Attaining the right mindset will enhance your study abroad experience. Don’t think of it as just another vacation; consider it an opportunity to expand your mind and experience another culture. While adjusting may initially be challenging, once you let go of any anxieties and embrace all that your new surroundings have to offer you’ll discover that studying abroad becomes far more rewarding.
Make a Study Abroad Checklist can help keep everything in order while traveling abroad. With so many applications, deadlines, and arrangements to arrange, it can be easy for things to slip through the cracks. By creating a chronological checklist you can help ensure no important steps are forgotten while your studying abroad journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Applying for a passport is one of the first and most essential steps you need to take before beginning your study abroad journey. It’s best to do so as soon as possible as this process could take up to one year depending on your destination country; furthermore, visa applications often involve extensive planning and research processes that take longer than anticipated.
At this stage, it’s also wise to research the university that will host your studies. Doing this will give you a clearer sense of what’s to be expected from its programs and facilities as well as getting familiar with its academic policies, calendar, and grading practices.
Before travelling abroad for study purposes, ensure you have a valid student health insurance plan to protect you against medical emergencies that might arise while there. Many universities offer their own student health plans which may offer more coverage; it would be advisable if this was your only source of protection.
Before leaving for your study abroad destination, it is wise to acquire some local currency. This will come in handy for purchasing food, transport tickets, and other essentials – however be mindful not to bring along more cash than necessary as carrying too much could make you an easy target for thieves and exchange/transfer is less feasible abroad.
Use public transportation to explore your new neighborhood, while saving on transportation costs – most cities offer student passes which provide free or discounted travel for students; simply keep your student ID card handy to take advantage of this perks!
Those with specific health needs should remember to pack their prescription medicines in pill form and request that their physician write a letter authorizing their use in foreign countries, so as to bring enough for the duration of your stay. Also be sure to include copies of both health insurance cards and emergency contact details just in case an unexpected emergency arises during travel.
Your suitcase should include personal items like a notebook, pen and toothbrush – however don’t bring too many toiletries as these are available at reasonable prices in local markets. Don’t forget a power adapter; not all countries use identical electrical sockets; packing versatile clothing will help reduce weight.