Part I -- Study Abroad: Skills you need to succeed
It is said that reading gives you information, writing makes you precise, and conversation makes you ready.
This certainly holds true for the inside of a classroom.
Yesterday, we looked at what foreign universities expect from students. Today, we'll explain how to prepare youself so that you're ready to meet the challenge.
Most students don't realise that the brain needs exercise, just like the body.
Neglecting cardiovascular exercises and weight-lifting causes you to put on kilos, and lose muscle mass and stamina. In the same way, by not exercising your mind, your school skills begin to deteriorate.
Having the long summer on your hands before you leave for studies abroad can be either a tool or a hindrance -- depending on how you choose to use the spare time. Lazily surfing the internet and watching reruns won't help you at all. Instead, start practicing your reading, writing and speaking skills.
Only then will you be ready to learn the moment you arrive.
Reading
Academic writing tends to be dense and complicated, so it's advisable to become familiar with the style.
Dust off the works by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Those 10th standard stand-bys have two things in common -- complex sentences and vibrant prose. Read feature articles and non-fiction as well; they increase your knowledge base and feature prominently in international universities.
Also do diverse reading: internet columns, blogs and message boards, magazine articles, novels, different types of non-fiction and more. Sampling the entire palette of the written word will allow you to adjust to material, no matter what you're assigned in class.
Standardised exams test your reading comprehension and vocabulary. To improve in these areas, you can study word banks and word families. Or, every week you can learn the definition of a few 'SAT' words, which will improve your vocabulary immensely.
Another insider tip for verbal exams is to learn about prefixes and suffixes along with word origins. A prefix such as 'mono', which means one, can be used to break down larger words. A person with a monotone voice, for instance, is speaking in one tone, while a monosyllabic word contains only one syllable.
Other common prefixes include 'mal-', which implies a negative characteristic, and 'bene-', which implies a positive one. The words 'malevolent' (wishing harm on others) and 'beneficent' (doing or producing good) illustrate this point nicely.
Most importantly, make reading a habit. That way, when you have some time to yourself, you'll immediately reach for a book instead of a DVD. Start reading an hour every day -- you'll be thankful at university when you've finished and reviewed the book, while other students try to cram a month's material into a single weekend.
Writing
A common myth is that writing is only a natural talent -- you either have it or you don't. Like any other skill, it takes practice and hard work.
You should welcome every opportunity to express yourself in words -- emailing family and friends, posting blogs and writing about what interests you.
Though it may be tempting to use 'online language' common to the internet today, make an effort to use proper English. By writing as you would on an assignment, you ensure a soung grasp of punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure.
With the SAT adding a writing component, and other exams testing grammar, it makes sense to start writing even if you're still a year or two away from university. It will be a valuable tool for the rest of your academic and professional career.
Finally, remember that writing is a process; you're either getting better or getting worse.
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Speaking
Not only will you have to write intelligently in university, you'll also discuss academic topics in class. As we mentioned yesterday, verbal participation is a huge component of your final grade in most courses.
You should converse with a whole range of people, especially adults and strangers. When you meet charismatic and intelligent professionals, note the way they speak and borrow some of their techniques.
It's easy to trail off, mumble and go round and round without making a point while speaking. Most of us don't even realise we do it. To avoid this, try forming your thoughts completely before you begin. Also, practice projecting your voice; it's important to sound and seem confident in front of peers and instructors.
Speaking in a formal setting is a necessary business skill; you may as well start early.
Recap
Of course, practicing the entire trio gives a combined effect. Reading makes you a better writer, writing helps you organise your thoughts when you speak, and so on.
The important thing is to get started now. You don't want to pick up a book for the first time in months, after just landing in a new country. You'll be dealing with jet lag, culture shock and home-sickness, and classes will be starting shortly.
Instead, start training early, and you'll help make the academic transition a smooth one.
MORE ON STUDY ABROAD:
~ Are you a student who is studying/ has studied abroad? What advice would you have for other students who may soon be pursuing studies in a foreign country? What are your experience as an international student? What were the things you wished you knew before you left home? Write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in and we will feature your experiences right here.
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