1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

7 Tips on Making the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience

7 Tips on Making the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience

May 2nd, 2022

Studying at the Intensive English Program at the University of Miami 

As an international student, you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make friends and explore new cultures, countries, and languages. Living and studying in a new environment means that you will step out of your comfort zone nearly every day. Whether you find this transition easy or difficult, we have tips to create meaning in your everyday activities and make the most of your study abroad experience. 

 

Set goals before you go

What do you want to accomplish and understand as an international student? Think about your academic goals, cultural experiences that are important to you, personal milestones, and places you’d like to visit. You may feel overwhelmed with options at the beginning of your stay, but coming into this experience with a clear set of objectives will help you make the most of your time abroad. Whether it’s mastering a language, learning to cook a local delicacy, landing an internship, or exploring the natural habitat — remember what inspired you to pursue international study and make sure you prioritize the things that are important to you. 

Yuchen Sun, an alumna of the Intensive English Program at the University of Miami and native of China, shares that “Goals are the things to constantly make challenges [for] myself… for exploring more talents, capabilities, and possibilities [for] myself and make a different world. This helps me to always have the motivation to put [in] effort to do something, both in academics and social life... The Intensive English Program was an amazing time for me. I used this time to explore my music talents and read many historical books. Most importantly, I had additional time to adapt and learn a totally different culture.”

 

Get familiar with public transport

Take the time to research different methods of public transportation and safety measures in your temporary hometown. This can be daunting to figure out once you’ve already touched down at the airport, so do yourself a favor and figure out how buses, trains, or light rails can help you get around town affordably. 

Many universities will have transportation options around campus because students don’t always have cars. You may be able to apply for student discounts on items like Metro cards or bus passes. Look into your options ahead of time so you don’t end up paying more than you need to! 

 

Make time to explore

You might be the type to plan every weekend’s excursion or perhaps you prefer spontaneity. Regardless, make the time early on to take yourself on a walking tour of your neighborhood and get to know the spots around you. As ambitious as you may feel before you arrive, there will be times when you are exhausted by your new surroundings and want to take comfort in the area closest to you. Don’t miss out on hole-in-the-wall lunch finds or hometown specialty shops that are staples of your community. Getting to know your neighborhood will help you settle into your new home, meet locals, and feel more comfortable in your new culture. 

Anaya Jhaveri, a student assistant in the Intensive English Program at the University of Miami, reiterates this point, saying, “Getting to know my neighborhood has helped me acquaint myself. I know where to go when I need to buy groceries. I know where to go when I need to lift my mood, and I know where to go if I just need a day out with friends. I know when to be cautious, and I know when I am in a safe environment. It has helped me acquaint myself ever since I moved here, and getting to know my area and neighborhood better has helped me acknowledge the University of Miami as my new home.”

 

Record it

While it won’t be possible to remember every moment of every day, taking the time to record your thoughts, feelings, and observations is the best way to keep your memories fresh long after you return home. Find the way that’s right for you. Some students prefer a blog or vlog, a personal diary, or a photo journal. Whether you decide to keep it private or public for friends and family to follow along, you’ll be glad you put the time into tracking this unique experience in real-time. 

 

Be prepared for homesickness

First things first: it’s okay to feel homesick. Depending on how long your study abroad program is, you may find yourself missing home quite often, especially around holidays or special occasions. The key is to let yourself feel homesick and then pivot to a solution that helps alleviate that feeling, so you can enjoy your time in a new country. Maybe a weekly call with a friend or family member will keep you from missing home too much or finding a local restaurant that serves your home cuisine. 

Caroline Hildebrandt, a current student from Denmark in the Intensive English Program at the University of Miami, notes that when homesickness strikes, “I try to distract myself by doing things that make me happy. Miami is a great place and there are a lot of things to do.”

 

Keep an eye out for meaningful mementos

To help you remember the lessons you learned during your experience, look for souvenirs with personal meaning. Think about the activities and hobbies that are meaningful to you and invest in the tokens that will remind you of those happy memories. Whether it is a sketch from an art class, sand from your favorite beach, a mug from your local coffee spot, or even your plane ticket, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to commemorate your international program and celebrate the memories that are meaningful for you. 

 

About the Intensive English Program at the University of Miami

For 70 years, the Intensive English Program (IEP) at the University of Miami has immersed students in American culture while preparing them for academic success through world-class English-language instruction. The IEP is accredited by the CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation). The IEP is a member of the UCIEP, English USA, and the Florida Consortium of IEPs.

Follow us:
Written by

Megan Cicurel

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled HOW DO I FIND A GOOD ENGLISH PROGRAM IN THE USA?
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD ENGLISH PROGRAM IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET AN ART & DESIGN DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET AN ART & DESIGN DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?

Check Out These Schools

University of Miami

University of Miami

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

English Programs Summer Certificate/Short Term
Contact
University of Iowa Iowa Intensive English Program (IIEP)

University of Iowa

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Certificate/Short Term Masters Summer
Contact

Related Stories

Transferring from a Community College - 2 + 2 Agreements

Main image for the article titled Transferring from a Community College - 2 + 2 Agreements
Begin Your Bachelor’s Degree at a Community College: 2 + 2 Agreements

Main image for the article titled Begin Your Bachelor’s Degree at a Community College: 2 + 2 Agreements
Does 2+2 Really Equal 4? Starting a Bachelor’s Degree at a Community College

Main image for the article titled Does 2+2 Really Equal 4? Starting a Bachelor’s Degree at a Community College

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

Join over 6 million people and businesses who get a better deal when they send money with the real exchange rate.

Read more
Partner service logo for CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

Most U.S. apartments come unfurnished. Make your move easy with a student furniture rental package from CORT. Flexible lease terms. Delivered before you arrive. Starting at $99 per month.* *with a 12-month lease

Read more
Partner service logo for Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

MPOWER Financing is the top-rated lender offering international student loans without cosigners, collateral, or credit history for global citizens, PLUS international student scholarships & career coaching! Fully online application, 96% customer...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

The first time I met with StudyUSA was when I was searching which college I should attend. StudyUSA helped me out in some ways. I was able to review a lot of detailed college information in your website. That included not only just about colleges, but also many of real voices from the students in the US. The real information helped me to make decision where I should go for studying. I'm sure that StudyUS would help much more students who are trying to start adventures in the US all over the world!

Nana Katsumi Japan

StudyUSA has been helping me getting my dream through giving info about schools, choice my best option, calculating costs including staying and food. Thank for all the support StudyUSA

Miguel Angel Marquez Leon Mexico

Study in the USA helped me to discover myself. I was able to realize my dream of being an excellent student and make my parents proud. I was also able to start a leadership club at my college.

Jireh Andre Bitangila Kabukapua Democratic Republic of the Congo

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2022 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.