You applied for a study visa abroad and boom, you were given your letter of admission from a foreign university. What next? Preparing for your study abroad program I guess. But there are certain checklists to prepare for your study abroad while this necessitates careful planning.
This article will teach you what to expect, how to prepare, and what to anticipate when studying abroad.
Just continue reading.
How to prepare to study abroad
1. You need the right documentation.
Studying abroad entails traveling to another nation; wahoo! To do so, you’ll need a new type of identification: a passport. Passports might take several weeks to process, so coordinate as soon as possible.
You will be requested to present your passport as you leave the United States and enter the foreign country. You may also need a visa to study abroad; this varies depending on the country. We recommend speaking with your advisor to ensure you have everything you need, as well as creating digital and physical copies of your passport and visa.
2. Plane tickets are best purchased three months in advance.
Your mother or grandmother may try to persuade you to buy your ticket six months or more in advance, but while they are providing you the gift of peace of mind, it is costing them far more than required. The best time to buy your ticket is three months before your trip date because this is when the prices are normally lowest.
Your airline travel will be an excellent start to the journey. You can select a window or aisle seat (depending on the strength of your bladder!), you may be assigned your TV screen for a movie marathon, and the cuisine isn’t as horrible as it once was. Enjoy!
3. Consciously protect your valuables.
You’ll most likely be traveling with a handful of your most cherished possessions, such as your laptop, smartphone, iPod, passport, good jewelry, or money. It is critical that you actively seek to keep track of your stuff.
While theft is not always a larger risk overseas than at home, you will most likely be more preoccupied (thanks to all of the amazing fun!). Before leaving your dorm, apartment, or homestay, put your money in a money belt or other places on your person. Lock up any belongings you leave behind!
4. Get your bank and online passwords in order.
One of the most frustrating aspects of studying abroad is a problem with your bank. Make sure to notify them ahead of time and provide them with exact dates and locations for your study abroad experience. This reduces the likelihood of having an “uh oh” moment when your ATM or credit card is unexpectedly denied.
Many study-abroad students opt to travel with a debit card instead of cash. Students withdraw cash as needed from international ATMs, which distribute money in the local currency. This helps to avoid long lineups at the bank.
5. Bring good walking shoes.
Let’s face it. Few Americans walk anywhere; we normally get in our automobiles for a five-minute journey to the store and then choose to drive across a large parking lot to secure a better place for our next errand.
Many other countries have a different way of life. You’ll be walking a lot more than usual, especially as you continue to discover the nooks and crannies of your study abroad destination. Your high heels are nice, but they won’t cut it on cobblestone streets or long city blocks. Investing in a nice pair of walking shoes will benefit your lower back, feet, and overall sanity.
6. You can refill your essential toiletries abroad.
If you have a preference for certain cosmetic brands, you might be better off storing up your favorite serums before studying abroad. However, if your hair shines regardless of whether it’s Pantene or not, and you don’t mind switching from Old Spice to a new aroma, soaps, shampoos, laundry detergent, make-up, contact solutions, and other amenities are easily available abroad.
The advantage of the latter choice is that some of these things may be substantially cheaper abroad. The advantage of the former is that Mom and Dad may foot the bill if you simply chuck it in the shopping cart carelessly. It is up to you!
7. Check for accomodation
Your study abroad program may provide a variety of accommodation alternatives, including shared apartments, dorms on an overseas university campus, and homestays. While the alternatives are numerous and diverse, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting an abroad living arrangement.
However, to have the most productive, immersive, and intriguing experience possible, we urge that students intentionally step outside of their comfort zone and select lodging that is less isolating than a private apartment. Engaging with foreigners, whether local or not, is a truly transformative experience, and it would be a shame to be so closed off when the opportunity presents itself.
8. Medicines and Insurance
If you are already taking prescription medications, you should consult with your doctor about filling them for the duration of your study abroad program. It would be unreasonable to expect your study abroad destination to have your precise drugs on hand.
Over-the-counter medications are widely available in other countries, but they may have different names; a fast Google search will reveal what to seek in the local drugstore. You might be pleasantly surprised by the amount of recognized pharmaceutical brands in your study-abroad location!
If you find yourself in need of medical care while overseas, don’t panic! Most overseas countries will have adequate medical facilities to care for you. Make sure to have your passport and insurance card with you when visiting the clinic or hospital. You may have to pay for the medical charges upfront and then claim them via your insurance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, don’t bring too much clothing. You can typically get necessary apparel items for a reasonable price, especially if you keep track of seasonal specials in local retailers. You can also buy food, utensils, and bedding in your target country.
You now know what to expect and what to bring with you if you decide to study abroad. Tell us in the comments anything you’d like to add to our list.
