Many overseas students adjust to online learning or home study as the world changes and the epidemic disrupts travel and education. Even if society adopts new standards, an international student’s journey is still a singular experience.
For individuals currently learning at home, striking a balance between productivity and self-care might be difficult.
To put it mildly, the strain of A Level exams and the added anxiety of adjusting to a new academic environment can feel overwhelming. Despite these challenges, virtual learning offers a chance to learn new skills and adapt to novel situations.
This article will examine more closely the everyday activities, difficulties, and rewarding experiences of international students taking exams, providing a window into the lives of people who have made the courageous choice to study abroad while remaining at home.
Early in the Day
Due to time zones, it can be difficult for international students to get up early. But it also gives you a chance to get your day off to a good start. Taking a refreshing shower and wearing comfy attire are standard morning preparations.
Flexible schedules, time and money savings on commutes, and a more comfortable learning environment are all advantages of home study. On the other hand, there are certain drawbacks to studying from home, such as the potential for distractions, the blurring of personal and academic space, and a sense of isolation from the other students.
Classes Online
The university and program structure can have an impact on the course schedules. Post pandemic, online courses are now a common choice for domestic and international students. Thanks to video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, students can join classes from any location.
While adjusting to time differences might be difficult, several tools, such as time converters and reminders, can be useful. Increased accessibility, flexibility, and reduced stress related to the need to relocate are all advantages of remote learning.
Study Time
Managing your study time for the A Levels as an overseas student is important. The time required to prepare for A Levels varies based on the student’s academic strengths, the difficulty of the topics, and their experience with the British educational system, among other variables.
However, it is generally advised that students spend at least 4-5 hours per day studying, which might include learning and reviewing content and finishing coursework. Along with doing this, you should take proactive steps to increase your ability to learn while studying.
Make a Detailed Study Plan
Making a detailed study plan, using acronyms and mnemonics, practicing endlessly with previous exams, and using visual aids wherever practical are just a few of the efficient study methods.
Develop Coping Strategies
Being an international student only comes with its challenges. Time zone changes, adjusting to new living circumstances, and language hurdles can all be daily diversions.
Some students also struggle with homelessness or making new friends in unfamiliar settings. To keep focus while studying, it is critical to be aware of these challenges and develop suitable coping strategies.
Take Breaks
The value of taking breaks while studying is another crucial consideration. While it may seem paradoxical, taking breaks whether a quick stroll, coffee, or a chat with friends can increase productivity, boost energy, and prevent burnout.
Studies have shown frequent breaks can improve self-awareness, academic achievement, and general well-being. Therefore, taking regular breaks is just as important for success as an international student, as investing enough study time.
Leisure Time
Balancing academic work and extracurricular activities is difficult for international students. However, taking breaks and participating in activities outside of their studies are crucial for these students’ overall well-being.
Many overseas students use their free time to explore their new surroundings and make lifelong memories. While some people might want to use their free time to learn a new language or skill, others prefer to unwind and vacation from their hectic schedules.
After-School Activities
Many international students engage in after-school activities to properly acclimate themselves to their new community. International students can gain a unique perspective on their host nation’s culture and way of life by participating in clubs and organizations, attending cultural events, and volunteering.
These events also allow the students to interact meaningfully with locals and other students, broadening their circle of friends and opening up new career chances.
Connection to Friends and Family Abroad
For international students, leaving friends and family behind while studying abroad can be a challenging and emotional experience. Technology advancements have made connecting and communicating easier, nevertheless.
International students can stay in touch with their loved ones while apart, thanks to the different communication technologies they can access, including social networking platforms, messaging apps, and video conferencing.
Opportunities to Explore Hobbies
Studying abroad offers international students’ once-in-a-lifetime chances to explore hobbies they might not otherwise have had the chance to pursue. International students can find new passions, master new skills, and develop their personal and professional identities in novel and creative ways with access to new resources and experiences.
Possible Feelings of Missing Out
Despite the wealth of choices offered to international students, FOMO (fear of missing out) and feelings of homesickness can still be common. Being separated from friends and family for significant occasions like birthdays, holidays, or graduations might make you feel lonely. For international students, it’s crucial to consider the advantages of their experience and the resources at their disposal.
To assist overseas students in navigating these emotions and fostering a feeling of community and belonging, universities provide various tools, including counseling services and cultural groups.
Community Building and Social Life
For overseas students, building a sense of community is essential. It has become difficult for pupils to engage with friends due to the pandemic requiring them to learn online from home.
Due to their inability to participate in clubs or extracurricular activities, students may feel alone. Making genuine connections has been difficult because there are few face-to-face conversations.
Furthermore, face-to-face interactions could be more effective since it’s simpler to misinterpret tone and body language when communicating virtually than in person.
Advantages of Virtual Socializing
Despite its drawbacks, virtual socializing allows international students to keep in touch with their friends.
Thanks to technology, they can interact with their classmates online, join virtual clubs, take part in online workshops, and even play online games. Students can interact in real-time while learning about various cultures.
Because students can be themselves in a safe environment, which would not be possible in person, virtual activities can foster a sense of community.
Suggestions for Establishing Online Relationships with Teachers
It takes deliberate effort to establish connections in a virtual environment.
To start, students should take advantage of the instructors’ online office hours to get to know them better. Getting involved in online clubs and study groups can also help reduce loneliness.
Creating relationships outside the classroom, such as by enrolling in a community club or online fitness class, can help promote a feeling of belonging. Students might also try to connect with their peers and participate in online group conversations.
Since connections may not happen by accident, taking the initiative and participating actively in online environments is crucial.
Dinner Time
Dinnertime is one of the most crucial periods of the day for all students, even those from abroad.
The meal provides an opportunity to relax and mingle with others in addition to providing the body with nourishment. Depending on local customs and preferences, dinnertime may appear different for international students.
Traditional foods from their native country may be prepared by some, which can bring comfort and a sense of roots. Others could experiment with different dishes and include regional recipes in their evening routine.
The timing of dinner may need help for international students. Eating later in the evening is customary in various cultures, which can conflict with their roommates’ or classmates’ schedules and routines.
As a result of the clashing lunch times, the student may feel excluded or isolated since they cannot fully engage in social events.
It is crucial for international students to express their preferences and needs to others around them. They should also look for support systems or resources to help them deal with these difficulties.
Late at Night
After a hard day of lessons and studying, the night is important for unwinding and relaxing. To maintain energy levels and avoid burnout, creating a sleep schedule can be helpful. Better sleep, sharper attention, and higher productivity are advantages of keeping a regular schedule.
To reduce stress and advance general well-being, scheduling time for self-care activities like reading, meditation, and exercise is crucial.
Benefits of Studying for International GCSEs and International A Levels
Studying for international GCSE (IGCSE)s and A Levels has several benefits for students, particularly those wanting to continue higher education overseas.
First and foremost, these international degrees give students a certification highly respected by institutions and employers everywhere. This implies that students pursuing A Levels or IGCSEs have access to a wider range of higher education and professional prospects, making it simpler to land their ideal positions or institutions after graduating.
Additionally, the curriculum for International A Levels and IGCSE is frequently more demanding and rigorous than its counterpart at the national level. Students are encouraged to think critically, creatively, and independently due to receiving a well-rounded education that enhances their cognitive and problem-solving abilities.
Lastly, International A Levels and IGCSE subjects are created to encourage global citizenship, cooperation, and understanding, preparing students for a world that is becoming more diverse, interdependent, and complex. Studying these programs is a great method for students to cultivate cultural sensitivity, widen their perspectives, and develop into global citizens who meaningfully contribute to their countries.
Cons of Studying for International GCSEs and International A Levels
For international students, studying for international A levels and GCSEs can have its own set of drawbacks.
First, the language barrier is among the biggest challenges students experience. It can be quite difficult to learn in a language that is not one’s mother tongue, especially when speaking and writing are concerned. This frequently prevents pupils from definitively expressing themselves, making it difficult to share their perspectives.
Cultural and social standards can also provide difficulties for pupils to overcome, sometimes even necessitating a total revamp of their communication methods.
Finally, given that many international students come from nations with substantially weaker economic resources than the nations they choose to study in, the high expense of international education can also be a disadvantage.
The difficulty in locating financial aid or scholarships to help ease some of the financial pressure can exacerbate this financial burden and cause further stress.
Benefits of Being an International Student and Studying at Home
Saving money on living expenses is one of the main advantages of studying from home as an international student.
These charges can add up quickly when residing abroad, especially in cities with high living costs. Students who study at home have greater freedom with their schedules because they don’t have to worry about adjusting for time zone changes. This can result in more time for extracurricular activities, job experience, or even personal time.
Additionally, doing homework keeps learners in touch with their origins, giving them a sense of security and familiarity that may be hard to find in an unfamiliar setting.
Thanks to technological improvements, the same quality of educational experience as in person classrooms may now be obtained through online conversations and virtual classes.
How Might Distance Learning Aid Enrolment in Degree Programs?
Over time, studying from home has gained popularity, particularly among international students.
It provides many advantages, such as adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and a welcoming learning environment. The possibility to move on to degree programs is a significant benefit of home study. With several courses that can lead to various occupations, online degree programs have emerged as a practical choice for many students.
Additionally, learning at home allows you to obtain significant experience working remotely, a crucial ability in today’s digital world. The economic aspect is another benefit since students can spend less on living expenses, travel, and lodging.
Also, studying from home frees students from moving, which may be a significant financial burden for international students who wish to pursue education at respectable schools. Home study can assist learners in various ways and lay a strong basis for future academic endeavours.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, studying for A Levels as an international student from home may be a rewarding yet tough experience.
Every day has special challenges, including adjusting to time variations, balancing academics with domestic duties, or skipping out on daily social connections and experiences.
International students have demonstrated via this experience that they can overcome challenges and succeed no matter where they are in the world.