Top 10 things you need to know before studying abroad
- 1 Why should you study abroad?
- 2 Prepare your study trip abroad with this list.
- 2.1 Prepare your finances
- 2.2 Transfer from the airport to your accommodation abroad
- 2.3 Get the necessary insurance coverage
- 2.4 Store important documents securely.
- 2.5 Find out more about the place you are going.
- 2.6 Pack essential and non-essential items
- 2.7 Is the local language new to you?
- 2.8 Prepare your emergency contacts
- 2.9 Purchase a cell phone plan
Have you been thinking about studying abroad? Having study abroad consultants who can offer professional assistance when travelling abroad would be best. Before you finally set foot in another country, you need to prepare for several requirements and documentation, and for this, you may also need visa consultancy services.
Why should you study abroad?
Broadening your scope of knowledge is always the best way to develop the skills you need for your career. Knowledge is the key to many opportunities. However, applying this knowledge can help you unlock the door to various possibilities. How you think, use your mind and solve any problem defines the efficiency of your skills.
Studying abroad can improve your career prospects. This blog explains what you must know as you prepare for your trip abroad.
Prepare your study trip abroad with this list.
We’ve included a list of nine easy-to-make preparations. If you complete all the tasks on this list, you’ll have a smooth study abroad experience.
Prepare your finances
Studying abroad can become a burden on your finances. It is necessary to ensure that you organize your finances in advance and get the financial support you need based on your current circumstances. If it’s still challenging and you need additional support, several education abroad universities and the government of the country where you want to study offer excellent scholarship programs. You can talk to our education abroad consultants for advice on the scholarship you need.
Transfer from the airport to your accommodation abroad
If you’ve landed in another country for the first time, you don’t want to feel stuck at the airport, especially if you’re new to their transportation system. Therefore, ask your study abroad advisor to arrange your travel from the airport to the school or university you are going to. You may prefer different options for travelling if you are confident in handling things independently. You can look into other options, such as hiring your driver or using public transport. Research your transportation options in advance and download any necessary travel apps. This will save you time, energy, and additional stress when arriving at your destination in a foreign country, especially after a long flight.
Remember to arrange a ride to the airport before departing your home country. Make sure you have planned and organized your travel within your country and abroad in advance.
Get the necessary insurance coverage
Your study abroad program may involve coverage under specific student health insurance packages. This coverage may include travel and health insurance, among other coverages. Special offers are also available depending on the country you are travelling to study abroad.
Store important documents securely.
Store digital and paper copies of all your essential documents. This includes your passport, insurance coverages, credit card company information, etc. Store them in different places, such as leaving a copy at home with your family or friends and keeping a digital and paper copy with you.
Find out more about the place you are going.
Knowing where the country and city you will study in can help you settle in more easily. Many international students have travelled to their study abroad destination without the necessary research, which can make them feel more anxious and cause them to experience culture shock.
You can also research the places you can visit and tour to make your trip abroad more fun and memorable. Buy travel guides or simply check online about your new home away from home and its offerings. Even though it’s impressive to see in person, taking a look in advance can help you plan your trips and excursions more efficiently.
Different places have different customs, habits, and cultures. Read them to learn about the traditional habits of that city.
Pack essential and non-essential items
This may be obvious, but it is also one of the most stressful tasks. Many students plan their bags at the last minute, which causes them to become stressed and forget to do what is essential. While some plan ahead, there is a chance that oversold items will also be available abroad. In an emergency, bring necessary items such as a carrying bag, basic first aid kit, personal hygiene products, etc.
Be sure to take your prescriptions and medications, too. Make a checklist of what you want to bring and remove unnecessary items. For example, carrying five pens instead of two for the journey can only increase the number of items you have with you.
Is the local language new to you?
There is a chance that you may not know the language of the locals abroad. You can start learning the language by enrolling in a class that teaches the language. You can always make drama series that show characters speaking that language. This can help you understand their dialect and how they pronounce each word.
Prepare your emergency contacts
While saving numbers on your cell phone is easy, remember that you don’t always have your phone with you. Be sure to write down emergency contacts in a diary and try to memorize significant numbers, including passwords. This way, if you are stuck for details online or on your phone, you can access your paper copies where you wrote everything down wisely.
Purchase a cell phone plan
The last and most crucial part of your trip abroad is to ensure that you purchase a reasonably affordable cell phone plan. This way, you can talk to your loved ones at home and also connect with people where you live.
You should obtain a SIM card at your destination. Before leaving, check with your mobile operator about roaming costs and data plan facilities to avoid a huge phone bill when you return home.
You can’t always access your mobile data without incurring excessive bills, so if possible, make sure you use (free) Wi-Fi in your school, home, and possibly even public places.
We hope your trip abroad is smooth and memorable. Contact study education consultants at 7 Sky Consultancy if you require documentation assistance, guidance, or visa consultancy services.