We speak to students and staff to give you a real insight into what makes our programmes work. Hear from individuals who are on the front line of what HSI offers.

Our tips on speaking a new language during a Study Abroad Programme.

 

If you’re looking to study in a high school in the UK or Ireland, learning and speaking the language maybe a daunting thought. Although it can be one of the most challenging parts of studying abroad, it’s also one of the most crucial aspects in order to succeed and make the most of your experience.

While there is no particularly easy way to learn a new language, there are many ways that work for different people. Once you find a way that works well for you, stick with it as the benefits are extremely rewarding.

Here are 5 tips on helping make your transition a little smoother…

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Managing money during your study abroad programme

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience and you will want to say YES to every opportunity. However, finding a balance between making the most of your time and managing money can be one of the most challenging aspects of a year abroad.

Managing your finances can be a daunting task. If done well, it’s an excellent way to mature as an adult and become more independent during your stay.

We’ve have put together 5 tips on how to manage your money. They will help you find a balance between having fun and being sensible with your spending.

 

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Adjusting to new food on your study abroad programme:

 

Food is a big part of everyday life, so when you move abroad you may quickly realise how important it is to your emotional and physical well-being.

Some may adjust more easily to the new food than others, but for those who don’t, here are some tips on how to make the adjusting process a little smoother as well as making the most of the new experiences!

 

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Dealing with homesickness on your Study Abroad Programme

If you’re reading this, then I’m sure you’ve imagined it over and over again. You fly off to an exotic destination, go to classes at your perfect school, make amazing new friends and have the best time of your life.

These are all the things that most high school study abroad students will get to do, but even with all these incredible experiences, the effects of homesickness can still kick in.

It’s important to understand that homesickness is a natural part of studying abroad and it is extremely common to miss home when you are in a foreign country. Studying abroad is full of amazing moments but that’s not to say you won’t have a couple of down days!

Here are some tips on how to cope with homesickness…

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Making friends while studying abroad!

 

When you ask people, who have studied on an exchange programme what the best part is, the usual response is the amazing people and friendships they made.

Although one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad is making friends, that doesn’t mean to say that it’s not easier said than done! It may seem like a scary thought before arriving but the friendships you will form on your programme will be some of the best.

Here are some tips on how to make friends abroad!

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How to deal with culture shock on an exchange programme

 

Whether it is your first time travelling to a different country or you are a frequent traveller, culture shock is something that happens to people that leave the comfort of their own surroundings and explore somewhere new.

Many people experience culture shock! Even if the new country you are studying in isn’t too different to back home.

There is likely to be a short period of adjustment for many people. Here are some tips on how to overcome culture shock… 

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Check out our Study Abroad Tips on what to pack before departing on your study abroad adventure!

 

Whether you are joining us for a 2-week jolly, or arranging a longer adventure, it can be annoying, inconvenient, and sometimes quite expensive if you forget to pack things you’re going to need on your trip.

Getting ready for a high school programme can be stressful, but our Study Abroad Tips can be used to ensure you have all the tools you need to make this exciting transition as easy and enjoyable as possible.

From the must have necessities to the bits and bobs you can buy once you arrive, let us help you avoid any unnecessary stress with this handy packing list. Here are our Study Abroad Tips on what to pack on an exchange programme…

 

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Making the most of your host family experience! Check out our 5 tips on how…

 

Living and studying abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience. And living with a local family is one of the best ways to immerse yourself into a county’s culture.

However, living with a foreign family can be a daunting prospect and take some effort to adjust to. Although, for those who make the effort, it is almost always worth it! Here are our tips on making the most of your host family experience.

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Which school system best suits you…

When deciding which school system suits you and considering study abroad destinations, it’s easy (and understandable!) to get carried away. Don’t be blinded by the romance of your favourite foreign country. Like the glittery celebrities, famous places or simply following in the footsteps your friends who have been before you.

For some students, selecting a study abroad destination on based any of these factors is a perfectly valid method. For for others however, these might not provide them with the best foundation for success. Deciding which school system suits you is very important. And if the academic side of a high school programme overseas is the most important factor for you, then keep reading.

In this article you’ll learn the differences between the British and Irish high school systems. Helping you to decide which school system suits your and your future ambitions.

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Fun things to keep you occupied during lockdown…

 

As both the UK and Ireland remains in a national lockdown, this week’s #StudyAbroadTip looks at fun and interesting things you can do to keep yourself occupied.

Time is something a lot of us have at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that we have to waste it.

Check out our ideas on how to keep busy during this lockdown…

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