What You Need to Know About the Duke Career Center
Many students are looking for opportunities to pursue their higher education abroad. Elite universities offer international students a lifetime opportunity to experience a different culture and explore their careers. Some international students struggle with adapting to different climates and cultures.
Here is where career centers come in handy. Most universities have an all-in-one portal where students can find jobs, link with international student communities, and find help with immigration issues.
In this guide, we review the Duke career center. The article will also highlight all the things that international students need to know about before moving abroad.
Designed by International Students
The Duke career center portal is built by international students to ensure that all challenges are highlighted. Most international students face various issues when applying for immigration. In addition, some don’t have relatives or friends who can take them in during their first few months.
International students can network on the portal. The students can also find other relevant communities within the campus that they can join. Students can also find work opportunities through the portal.
An Intuitive Portal
Planning to move abroad will involve a lot of work. There is plenty of research involved from finding information about the college or college to looking for student communities. You don’t want to bounce from one website to another.
Interstride offers a one-stop solution. International students’ portals have everything you want to get your life started abroad. The website is well-designed with direct links to different departments including immigration, student communities, and career coaches.
Internship Opportunities
Getting work experience while you are still in school is important. Applying for internship opportunities can be tough, especially for international students. You can apply for internships via the Duke career center portal.
Other than internships, you can also secure visa-sponsored jobs in the US through the portal. You will find details about everything you need to be eligible for employment.
As mentioned before, life abroad can be challenging. A new culture, language barriers, and harsh weather can make it tough for international students. Below are some factors international students need to consider when moving abroad.
Join a Students Community
This is vital, especially if you are moving to a new country far away from your home country. The students’ community will help you settle in during your first weeks or months. They will help you find accommodation, a job, and meet new people.
One thing you need to understand is that it can get lonely sometimes. It is common for students to feel homesick after a couple of months. The effects of loneliness and homesickness can be tough, especially during the winter season. Ensure that you research out to the students’ community and join one before traveling.
Career Options
Studying abroad can open you up to many career choices. However, choosing the wrong course to study can negatively affect your success. It is important to research more about the courses offered, and how they relate to the career you want to pursue.
Career coaches can help you on this front if you are confused about which path to follow. You can find career coaches on the Duke career center portal. The services are free and the coaches are experienced professionals who will help you make the right choice.
Pick Fewer Subjects
Transitioning to life in a new country has its fair share of challenges. A good school-life balance is essential as you find your feet in a new country. Alumni and your student community can help you on this front, especially those taking the same courses as you.
Picking fewer subjects under your coursework will help you sort out other things without being bundled with too much schoolwork. You can use your free time to find a side job where you can work as you interact with people from the local community.
Get Health Insurance
Some countries offer free healthcare to its citizen. However, since you may not be eligible for free healthcare, it is important to get health insurance. You don’t want to end up sick in a foreign country with no money to settle hospital bills.
Some universities and colleges offer health cover for students, so it’s something you should check during selection. In addition, if you are on a work visa, you may be eligible to apply for public health insurance coverage.
Budget Your Money
Life in Europe and the US can be expensive, especially if you are living close to the city. You need to budget your money and plan wisely to avoid getting into debt. You can always look out for scholarships or student loans to help you offset part of the burden.
Getting a side job will also help you pay off some of your bills such as rent, power, and shopping. There are plenty of job opportunities, including self-employment options. For example, you can choose to start a blog or YouTube channel documenting your experiences and monetize it.
Also, if rent is expensive, you can look for a roommate and split the rent. Homecooked meals can be cheaper rather than ordering takeout.
Learn the Language
If you are in a country where they speak a different language, then you need to learn the language. This can be tough and will limit how often you interact with people. This can be extra challenging if the course is taught in a language you aren’t fluent in.
However, taking time to learn the language will be worth it in the long run, especially if you want to work or extend your stay after college. Find friends or coursemates from within who can help you learn the language. You will probably learn it faster if you practice often through speaking.
Wrapping Up
Studying abroad can bring mixed feelings. You have the opportunity to live in a new country and pursue your dreams. However, you have to adjust to a new way of living and say goodbye to your friends and family.
There are plenty of resources that help international students adjust to the new way of life. The Duke career center is an excellent example. Other than that, the tips shared in this guide will help you find your way through living abroad.
