As the sole parent of a precocious daughter, I worried about her fitting in and making friends in an international school. What if she didn’t know anyone? Questions like these ran through my head as we travelled from home to country to country. Would she be able to make friends when we got there? Would she feel suffocated by the cultural differences between her adoptive home and her birth one?
These were legitimate concerns for me and I wanted answers before we arrived. As it turned out, no more than two kids per class is the norm, which made meeting new kids easier for her. In addition, our daughter did well in math, something that is sorely lacking in many international schools. This interview guide covers everything you need to know before your student visa interview.
Things to know before your student visa interview
– Before you head to your interview, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need with you. These include your passport, your application (if it’s in your name), documentation showing you’re a fit to attend the school, and any extra copies of documents. When you arrive at the interview, you’ll have to let them know where you’re staying and have enough time to process the information before you head in.
This can be tricky, so make sure you’re prepared. If you have any questions, you can call the school or program to see if they have any clarification to add. As for the interview itself, you’ll want to make sure you stay calm and composed, no matter how nervous you are.
You want to make a good first impression and you don’t want them to think you’re unprofessional or have any serious red flags. Keep your answers short and simple and try to avoid debating points that aren’t up for discussion. When the interview is done, you can go back to processing and get your visa.
Research the school you’re applying to
Before you travel to the country for your interview, you’ll want to do some research on the schools you’re applying to. This will help you get a feel for how things are there and what you should expect from your experience.
You’ll want to look at things like the cost of the school, the curriculum if there are any extracurricular activities you can get involved in, and if there are any major cultural events in the area. If your chosen school has a lot of international students (from your own country), you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with how things are handled.
Do your homework on the school and program
When you’re researching a school, you’ll want to do some homework on the program you’re applying to. This includes the type of program you’ll be in and the types of students who do well in it. If you can, talk to people who have been in the program and find out what their experience was like.
You’ll also want to find out what the curriculum is like, the pace at which it’s taught, the cost, and the length of time it takes to finish. Find out how competitive it is to get into the program and how many people get in each year. Finally, find out how challenging the program is and how many kids drop out.
Prepare for the interview
When you’re getting ready for your interview, you’ll want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. This means you should have all your documents and information with you, you should know exactly what to talk about, and you should have everything you need to be written down.
This can include your application, the documents you have to show your application is in order, the letters of recommendation, any extra research you’d like to do, or anything else that you need to have with you. You should also dress conservatively, keep your head straight, avoid getting headaches and avoid stress. This can help you stay composed and help you avoid making any serious mistakes.
Don’t forget cultural differences
One of the most important things to remember about your student visa interview is cultural differences. These will vary from country to country and you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of them. For example, in some countries, it’s common practice to shake hands and give a firm handshake when meeting someone or being hired.
In other countries, you may be expected to sit and shake hands but keep your body language relaxed. You’ll want to make sure you’re aware of these differences and what they mean in your specific country.
Ask for more time to prepare
If you have time, use it! You should research the school and program, do some extra research, and try to get as much information on your own as possible. This can help you feel more confident, understand what’s happening, and not make as many mistakes. You may even be able to find an answer to a question you weren’t able to ask.
Conclusion
Student visas are a great way to experience a new culture and learn about the country you’re visiting. However, you don’t want to go into your interview unprepared or with misinformation. Take the time to research the school you’re applying to, do your homework on the school and program, and prepare for the interview.
Doing these things will help you get into a great program and have an amazing experience in your new country. It’s important to remember that student visas are temporary and you’ll want to make the most of them.
