Skills to master before studying abroad

Studying abroad is a dream for many Bangladeshi students, but adjusting to life in a foreign country often comes with challenges. Beyond academics, you'll need practical skills that make everyday living smoother, less stressful, and more cost-efficient. Before you board that flight, investing time in building certain skills here in Bangladesh can give you a head start when you step into your new life overseas.

Barista skills

Coffee culture is strong in most countries where Bangladeshi students go for higher studies, from the United States to Australia. Cafes in these countries are hubs of social interaction, and a major source of part-time employment for students, especially from abroad.

Learning basic barista skills in Bangladesh, such as operating an espresso machine, brewing different coffee styles, and handling customers, can give you an edge in finding part-time jobs abroad. Some coffee shops in Dhaka or Chattogram even offer short training programmes. Awake Coffee Roasters, for instance, has an entire academy that offers professional barista training. They offer Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCA) standard training that is accepted globally. North End also offers barista training where one can learn skills like espresso making and latte art. They can also familiarise themselves with various coffee machines and coffee making techniques. Fees for these training programmes range from BDT 2,000 to BDT 18,000.

Cooking

Eating out regularly abroad is expensive, and depending on instant noodles won't fuel your health or studies. That's why cooking is a must-learn skill. If you can make staples like khichuri, curry, dal, and paratha, you'll not only save money but also carry a piece of home with you. Western countries often have Bangladeshi or South Asian grocery stores, so you can easily find ingredients to replicate familiar dishes. Additionally, knowing how to prepare quick international meals like pasta or stir-fry makes life easier on busy study days.

Driving

While public transportation is reliable in many foreign countries, having a driver's license before you leave Bangladesh can be a big advantage.

Many universities are located in suburban areas where buses and trains don't always cover every route. Being able to drive gives you flexibility, whether for commuting to campus, shopping, or travelling with friends. Even if you don't own a car immediately, ride-sharing jobs or weekend road trips become possible if you already know how to drive confidently.

Learning the basics

Beyond English, if you are heading to countries like Germany, France, or Japan, learning some basics of the local language will make your life much easier. Some countries require you to have a certain level of proficiency in their native language before you can even apply to universities there. Japan requires a Japanese language proficiency at the JLPT N2 level or equivalent, which demonstrates a strong ability to understand Japanese and handle complex conversations and materials.

Organisations like Japanese Universities Alumni Association Bangladesh, Alliance Française de Dhaka, and Goethe-Institut offer certification courses that can help you learn these languages before you apply to universities abroad or move there for your studies.