Studying abroad is a great opportunity, but it has its challenges too. The journey starts with finding the right college and preparing yourself in a way that the experience becomes memorable and enriching. From the documents (visa, passport, acceptance letter) to daily essentials (electronics, medications, etc), managing everything perfectly can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get ready if you’re planning to study abroad.
Apply for a passport and visa
You need a valid passport to study abroad. If you already have one, check that it hasn’t expired or is due to expire while you’re away. It can take time to get a passport, so you need to apply well in advance.
A visa is one of the requirements for studying abroad, and you also need to apply for it well ahead of time. If you go through your university, you will usually get advice about what visa you need to apply for. Each country has different visa requirements. You can find out about the requirements from your host country’s embassy.
Take out travel insurance
You should purchase travel insurance to cover a potential delay or cancellation of a flight, loss of your luggage, or theft of your personal belongings. Travel insurance may also cover evacuation in case of a natural disaster or health emergency. Make sure you do some research to find a good deal and see if you can get a student discount.
Consider your health requirements
Visit a doctor for a general health check before you leave, and bring a copy of your medical records in case of an emergency while abroad. If you worry about falling ill or having an accident, health coverage can give you peace of mind.
It’s important to know your host country’s vaccination requirements and get vaccinated before you leave. If you need to take medication regularly, find out whether you can get it in your host country or take enough with you. Make sure you carry any prescription drugs in clearly labeled containers and a prescription signed by your doctor.
Check your phone and download apps before you go
You want your iPhone to perform at its best when applying for a passport and visa and preparing other documents for studying abroad. A slow iPhone or one with other technical issues can be a real mood spoiler in these important times. When an iPhone is slow, one of the reasons may be a lack of storage space. Your phone is undoubtedly one of the most important things that you will be carrying, so having basic knowledge of optimizing it matters. Your digital wallet, prescriptions, documents, bank apps, emergency contact numbers, etc, are some of the key things on your phone, so make sure it is in the best shape before you board the flight to your study destination.
You may have the option of adding an international plan to your current phone. Otherwise, you can buy a cheap international SIM card to use on it. When you study abroad, there are some useful apps you can use anywhere on WI-FI for no extra charge.
- Skyscanner can help you find cheap flights.
- WhatsApp helps you to stay connected with your family and friends while studying abroad.
- Google Translate is very handy if you’re going to a country where you don’t speak the language.
- Google Maps can help you get orientated and find your way from A to B.
- Uber (if it’s available in your host country) offers quick and reliable transportation.
- Elk converts currencies using real-time exchange rates. This can be a great help, as you may spend more than you think if you’re not familiar with the currency.
Sort out accommodation
Your university may sort accommodation out for you, but there’s a possibility you have to take responsibility. There are usually student dorms on campus, and some may even be specifically for international students. You should apply early because the price is often reasonable, and you will be close to campus. A homestay is an excellent option if you want to immerse yourself in local culture.
If you want more independence, you can look for an apartment, but this is difficult from a distance. It may be best to check into an Airbnb temporarily while searching for the right apartment in a safe area. Finding a roommate could help you to carry the costs, as living in an apartment can be expensive. For advice on living with a roommate, check out this blog about roommate communication.
Prepare your finances to study abroad
Set up an online bank account if you don’t already have one. You can use a debit or credit card to get cash in the local currency. Make sure a credit card doesn’t have international transaction fees, or these could quickly add up.
Notify your bank and credit card company that you’re going to be in another country. It’s helpful to take some cash with you in the currency of your host country. It helps to make a budget before you leave, but you will need to revise it once you arrive and have a better idea of costs.
Learning the local language
Mastering a language takes time, but this should not hold you back from learning basic phrases in the local language. Asking people general questions and common courtesies in the local language helps you settle down easily in a new place. Once you settle down, you can move ahead to the next level to achieve fluency. To make this an easy process, you can try this resource on language learning.
Start packing
You will need to pack differently for different destinations. Try to pack as light as you can. It’s better to buy certain items in your host country than to take them with you.
- Check with the airline about baggage allowances.
- Check weather websites to find out about the weather in your host country. This will help you to decide what clothes to pack.
- Bathroom supplies can take up space. Only pack enough to last for a week or two, and buy further supplies in your host country.
- If you’re going to a conservative country, pack clothes that allow you to dress according to societal expectations.
- Don’t forget power adaptors for your electronics.
- Pack a few mementos of home to help with homesickness.
Conclusion
The tips here and in our article “Studying Abroad” will help you prepare to study abroad. Preparing well in advance will give you more confidence when stepping out of your comfort zone. You will feel ready to focus on the experiences that await you.
