When considering extracurricular activities for students aspiring to study abroad, it’s important to concentrate on activities that demonstrate your skills, interests, and engagement outside of
academics. Focusing on academic performance from an early stage, such as in grade 8, is a way to develop your profile. Here are some examples of extracurricular activities that can be beneficial for your profile:

1.Sports and Athletics: Participating in sports teams or individual athletic pursuits demonstrates teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. It also showcases your ability to balance academics and extracurricular commitments. Examples include cricket, football, basketball, athletics, or any other sport of interest.

2.Literature Clubs: Club activities may include book discussions on novels, poetry, plays, and short stories, analysing literary works, organizing literary events or festivals, and participating in writing competitions or workshops.

3.STEM Competitions: Science, Humanities and Cultural Clubs and activities: Involvement in science-related activities, such as science clubs, participating in STEM competitions, or conducting research projects, showcases your interest in the fie ld and your ability to think critically and solve problems. Engaging in cultural and artistic activities highlights your creativity, passion, and ability to express yourself. This can include participation in dance or music competitions, theatre performances, painting exhibitions, or writing for school magazines, organizing cultural festivals, charity shows, showcasing traditional performances, conducting workshops on art, music, or cuisine from different cultures, and promoting intercultural understanding and dialogue.

4.Model United Nations (MUN): While not strictly a humanities club, MUN can have a strong humanities component. MUN clubs simulate the United Nations, providing opportunities to discuss and debate global issues from a social, political, and cultural perspective. Participating in MUN conferences allows students to enhance their public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.

5.Debate and Public Speaking: Joining debate clubs, participating in public speaking competitions, or organizing and leading discussions demonstrate your communication skills, ability to articulate ideas, and critical thinking abilities.

6.Internships and Part-time Jobs: Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs relevant to your field of interest showcases your professional skills, work ethic, and dedication to your chosen career path.

7.Leadership and Entrepreneurship Roles: Holding leadership positions in school clubs, student councils, or organizations showcases your ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities, and work effectively with others. Students may even start small businesses of their own and manage their websites and content.

8.Volunteering and Community Service: Engaging in community service activities demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact and your ability to work in diverse environments. Examples include volunteering at local NGOs, participating in environmental clean-up drives, charity fundraisers or teaching underprivileged children.
It’s not just about the number of activities you participate in, but also the depth of your involvement and the impact you make. Choose activities that align with your interests and passions, and where you can contribute meaningfully. Consistency and long-term commitment to a few activities can often be more impressive than a scattered list of short-term involvements.