Studying abroad is a great opportunity to gain new perspectives, knowledge and experience. However, it can also be expensive and challenging. In recent years, there has been a strong trend of Nepali students going abroad for higher education. At the same time, there are frequent reports of students facing difficulties in foreign countries due to a lack of practical skills.
By learning certain useful skills before going abroad, students can not only succeed academically but also strengthen their future careers.
It is necessary to develop essential skills for students before studying abroad. So, here are five skills listed below for those who aspire to study abroad:
Language skills
The first and most important skill for studying abroad is language. In many countries, English is widely used, but in some places, learning the local language is necessary. The more proficient you are in the language of your destination, the better you will perform academically. Language skills can also increase your chances of finding part-time work.
Since English is taught from school level in Nepal and language institutes are widely available, learning English is relatively accessible. It can also be improved through online resources. However, passing English proficiency tests such as IELTS alone is not enough. Students must be able to communicate daily, understand lectures and write assignments confidently.
Online platforms such as Duolingo, Coursera and YouTube can be useful for practice. For example, students going to the United States or Australia may initially struggle to understand local accents. Therefore, listening to different accents from the destination country can be helpful.
If students plan to study in countries such as Germany, France or Japan, learning German, French, or Japanese is highly beneficial. Language skills make daily life easier, whether it is shopping for groceries, using public transportation or building friendships. Without basic language knowledge, these everyday activities can become challenging.
Personal development and self-management skills
Living abroad often means living independently. In Nepal, family members usually provide support, but abroad, students must manage everything on their own. Many young people who have never handled household responsibilities in Nepal struggle when they suddenly have to manage everything independently. Therefore, developing the habit of doing personal tasks independently is essential before leaving.
Time management is another crucial skill. Students must balance studies, part-time jobs, household chores and leisure. Poor time management can disrupt daily routines and academic performance.
Budget management is equally important, as living expenses abroad are generally high. Students should learn to track expenses, save money and cut unnecessary costs. Planning a monthly budget using tools such as Mint or Excel before leaving Nepal can be helpful.
Basic domestic skills such as cooking, doing laundry and cleaning are also necessary. Nepali food may not always be available abroad, so learning to cook simple Nepali and local dishes can help maintain health and save money.
Stress management is another important soft skill. Students may experience loneliness or culture shock. Practising meditation, yoga or journaling can help manage stress and emotional challenges.
Cultural skills
Studying abroad also means understanding new cultures, traditions and values. Students should learn about the customs, food habits and social norms of their destination country. For example, in many Western countries, personal space is highly valued, whereas Nepali society emphasises collectivism. Reading cultural guides online can be helpful.
Building and maintaining relationships is another important skill. Students can expand their networks through professional platforms such as LinkedIn and by participating in local events. Working and interacting with people from different ethnic, religious and gender backgrounds requires openness and respect. Developing the ability to overcome personal biases and respect diversity can have long-term benefits.
Technical and digital skills
In today’s digital age, technical knowledge is essential. Universities abroad rely heavily on online resources. Students should have basic skills in tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Adobe Suite.
It is beneficial to know how to prepare presentations, analyse data and understand basic coding. Familiarity with academic journals, plagiarism-checking tools, cybersecurity awareness and remote learning platforms can make academic life much easier.
Professional skills
The main purpose of studying abroad is often to build a better career. Therefore, students should develop professional skills alongside their academic studies. Writing a CV according to international standards, maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and preparing for interviews are important.
Students should also understand work regulations related to internships and part-time jobs in their destination country. Developing skills such as customer service, teamwork and leadership is valuable. Additionally, understanding visa rules, health insurance policies and emergency procedures in the host country is essential.
Legal knowledge
When moving to another country, understanding its laws and regulations is crucial. Lack of legal awareness can lead to unintentional legal trouble. Certain behaviours considered normal in Nepal may be legally punishable elsewhere.
Students should learn about national and local laws in the country and city where they will reside. Educational consultancies may provide some information, but students can also research independently online. If they know someone already living in that country, seeking advice from them can be helpful.
In conclusion, studying abroad is not just about academic preparation. It requires practical life skills, cultural awareness and professional readiness. With proper preparation, students can turn their study abroad experience into a meaningful and successful chapter of their lives.
