Studying abroad is a great opportunity to gain new perspectives, knowledge, and experiences. However, the journey can also be expensive and challenging. Currently, there is a strong trend among students from Nepal to study abroad. At the same time, we frequently hear stories of students facing difficulties in foreign countries due to a lack of practical skills.
By learning some useful skills before going abroad, students can not only succeed academically but also benefit in their future careers.
In this article, we discuss essential skills that students planning to study abroad should learn, categorized into language, personal development, cultural, technical, professional, and legal skills.
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 may be necessary. The more proficient we are in the language, the better we can perform academically. Having a proficiency in the local language can also increase job opportunities.
Since English is taught at the school level in Nepal, students may not need as much additional effort as with other languages. Many institutions across Nepal teach English, and it can also be learned through the internet. However, for studying abroad, passing English proficiency tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL) is not enough. Students must be able to communicate in daily conversations, understand lectures, and write assignments effectively.
Online courses (such as Duolingo, Coursera, and YouTube) can help improve language skills. For example, students going to countries like the United States or Australia may initially struggle to understand local accents. Therefore, practising by listening to different accents from the destination country is helpful.
If planning to study in countries such as Germany, France, or Japan, learning German, French, or Japanese becomes important. It makes daily life easier. Without language knowledge, even simple tasks like grocery shopping, using public transport, or making local friends can become challenging.
Personal development and self-management skills
Living alone in a foreign country requires independence and responsibility. In Nepal, family support is often available, but abroad, students must handle everything themselves. Many young people who have not done household tasks in Nepal struggle after moving abroad. Therefore, it is wise to develop the habit of managing personal responsibilities before leaving.
Time management is another crucial skill. Students must balance studies, part-time jobs, household chores, and leisure activities. Without proper time management, daily life can become chaotic.
Budget management is equally important, as living abroad is usually expensive. Students should learn to track expenses, save money, and reduce unnecessary spending. Preparing a monthly budget plan using tools like Mint or Excel before leaving Nepal can be very helpful.
Basic domestic skills such as cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning are also essential. Nepali food may not always be available abroad, so learning to cook simple Nepali and local dishes is beneficial. It helps maintain good health and saves money.
Stress management is another important soft skill. Students may experience loneliness or culture shock while living abroad. Practices such as meditation, yoga, or journaling can help manage stress effectively.
Cultural skills
Studying abroad also means understanding and adopting 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 in Nepali society is more collective. Reading cultural guides online can be useful.
Building and maintaining relationships is another important skill. Students can expand their networks through platforms like LinkedIn or by participating in events.
Technical and digital skills
In today’s digital age, technical knowledge is essential. Universities abroad heavily use online resources. Therefore, students should have a good knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or Adobe Suite. Skills such as making presentations, conducting basic data analysis, or having foundational coding knowledge are highly valued.
Familiarity with academic journals, plagiarism-checking tools, cybersecurity awareness, and remote learning platforms can also make academic life easier.
Professional skills
The main goal of studying abroad is often to build a strong career. Therefore, students should develop professional skills alongside their studies. These include writing an internationally standard CV, updating profiles on professional platforms like LinkedIn, and preparing for interviews.
Students should also understand work regulations in the host country, whether for internships or part-time jobs. Developing skills such as customer service, teamwork, and leadership is important. Additionally, students must be aware of visa regulations, health insurance policies, and emergency procedures in their destination country.
Legal knowledge
Understanding the laws of the host country is mandatory. Without proper legal awareness, students may unknowingly get into legal trouble. Something considered normal in Nepal might be a legal offence in another country.
It is also important to know local laws related to the specific area where one will live. Sometimes educational consultancies or agents provide this information. Students can also research online or ask acquaintances who are already living in that country.
Preparing with these essential skills before studying abroad can make the transition smoother, reduce difficulties, and significantly improve both academic success and future career prospects.
