Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. People, culture, and even the weather are all different than what you’re used to. Culture shock can be avoided doing research on your host country. However, there are a few other things to think about as you prepare to study abroad:
1. Accurate documentation
A passport and a student visa are important documents to have if you want to stay in a foreign country legally. Apply for a passport several months before your study abroad application. If the host country requires you to have a student visa, you can use your passport to prepare it.
These documents should be photocopied and given to your family and student counselor in your home country. Separate a copy from your original documents and keep it for yourself. If your original documents are lost or stolen while you are studying abroad, it will be much easier to generate new ones.
2. Well-being
Before you leave, have a full physical examination with your doctor to ensure that you are in good health. In case of an emergency while traveling abroad, bring a copy of your medical records with you. Learn about the immunization requirements in the host country and get immunized before you leave.
3. Obtaining insurance
Get a good health insurance plan that covers medical evacuation and repatriation in the event of a medical emergency. If you plan to travel extensively while abroad, consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
4. Money is important.
Create a budget for your study abroad that is realistic and stick to it. Learn about living costs and how to budget for fixed expenses like rent and utilities. Set aside money for fun and the occasional shopping spree. Add in any one-time expenses, such as a car purchase or a security deposit.
Before you leave to study abroad, make sure you have at least three months’ worth of savings. When you arrive in a foreign country, open an account with a reputable bank that has branches near your campus and where you live. Have money transferred from your home account. To be safe, don’t carry too much cash. Rather, keep a supply of student checks, debit cards, and credit cards on hand.
Communication is number five.
When you study abroad, it is critical to maintain regular contact with your family and friends. With a single mouse click, the Internet connects the entire world. During office hours, your campus library provides free Internet access, allowing you to send emails to family and friends. You may, however, be limited in your use of more advanced Internet features such as chat programs and Internet telephone calls. Instead, purchase an international calling card to make low-cost calls to your home country.
6. Places to stay
Request on-campus housing when applying for your study abroad program to save money. Foreign students are given priority at universities, though on-campus housing may only be available for a limited time, such as the first semester or year. Investigate the rental market as soon as possible to avoid paying exorbitant rent due to a lack of more affordable options.
Share a room with your classmates. When you carpool to classes, this helps you save money on gas. Another cost-effective option is to stay with a host family in exchange for domestic services such as cleaning and babysitting. However, to avoid breaking any laws, check with your student counselor first.
7. Stuffing
Only bring what you’ll need to get settled in your new country. Bring no more than a year’s worth of clothing. Most of them are unlikely to be used, especially if the weather is drastically different.
When you arrive, check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately. If you’re bringing your own electrical appliances, don’t forget to bring adaptors. Keep important documents related to your study abroad in a hand-carry luggage with you at all times.
Leaving to study in a different country opens your mind to a new world. Your trip should not be marred a lack of preparation or last-minute planning, so keep these pointers in mind for a stress-free arrival in your host country.