12 Best Apps for International Students to Simplify Life Abroad

Studying abroad can be a life-changing and overwhelming experience. The newness of the place can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Juggling a whole new life ahead, from transportation to grocery shopping and studying, can be confusing at times, and that’s where some apps can be helpful and navigate you through day-to-day struggles. 

As one of the best overseas education consultants in Bangalore, Glocaled is here to guide you beyond just choosing the right university. We understand the everyday struggles internationally. Students face, and we are here to help you. We have created a list of the most useful apps that can simplify your daily life abroad. In this list, you have everything: an app that helps you to stay organised, connected and confident no matter where you study. 

With the help of the right apps, your life can be simplified, boost creativity, and you can communicate more easily and effectively. Whether you are going to study in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, or any other destination, this blog will take you through some of the best apps that are useful for International students.

1. Doulingo

Duolingo is a language learning app that offers grammar tips, interactive lessons, and a wide range of exercises. It can be helpful for you in learning any local language you prefer. It’s a fun and interactive app that makes learning fun, like games. It utilizes rewards and levels to motivate students in a fun and engaging manner. It’s a free app with some professional features, making it suitable for those on a tight budget. It allows you to learn at your own pace, offering flexible timings, and the lessons are short and simplified using game-like elements such as levels, streaks, and points.

Android link – Doulingo

IOS link – Doulingo

2. Grammarly

Grammarly is a must-have writing for international students who often need to submit essays and assignments or send professional emails. It checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation and even suggests better vocabulary and sentence structure. Whether you are writing an academic paper or updating your resume, Grammarly helps you to write a clear, concise and mistake-free. The app works across platforms. Be it a browser extension, Microsoft Word or Google Docs and offers both free and premium versions. It is beneficial for non-native English speakers to write more confidently and avoid coming errors. 

Android link – Grammarly

IOS link – Grammarly

3. Uber

Uber is a popular ride-sharing app that can be helpful and will meet your transportation needs. With the help of Uber, you can connect to drivers with convenient, affordable, and reliable transportation. The app utilizes safety features such as real-time tracking options, sharing the driver’s information with your family and friends, and detailed background checks. It offers flexible rides with options to choose from, and you can easily go for the ride that is within your budget and suits you well. Uber offers multiple payment options, making it easier for international students to pay without cash as well. 

Android link – Uber

IOS link – Uber

4. Google Maps

Google Maps is the most reliable mapping service across the globe. It helps with turn-by-turn navigation, shows real-time traffic congestion, and provides local business information, including restaurants, stores, and more. Users can even download maps for offline use in areas with no internet connectivity, which makes the app reliable. You can track the traffic area and take an alternative route to avoid traffic and jams and reach your destination more efficiently. With the help of Google Maps, you can easily discover nearby restaurants, parks, and the local area. 

Android link – Google Maps

IOS link – Google Maps

5. Revolut

Revolut is a helpful and reliable app for students studying abroad, as it helps manage money and reduce financial stress. Transferring money can be a hassle, and one needs to have it readily available, especially when the currency back home is different. It costs to transfer funds, so Revolut is there to help you exchange currency online hassle-free, with a quick turnover rate. Revolut offers its customers a virtual card that can be used anywhere, anytime, without worrying about the hefty exchange charges.

Android link – Revolut

IOS link – Revolut

6. Perlego

Perlego is a digital library that can be easily accessed via phone. Being in a different country with limited resources can be overwhelming, but the digital library is here to provide you with 900,000 books and other useful academic tools. This app, however, is subscription-based, but you can avail yourself of it for free to see if this can be more useful than your university library. The digital library has texts in up to six languages, like French, Spanish,English, German, and Italian, so if you are someone looking to research in your native language, this can help.

Android link – Perlego

IOS link – Perlego

7. Meetup

If you’re someone who enjoys socializing, attending meetups, and experiencing local events, a meetup has a database of such events. Available in 193 countries, this app can help you get to know the town and people better. With Meetup, you can find local groups and activities near you. With Meetup, you can also sign up for some online events happening around and enjoy them virtually. Meet new people every week, spend time with like-minded people, join groups, and attend social events. All of this is just a download away. With the help of Meetup, create your hobby or tech group and see what’s popular in your area.

Android link – Meetup

IOS link – Meetup

8. Cite This For Me

Cite this for me is a helpful app for students who frequently need to provide proper citations for books or materials they reference in their research work. This citation generator app helps you by automatically generating source information. Cite this for me is an app that enables you to provide appropriate citations according to the style you are required to use. With the cite this for me app, you can give a citation of a book by scanning the barcode.  

Useful Link – Cite this for me

9. Coursera

Keeping up with your peers in the new study environment can be tough at times, but apps like Coursera can help you level up in your studies. Learn from industry experts and get job-ready courses available online, which you can access anytime and learn at your own pace—access several online classes from relevant universities and top companies. With Coursera, you can choose from professional courses led by top industry leaders, including Google, Facebook, and more.

Android link – Coursera

IOS link – Coursera

10. Notion

A helpful, comprehensive, and valuable app for taking notes, task management, and knowledge sharing all in one place. The notion app is excellent for journaling, writing articles, taking meeting notes, and organizing tasks according to your schedule. While studying in a different country comes with its challenges, such as not keeping up with the pace of your classes at times, Notion can be helpful and reliable for knowledge sharing and taking notes.

Android link – Notion

IOS link – Notion

11. Wifi Finder + Map

Wifi Finder + Map ensures you have free wifi, no matter your destination. It lets you spot public wifi near you. With over 100 million users worldwide, it provides connectivity to its users at absolutely zero cost. The app is helpful, especially for students on a tight budget. Another feature of this app is that it allows you to download your destination’s location, and you can still access it even in areas with no internet connection.

Android link – Wifi Finder + Map

IOS link – Wifi Finder + Map

12. Splitwise

Splitwise is an extremely popular app among international students. With Splitwise, you can track and split shared expenses with friends, roommates, or travel groups. It’s a free app and uses multiple currencies, making it easy for people from every corner of the globe. You can create various groups for multiple expenses and separate groups for recurring costs, such as rent and electricity bills. It avoids confusion between peers about who paid when and lets you keep a record of your payments.

Android link – Splitwise

IOS link – Splitwise

Also Read: Top 10 Differences Between Education in India and Abroad

Conclusion: 12 Best Apps for International Students to Simplify Life Abroad

Being an international student means getting out of your comfort zone. The newness of everything can be challenging to deal with at times. From managing finances to finding accommodation and navigating day-to-day struggles alongside studies, it can be tough. However, with the right tools in your pocket, you can accomplish great things. Turn your phone into your digital helpful companion whenever and wherever you are in need. These apps can be beneficial to your studies, let you exchange currency hassle-free, grow your social circle with the help of Meetup, and get to know the place better. Make sure to have all these apps handy if you are studying abroad. For more such informative blogs visit Glocaled!