Learn On Ground

Student exchange programmes can be effective

While communication and creative problem-solving skills

will naturally enhance your job-readiness, consider specific reasons for selecting one exchange partner over another. For instance, your future employers might care more about your skill set than a bigger overall brand. Different customs for classroom etiquette, grading, working in teams and independence in research projects, dealing with landlords, adjusting to the local cuisine, striking a work-life balance—all these equip a student to learn to solve a hundred different problems.

Identify funding sources for your exchange

ahead of time. For instance, many banks will increase the student loan amount if the exchange is sanctioned by your college. Other funding sources include personal savings and scholarships. Countries such as Germany, France, Canada, Israel, Japan and others have scholarships for exchange students.

Regardless of the funding source

you should include not only travel and stay but also the cost of books and study materials, travel and health insurance into your budget. Many universities mandate this should be bought locally and that in itself can be quite expensive.

If there are several candidates applying

for just a few seats that your college might have for exchange then make yourself a compelling candidate—volunteer to help the international staff and faculty in managing the experience for incoming students, enrol in foreign language classes and craft a good statement of purpose (SOP) for how you will prove to be a good brand ambassador for your college.

During your stay

it is natural that you will want to explore the host country’s culture. Travel around but ensure you do it with a group of students.