General Tips for Newcomers

Tips 1 to 4

1. Have an Open Mind

• In a new country things are going to be very different. You must be ready to try new things. It is useful to try to understand why people do things differently and what different values they have.
  

2. Look for Familiar Items

• Sometimes its nice to eat familiar food or read a book in your own language. Look for places that sell products similar to your home country and meet people that speak your language. This will help you get over the culture shock.

3. Get Outside

• It might be difficult to leave your home but try to get out once a week to meet people, exercise and learn about the language and culture. Maybe try joining a sports team or just go to the mall.

4. Have Emergency Money

• You don't know when something unexpected will happen. Try to have a small emergency fund in case you run into expenses you didn't plan for.

Article Info

Information from: McMillan, Kathleen and Johnathan Weyers, Study Skills for international Students, Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited, 2011.