Online English tests, mental health and curiosity: international students’ tips for studying overseas

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When preparing to study overseas, students must not only negotiate the application process but must also choose the university that best suits them. Fahim Elier is a student from Malaysia who lived in France for two years. His higher education advisers helped him select a course in business management and French at the University of Surrey to further develop his language skills.

Elier recommends that once students hoping to study overseas have selected their course, they begin the application process as early as possible. “Getting ahead of the application process is really important,” he says. As well as the academic applications, many countries also require visa applications, which he suggests starting in good time.

Elier says a big surprise he encountered when studying in the UK was the British seasons. “It can get really tough, especially in the winter,” he says of the cold, dark evenings. “Taking care of your mental health is really important,” he urges. Joining a sports group helped him. “Being active, seeing people. It forces you to go out. Go for a society. You meet like-minded people. I know for international students it can feel a bit difficult to integrate. You can meet people from the same country and from then on, it branches outwards.”

Hercules Singh Munda, a student from India, chose his course at SOAS University of London because it was one of only two in his specific field. Studying the linguistics of his indigenous community, he will advance a paper published in the 1970s.

Munda was pleasantly surprised by how easy he has found communicating with his fellow students. His first accommodation was with people from 16 countries.

“I was very fortunate to be able to converse with anyone from the very first day,” he says. Munda takes part in Postcrossing, a project that allows its members to send and receive postcards from all over the world. He always asks for the local greeting, and this curiosity and interest in languages has helped him understand customs and cultures. “Through this process, I learned a lot and made myself more comfortable,” he says of his time settling in at university.

International students in the UK will also need an      English language qualification, and both Elier and Munda recommend the Duolingo English Test (DET). The DET can be taken online, which Elier highlights as a benefit because it means test takers have greater flexibility.

“Make sure you're prepared and read all the rules and instructions they give you,” he says of the test, recommending students first take the practice test on the DET website. “It's good to know what the questions are like first and what you need to do,” he says, because the test requires the user to be in a quiet space and in view of their camera.

Once students have familiarised themselves with the test’s requirements and practice materials, they will be ready to take the DET when and where they feel comfortable – and they can get the results in just two days.

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