Several Indian students move to America for their higher education. American universities provide globally-recognised degrees and better job opportunities. Given the high cost of living and sky-high tuition fees, most Indians opt for a loan for students to fund their higher education aspirations. The study abroad journey can seem challenging. Building a strong and supportive network while completing your education can help you succeed. Here are some networking tips you can rely on:

Start from home
You can start networking even before you leave to study in the USA or any other part of the world. Identify seminars or meetings you can attend in India for students headed to the same college or district. You can also check official university and college discussion boards to find peers who will join you in college. Forging bonds and building a network at home allows you to feel a certain level of comfort, even while abroad.

Sign up for events
Once you reach your college, make the most of your first few days. You can attend orientations where you have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Register for events and find a hobby or club with like-minded individuals. Most institutions in America have South Asian student associations, and many Indian students join and run these organisations, helping younger students adjust to life abroad.

Talk to neighbours
If you’re shy or an introvert, building up the courage to talk to somebody can be difficult. Start by introducing yourself to the person that sits next to you in class. If your professor does not insist on a seating chart, move around and sit next to different people often. You can build a large network and lasting friendships.

Consider daily interactions
One of the easiest ways to network is by interacting with people you see every day. Chat with your roommate, the people you meet in the dining hall, or those you see regularly in the library. Remember, if you run into these people every day, they may have similar routines and habits as you, which could help you find a good connection.

Use social media
In today’s digital world, you can quickly find people on social networking sites. For college students, LinkedIn might be the ideal platform. You can find others who attend the same college and build an online network while meeting these individuals in the real world. Remember, the people you connect with on LinkedIn could help you find employment opportunities once you complete your course.

Connect with alumni
When you head abroad with a loan for students, you should prepare by reaching out to alumni. They will provide you with a clear idea of what you can expect once you reach the college or institution. Since they’ve already gone through the experience, they can provide you with practical advice.

Participate in Class
Whenever you have the opportunity to present or answer a question in class, take it. You will build a rapport not just with your peers but with your professors as well. You can rely on these relationships to help you build a successful network while you study in the USA.

When you choose to study abroad, you can build a network to help you during your course and afterwards. If you’d like to take advantage of the many opportunities that a course abroad offers, you should get the process for education loan started as soon as possible. An education loan for study abroad can help you achieve your educational aspirations and gain an international degree.