to know a different way of life. You’ll also get to visit museums, churches, palaces, etc. You might even take a trip to the Vatican!
BUILD A NETWORK AND MAKE FRIENDS
One of the best things about traveling is that you make new friends. And one of the best things about making new friends is that you build a network of friends. That’s why it’s so important to make new friends while you’re in school. You’ll meet so many amazing people in a unique setting that you’ll quickly become close with. You might not end up traveling with these friends for the rest of your life, but it’s a start.
COMMIT TO FINDING THE BEST JOB/CAREER OPPORTUNITY
For many, this is the hardest part of the process. You have to commit to finding a job/career opportunity when you’re overseas. It doesn’t mean that you have to get a job immediately upon returning from your internship, but you have to show some initiative and make a real effort to find work. You might not get the job that you applied for the first time, but you have to show some initiative and try your best. Even if you have to put down your trumpet and do some work sitting at a desk, you have to show some initiative and find a way to make a living.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUMMER WORK OPPORTUNITIES
When you’re in school, you’re not allowed to work. So you’re going to have the ability to take advantage of summer work opportunities to find a job. One of the best things about internships is that it gives you the flexibility to choose how you want to use your time. You can spend your summer working on a project that you think will help you out in the long run, you can take an important course that you need to take for your major, or you can get involved in a club/ organization that’s close to home.
As a college student, you’ll have the opportunity to have lots of fun. And having fun is what life is about, right? You’re going to have great experiences and make amazing friends. Now, that’s what I love about college, and that’s what this guide is all about. So, just remember, have fun, make new friends, and find the best job/career opportunity.