Preparing to Study Abroad

GENERAL

Study abroad adds a new perspective to your studies. You will see things from another point of view, which will help you to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills. Studying abroad is an eye-opening experience. People, culture and even the weather differ from what you are accustomed to. Researching your host country can prevent you from having a culture shock. Living and learning in another culture in the midst of the unfamiliar adds to our understanding of the variety of cultures in our world and gives us a maturity and perspective which can be gained in no other way.

However, there are other important details to consider when you prepare to study abroad:

A passport and student visa are important documents that you need to legally remain in a foreign country. Apply for a passport several months before of you apply for studying abroad. Your passport may later be used to prepare your student visa if the host country requires you to have one.

Photocopy all these documents and give them to your family and student counselor in your home country. Keep a copy for yourself by packing it separately from your original documents. This way, it will be easier to generate new documents if your original ones are lost or stolen while you stay abroad.

Before leaving you home country, consult your doctor for a full physical check to ensure that you are in good health. Bring along a copy of your medical records in case of an emergency overseas. Know the host country's immunization requirements and become immunized before your departure.

Get a reliable health insurance policy that includes medical evacuation and repatriation if a medical emergency occurs. Consider taking a comprehensive travel insurance policy if you intend to travel a lot while you are overseas.

Develop a realistic budget for your study and stay abroad and stick closely to it. Learn about the cost of living and account for fixed expenses such as rent utilities and essentils. Put money aside for entertainment and the occasional shopping. Add your one-time expenses as well, such as the purchase of a car and your rent deposit.

Have at least threeor four months of savings before you leave to study abroad. When you arrive overseas, set up your account in a good bank with branch offices near your campus and where you live. Have some money transferred from your account at home.

For safety, avoid carrying too much cash. Rather, have student checks and debit or credit cards in hand.

Regular communication with your family and friends is essential when you study abroad. The Internet is ofcourse the best option. Your campus library may allow free Internet access during office hours, so you can send emails to your family and friends. However, you may be restricted from using chat and Internet telephone calls. It is advisable to buy an international calling card to make affordable calls to home.

To economize, request on-campus accommodation when you apply for your study abroad program. Universities give priority to foreign students, although on-campus accommodation may only be offered for a limited period, such as the first semester or year. Survey the rental market early to avoid paying expensive rent due to lack of more affordable options.

Share a place with your campus friends. Staying with a host family by exchanging domestic services like cleaning and babysitting is another economic alternative. However, check with your student counselor beforehand to avoid violating any laws.

You may also consider staying as a paying guest if such an alternative is available.

Pack only what you need to get settled in the host country. Avoid bringing clothes for a whole year. Chances are, you may not even use most of them, especially if the weather is completely different.

Know the weather when you arrive so that you can wear appropriate clothing. Remember to bring adaptors if you are bringing your own electrical appliances. Place important documents pertaining to your study abroad in a hand-carry luggage and keep it with you at all times.

Leaving to study abroad opens your mind to another world. Your experience should not be fraught with lack of preparation and last minute planning, so bear these tips in mind to have a hassle-free departure to your host country.