Top 20 Essential Apps for International Students
Studying abroad can be challenging, especially when adjusting to a new environment. Thankfully, the modern age has brought us essential apps for international students that can make this transition smoother. From language learning tools like Duolingo to productivity boosters such as Notion, these practical apps are designed to simplify everything. This Abroadin guide discovers the top apps that can transform your study abroad experience.
In this guide:
· Duolingo, The World's Best Way to Learn a Language
· Grammarly, Free AI Writing Assistance
· Revolut, All-in-one Finance App for Your Money
· Motion, AI Calendar Apps for International Students
· Spotify, Web Player: Music for Everyone
· WiFi Finder+Map, All your Connectivity Needs in One Place
· Flatify, The Shared Apartment App for Your Household
· Jamworks, AI Note-Taking Apps for International Students
· Notion, Your Connected Workspace for Wiki, Docs & Projects
· Perlego, An Online Subscription for All Your Academic Books
· Google Translate
· Microsoft Office, Apps for International Students
· Evernote, Organize Your Notes with Evernote
· Todoist, A To-Do List to Organize Your Work & Life
· Google Maps
· Calm, Apps for International Students
· UNiDAYS, Fast, Free, Exclusive Deals for Students
· Photomath, The Ultimate Math Help App
· Khan Academy, Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice
· Coursera, Apps for International Students
Duolingo, the World's Best Way to Learn a Language
Have you ever used Duolingo? It’s an invaluable tool for everyone, particularly those looking to improve their language proficiency in an accessible and manageable way.
One of its standout features is its alternative language proficiency test, which has gained acceptance by many universities as part of their admissions criteria.
The Duolingo English Test evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, providing a reliable measure of language competency.
This language learning app offers bite-sized lessons that can be easily incorporated into a busy student's schedule, making it feasible to study every day.
It also encourages this daily habit by setting a reasonable goal of just 15 minutes of study. This way, students can progress without feeling overwhelmed by lengthy study sessions.
Grammarly, Free AI Writing Assistance
Grammarly is one of the essential apps for international students. It helps you improve your writing skills like never before!
One of Grammarly's core strengths is its ability to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, which is crucial for students whose first language is not English.
Grammarly also enhances the clarity and readability of written content. It provides suggestions to improve sentence structure and refine writing style.
This tool comes in different forms, such as a website, app, and browser extensions, and it is easy to use for writing better essays, assignments, or emails.
Grammarly's Plagiarism and AI text Check are precious features for academic writing. This tool identifies potential instances of plagiarism and AI-written text.
For those using the premium version of Grammarly, additional features include advanced AI tools, such as tone adjustments, strategic suggestions, and full-sentence rewrites.
Revolut, All-in-one Finance App for Your Money
Revolut offers a range of financial services that simplify managing money abroad, which is why over 35 million users worldwide have this app on their phones.
Unlike traditional banks, Revolut doesn’t require an SSN or ITIN to open an account, making it accessible to students, visitors, and temporary workers from all backgrounds.
One of Revolut's main advantages is its ability to send instant transfers to other users. This makes it easy to split bills with friends or send money home quickly.
For students abroad, Revolut offers competitive currency exchange rates and the ability to hold multiple currencies in the same account.
These capabilities can help save money when paying in different currencies, making it an excellent choice for those studying in foreign countries.
Motion, AI Calendar Apps for International Students
Motion is a powerful app for boosting productivity, especially for international students constantly juggling academic tasks. That’s why over 1 million users have it on their phones.
This game-changer app combines the best features of a calendar, task manager, project management software, and meeting scheduler into a single, intuitive platform.
One of Motion’s standout features is its AI-driven optimization. It analyzes your workload, organizes your schedule, and helps you stay on top of assignments, group projects, and extracurricular activities.
Motion's project management capabilities are also ideal for students collaborating on group projects. It allows teams to coordinate tasks, set deadlines, and track progress all in one centralized space.
Spotify, Web Player: Music for Everyone
Spotify offers more than just music. With the Spotify Premium Student plan, eligible college and university students can access ad-free streaming at a discounted rate for up to four years.
Spotify is also a powerful study companion. According to surveys, 69% of students find that ambient or chill music helps them focus better, with 67% preferring slower beats for concentration.
The Spotify Focus Hub is packed with popular playlists, such as Peaceful Piano, Lo-Fi Beats, and Instrumental Study, designed to boost productivity and keep distractions at bay.
WiFi Finder+Map, All your Connectivity Needs in One Place
WiFi Finder +Map is available in over 200 countries and has over 100 million users worldwide.
This practical app helps you locate free WiFi hotspots wherever you are, saving you on data costs while studying abroad.
One of its standout features is its offline functionality. Users can download maps and WiFi locations in advance.
WiFi Finder +Map is particularly useful for students navigating a new city or traveling between locations.
Flatify, The Shared Apartment App for Your Household
Flatify is one of the most essential apps for international students adjusting to shared living arrangements in dorms or rented apartments with roommates.
This user-friendly tool simplifies managing household chores and shared expenses, which are familiar sources of tension in house-sharing situations.
Students can easily create cleaning schedules to ensure everyone contributes, and it simplifies bill payments by allowing users to pay directly to the provider.
The app streamlines communication among housemates, making it easy to assign tasks, send reminders, and split expenses efficiently.
If you want to know about ChatGPT for College Admissions read this article:
Jamworks, AI Note-Taking Apps for International Students
Jamworks supports transcription, automatic note-taking, summarization, flashcards, key point extraction, and personal AI tutoring—all in 26 languages.
Its AI-powered features are perfect for students studying in a non-native language, helping to overcome language barriers and improve comprehension.
This app breaks down lectures into key points and summaries, making revision more accessible and practical.
It also provides personalized flashcards and tutoring options, which cater to individual learning needs.
Notion, Your Connected Workspace for Wiki, Docs & Projects
Notion is a must-have app for personal organization and academic needs, making it a valuable tool for international students.
Notion's flexible structure helps you create customized workflows to suit your study habits. Whether you manage coursework, collaborate on group projects, or organize your schedule, this app works for you.
It also has a user-friendly interface, so students can easily set up to-do lists, track assignments, take detailed notes, and even plan long-term projects—all within a single platform.
One of the biggest perks for students is the Plus Plan, which is accessible to those with a school email address.
This plan offers more advanced features than the Free Plan, such as uploading larger files, accessing extended version history, and inviting additional guests.
Perlego, An Online Subscription for All Your Academic Books
Perlego is an online library platform. Its subscription costs less than a single textbook and provides unlimited access to a vast collection of academic resources.
This platform isn't compatible with e-readers like Kindle or Kobo. However, its app allows users to download many books directly onto their devices. This flexibility means students can study anywhere, even without a WiFi connection.
Perlego's growing collection of downloadable PDFs is another benefit, enabling users to access their study materials offline.
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Google Translate
Google Translate is a powerful tool for everyone, especially international students navigating language barriers in a new country.
It allows users to translate text, speech, images, or documents between over 100 languages.
Google Translate can be incredibly helpful for international students in understanding lectures, reading assignments, or communicating with classmates and professors.
The app’s real-time camera translation feature allows students to instantly translate text on signs, menus, or even textbooks by simply pointing their phone’s camera at the text.
Google Translate also has a conversation mode, which is ideal for students trying to communicate with locals or discuss with peers from different backgrounds.
Using the voice input feature, students can translate spoken language back and forth, making it easier to connect with others and participate in social and academic activities.
Microsoft Office, Apps for International Students
Microsoft Office is an essential tool for international students who need reliable and versatile software to handle their academic workload.
With widespread applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Microsoft Office provides everything students need to write papers, analyze data, and create presentations.
· Microsoft Word is perfect for writing essays, research papers, and assignments, with features like spell check, formatting tools, and citation options.
· Excel is a powerful tool for handling data and performing calculations, which is especially useful for students in fields like business, economics, or the sciences.
· PowerPoint is perfect for creating engaging presentations for every student who needs to present their research or projects in class.
Microsoft Office integrates seamlessly with cloud services like OneDrive, allowing students to save their work online and access it from anywhere.
Evernote, Organize Your Notes with Evernote
Evernote is designed to help everyone take notes, manage assignments, and keep track of important information all in one place.
For international students who are adjusting to a new academic environment, Evernote can be a game-changer. It makes it easier to manage coursework, projects, and personal to-dos efficiently.
This practical app allows you to neatly organize everything into notebooks and tags. You can even attach files, images, and voice recordings, which can be particularly helpful for students who like to record lectures or add visual content to their notes.
The app's search functionality is also a lifesaver. You can quickly find specific notes by typing in keywords, which can help when prepping for exams or writing papers.
Another great benefit is that Evernote syncs across all your devices, so your notes are always up to date, whether you're using your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Todoist, A To-Do List to Organize Your Work & Life
Todoist is among essential apps for international students looking to stay organized and on top of their busy schedules.
With the constant stream of exams, assignments, and essays that pile up throughout the semester, it can be challenging to keep everything under control.
That’s where Todoist comes in. It is a central hub where students can track all their tasks, deadlines, and important dates, helping them manage their workload effectively.
One of the best things about Todoist is its flexibility. You can break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize which assignments to tackle first.
For international students, who often have to balance academics with adapting to a new country, Todoist can add structure and peace of mind to their days.
Google Maps
For international students adjusting to life in an unfamiliar country, Google Maps offers a reliable way to navigate campus, explore their new city, and locate essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, or public transportation hubs.
One of Google Maps' biggest advantages is its real-time navigation and transit directions, which can be a game-changer for students trying to figure out bus or train schedules in a foreign language.
The app also provides walking and cycling routes, making it easy for students to explore their surroundings on foot or by bike.
Additionally, with offline maps, students can download areas to access them without an internet connection—a helpful feature if they’re worried about mobile data usage.
Beyond navigation, the app can also help students connect with their peers. By sharing their live location, students can quickly meet up with friends in a new city, making socializing much smoother.
Calm, Apps for International Students
The Calm app is famous for anyone looking to improve their sleep, reduce stress, or incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine.
It's designed to help users relax and unwind, making it perfect for students, especially those studying abroad, who may be dealing with the pressures of a new environment, academics, and homesickness.
Calm offers a wide range of sleep stories, calming music, and guided meditation sessions, providing a serene backdrop that promotes restful sleep.
These features can be a lifesaver for international students who might struggle with adjusting to different time zones or experience insomnia due to stress.
UNiDAYS, Fast, Free, Exclusive Deals for Students
UNiDAYS is a popular platform that offers exclusive discounts to students worldwide.
If you're studying abroad, you’re still eligible for these discounts as long as you're registered at a recognized university or institution in one of the eligible countries.
It’s an excellent way for international students to save money on essentials and fun activities while studying overseas.
The discounts available through UNiDAYS vary by country but cover various categories, including transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) program also provides access to global discounts, making it another valuable resource for saving money as an international student.
To qualify for a UNiDAYS account, students must be over 16 and attend a college or university that issues a personal institution email address or a student ID card.
Photomath, The Ultimate Math Help App
For international students who face challenges with different math curriculums, Photomath is a beneficial tool.
It allows users to scan an equation using their phone's camera and instantly provides a step-by-step solution.
This can be a game-changer for students struggling to understand tricky math concepts like algebra and calculus.
The best part? You can download the app and access essential explanations for free, while Photomath Plus offers even more in-depth features for those looking to go further.
Khan Academy, Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice
Khan Academy is a top-notch educational tool that’s especially helpful for students looking to deepen their understanding of various subjects.
It's free, a considerable advantage, especially for international students on a tight budget.
The platform covers a wide range of academic subjects, making it ideal for those wanting to improve their math, science, history, and more knowledge.
A recent study found that students using Khan Academy were more than twice as likely to meet grade-level standards as those who didn't.
For international students adjusting to new educational systems, Khan Academy offers a great way to keep up with challenging coursework and build a strong foundation in critical subjects.
Coursera, Apps for International Students
Coursera is a fantastic resource for international students looking to expand their skills and enhance their resumes.
One of the biggest perks of using Coursera is its flexible learning options. When you subscribe to any paid learning program, you get a free trial first. This gives you a chance to explore courses without committing right away.
If you don’t find it helpful, you can cancel before the trial ends and avoid paying anything. However, if you decide to continue, it’ll automatically convert into a paid subscription, allowing you to keep learning seamlessly.
The platform offers various certificates, covering everything from individual courses to complete degrees.
What's great about these certificates is that they often carry real academic value and accreditation, making them a solid addition to your educational or professional portfolio.
Now, It’s your turn!
Those mentioned above are the top essential apps for international students. They improve the abroad experience and make everything more accessible in a new country and culture.
Which one do you already have on your phone? Which one is more practical for international students? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
FAQ
What is the best app for an international student?
The best app for an international student would depend on their specific needs. However, apps like Duolingo and Grammarly are handy for improving language proficiency and enhancing academic writing skills.
Which is the No. 1 app for study?
For study-related needs, Notion stands out as a comprehensive tool for students. It helps organize notes, manage projects, and collaborate with classmates. Jamworks AI Note-Taking App is also ideal for capturing lecture content and creating summaries.
What social media do international students use?
International students commonly use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for social interaction and staying connected with friends and family. LinkedIn is also widely used among students for networking, job searches, and professional growth.
What app should a university student have?
An essential app for students, especially those studying abroad, would include a mix of productivity, finance, and study tools:
· Duolingo for language skills.
· Grammarly for writing assistance.
· Revolut for managing finances.
· Notion or Jamworks is used to organize study materials and take practical notes.
· Spotify can be useful for students who find music helpful for focus and relaxation.
· WiFi Finder+Map is also crucial for staying connected, especially when exploring new areas.
Founder of StudentDeck Ltd. The ultimate Q&A app for students worldwide. 📫 Reach out for project collaborations or general inquiries.
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