Straight A's: How to Be a Successful International Student in 10 Easy Steps

HELLO MY FELLOW INTERAMERICANS! Ready to a little study session?

I know you first semester in the United States can be very scary. You will be facing a lot of academic transitions at once: different language, different grading system, different courses and subjects, different professors, all of that in a new country all by yourself (so exciting! YAY!). Also, you will juggle and struggle between all your duties as an international student (-athlete, possibly) and getting good grades. 

Therefore, here I will help you HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN 10 EASY STEPS:

GO TO CLASS, READ THE TEXTBOOKS, AND DO YOUR ASSIGNMENTS

Do not fool yourself, this is actually one of the most important aspects of being a successful student. You should not be missing any classes for no reason. Most of the key issues and pin points will only come from your professor's lectures. 

I know textbooks are really expensive, but if you can afford to buy or rent (new or used) textbooks, do it. Reading them will help you have a better understanding of the subject in ways your professor might not be able to help you.

Make sure you do all your assignments because: 1- it's a great way to review and exercise your brain with the material, and 2- it is part of your grade, so do it and on time! 

TAKE NOTES AND RECORD LECTURES

Believe me, your notes will save your life whenever an exam comes up. You are in an American classroom now, take as many notes as you can so you can revise the material and keep on track with everything that is being said and discussed in class - your brain will not be able to retain every single part of the lectures, but your notes will. 

Ask your professor before the classes start to see if it is possible to record your classes. Explain you are an incoming international student and that would help you a lot to perform better.Recording the audio of the lecture can help you review the material later and have a better understanding of the subject - if you are not the best note taker or if you are more of an audio learner.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CLASS DISCUSSIONS

Class discussion can get pretty interesting and intense - especially if you participate of them. You are from a different country and will probably have a different perspective from the American students (and professors, yes) in almost everything - especially in the culture related courses. Class discussions is where you can share and hear different opinions without being judged. Most likely, it will be where you will retain most of the subject because you will be engaged, so take advantage of it!

SPEAK UP, ASK QUESTIONS AND ASK FOR HELP

Shy person or not, college is where you will have to learn how to speak up. You will never get the answers you need if you do not ask questions and ask for help. There are many people that can help you through this transition: classmates, professors, advisors, the Center for International Students of your university, Dean of Students, etc. It is ok if you are not a talkative person during the lectures, but make sure to see your professors after class and talk to him about your doubts and concerns - they are there to help you!

GET TO KNOW THE LIBRARY

Personally, it took me a couple semesters to understand the importance of using the library. Do not be a fool like me. As much as your room seems more private and your bed more comfy, there are too many distractions (TV, cellphone, Netflix, roommate, hallway noises, etc.). The library will be the best space on campus to properly focus on studying and doing your assignments - and you will enjoy your room and bed a lot better once your mind is free of any homework and papers.

GET TO KNOW PEOPLE

There are many people around campus that are only there to offer you help. Connect and bond with your professors and advisors (Academic and International) because they will probably be alongside you for the next 4 years and it is very important to build a great relationship with them - it will be worth it down the road. If you feel more comfortable talking to other students, get to know people with the same major you - not only you can have a study group with them, but create a new friendship (or maybe a partnership after graduation?).

REVIEW AND STUDY

Re-read it, re-do it, review it, re-study, and repeat it all over again! Once will not be enough. Remember that all these new material you are covering and learning is in a new language; therefore, until you get your study rhythm figured out, do it and re-do it as many times as you can. Practice leads to perfection.

FIND YOUR STUDY GROUP

Talk with your classmates and arrange study groups to meet regularly or before an important exam. Every person has a different way to study. Even though if you are more a lone-student like me, take advantage of the study groups. You can share notes and opinions, and you will be more prepared than ever for your upcoming exams.

EAT AND SLEEP

Now I will sound like a mom, but I am not wrong. In order to perform well, you need to be fully energized and attentive. You will only be able to be like that by having healthy eating habits and having good and enough sleep. 

STAY ORGANIZED AND DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

This step is basically that, very straight-forward. And very important. It will help you go a long way. You will be a lot more efficient student if you know where to find your materials. And believe me, there is no better feeling than knowing you have done all your assignments and you are free to have some "me-time"!

International student or not, everyone can use a little help with better (and scientifically proven) study practices. Check out this ASAP Science video and let's start studying!!

What do you do to study and perform better at school? 

Let me know in the comments below ;)

xx Isabela