4 Of The Best Ways To Handle Your Coursework And A Job Abroad

It doesn’t have to be such a hassle to handle your coursework and a job as an immigrant in a new country.

As an immigrant student trying to get an education in a new country, it’s a whole mix of new variables thrown into an already crazy situation. It’s a whole new educational system, a whole new learning process and maybe a new method of learning and teaching style.

Apart from all of this, you are also trying to settle in, dealing with different culture shocks, working a job or two by the side, trying to settle into a new routine, maybe trying to start a social life, making new friends, finding your way around and so much more 

Usually, a lot of immigrant students apart from getting an education also have to work by the side with hours of work is between 20 hours to 40 hours and sometimes it can be a lot to juggle and also ensure that you stay on top of things, showing up to work when you’re supposed to, turning in your assignment when you’re supposed to and also attending classes.

A lot of my immigrant youths that travel out of the country for education usually come from very humble beginnings, usually first generation to travel out of their country and so there is also sometimes the added pressure to ensure that they succeed and also do excellently well at everything that has to do with school and work and all other areas and aspects of their lives.

I asked some Nigerian immigrants in different countries how they have managed to do it and the responses they gave will also go a long way in helping you in the day-to-day handling of your coursework. Their responses will be in different parts of the articles.

 How Then Do You Handle Your Coursework And A Job Abroad? 

Time Management 

Time management, discipline, effective planning. https://t.co/7PkCjT7OxW

— Dr. R, The Millionaire. (@lifeofruby_) April 18, 2023

time management. Notion & Google calendar are my life savers. I gave everything written down to a tee. Staying disciplined and doing work even when tired ( something I need to learn again lol). Having accountability partners/support system to help you when down. Remember your Why https://t.co/4c2LiP4u4i

— Ton Amour (Your future Dr. of..)💞🇳🇬 (@Upright28) April 18, 2023

It cannot be an easy task juggling a full-time education and also working a job. It is important that you manage your time well. What you need to do is know your schedule for your school work and also your schedule for your job you also need to figure out if you will be working out making friends time for assignments time for other social activities like going to church and any other activity that you need to take note of.

Once you know, this it is time now to sit down and figure out the best use of your time and how to divide the 12 hours that you have in the day between all of the activities and responsibilities that you have to get to and also stick by them.

It is not enough to just divvy up, you also have to stick by them so that you are easily able to meet up with your to-do list and also attend to everything that you need to attend to. If you’re going to be exercising in the night, or meal prepping, doing assignments by 5 pm and more. Anyhow you choose to do this, you should write it down, you can use the traditional pen and paper or use applications. Note down with careful calculations and breakdown of your time and what best suits you and also how to be productive with your time management and paste it where you can easily see it every time.

Look into planners. I had multiple planners when I was in school. Your phone will also serve too. When you get your syllabi, put all your assignments in a planner. Be realistic with planning. Plan out time to get from point A – B (you’re working as well.)

— Dr. R, The Millionaire. (@lifeofruby_) April 18, 2023

No procrastination 

One of the easiest ways to get overwhelmed by your coursework and also with all of the things that you might need to get to is procrastination. Procrastination allows you to get overwhelmed. All that you have to do because you keep pushing it off and so what happens is that the third task will still be undone when you’re already supposed to be doing the fourth task and then it keeps piling on and piling on which then leaves you frazzled, overwhelmed and frustrated.

You cannot afford to be a procrastinator with all of the things that you have to juggle as an immigrant student, therefore you need to ensure that you do things at the times you have slated to do them instead of putting them off till the next minute.

I do my schoolwork work mostly on my off days. I try to cover as much on those days so I don’t get overwhelmed by due date. https://t.co/V0GvY9ztby

— ONA.O (@hizeed) April 17, 2023

 Start To Build Your Own Community And Your Support System 

 To help you keep track of your coursework and also provide help for you when you need it and keep you motivated, also give you guidance and advice when you need it, you will need to be intentional about building your own community. You need to make friends and open up to your co-workers and colleagues at work. These people can help you cover up on the days when you might have classes that clash with your shift. 

You should also make connections with your professors, your classmates, and your TA. If there are important pieces of information that you need to know they will gladly pass this along with you and will also be a source of motivation and guidance.

If your nationality also has communities, whether physical or online that you can belong to. This helps you feel less lonely and alone in a new country.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A lot of schools outside the country have professors and lecturers that are ready to help you, want to see you be the best version of yourself and also see you succeed. You should not hesitate to open up to your professors, your lecturers and your bosses and let them know the situation of things and if you need help you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

They say that “close mouth don’t get fed”. Do not be afraid to ask for help whenever you need it. The most you’ll get is a no and then you move on to the next person who might give a “yes”. Do not allow the negative answer to deter you. 

Prioritise Your Mental Health And Also Your Self-care

It will not do to be burnt out from all that you have to deal with and one of the ways to prevent this is to ensure that you prioritise your mental health and your self-care. If you need to take a little bit of time to recharge, you should. You should create time on your calendar to do that. If going to the gym makes you feel better, maybe the spa. You should see to it that you are resting well, sleeping well, eating well, and exercising and if you can afford it you are seeing a therapist. See that you are healthy not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

If you are in North Cyprus doing a masters degree, take only the minimum course-load for that semester. Yes, it means your program would stretch for longer but you would have more time and headspace to work. Also, never do work/study on a one year (18 months) program. https://t.co/cT87LTjKdy

— Femi 👑 (@obasaolorunfemi) April 18, 2023