Spice Up Your Study Abroad Experience.

There are many aspects as to why getting more involved with your college or university, whilst study abroad is a good idea.  Clubs are a great way to build important skills, such as leadership, and understand cultural differences. Not only this, but its an easy way of making friends, whilst engaging in your favourite hobby or interest. Many clubs will offer trips, nationally and internationally. It is also a good idea to research the clubs available to you at your particular institution, this will enable you to budget for adventures with you club. 

The clubs available at each institution can usually be found on their website, posters around the school, student newsletters and information departments on campus. 

The United Kingdom and United States offer a true abundance of extra curricular activities. Many of our international students have returned a gasp by the variety of options available to them. Many universities and colleges report that over 90% of their students are involved in extracurricular activities. Such participation looks fantastic on resumes and future university or college applications. 

Becoming a member is not enough. Becoming an active member should be your goal. Think of new ideas for the club, take leadership roles and make sure you attend frequently. Having an important role in the running of the clubs will be a more rewarding and fulfilling experience, further developing your skills. 

Volunteering is a fantastic way to make friends whilst giving back to the local community, and gaining valuable skills. I participated in  volunteer work as a student studying to be a Divemaster. They were some of the best days I spent on Koh Tao. We conducted beach  and underwater clean ups.  We would visit the dive sites and cut off any nets which had been caught over the underwater pinnacles and coral, freeing the fish and rescuing the dive site from destruction. 

I have always been a strong believer in the motto 'You only get out of life, what you put in'. So make the effort, join a club, make friends, network and then enjoy reaping the benefits! Oh, and do not forget to...HAVE FUN!

By Amber Williams 

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com