So, you’ve been accepted onto a program in foreign university of your choice, and are preparing to set off to start your new international student life. While you’re preparing all the stuff you need make sure you follow our study abroad checklist to make sure you’re as prepared as you can be for your international trip.
Whether your study abroad session is for a month, a semester, an entire academic year or a full degree, it’s vital that you think about the important things that you must opt for, like travel insurance that will help make your time abroad run as smoothly as possible.
Read on for our Study Abroad Checklist Essentials…
1. Passport
Of course, you’re not going to forget your passport on an International trip. But what you may need to ensure in time before boarding your new study journey is whether your passport will remain valid for the duration of your travel or not.
In Many countries, by the rules, you might require to have at least six months extra on your passport beyond your study timeline, so make sure you do have what’s required. If you do need to renew your passport, make sure you apply in time and as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in starting your term. Passport processing time varies from country to country but generally takes six weeks or more.
2. Student Visa
Depending on your choice of country to study in, you will have to procure a student visa in order to be allowed in the country for your study. Often, if you are applying for an undergraduate degree at an accredited university, the school assists you with the student visa process. This is not always the case, in case you don’t get help. You may get online and search or directly get in touch with the visa department.
To do this you will need to contact the embassy of your country of study and get details. You may also need to attend an appointment as part of procuring your student visa. In the interview, you are asked to bring documentation such as a university letter of approval, valid passport, proof of funds, and etc.
3. Finances
One of the most important aspects that needs undivided attention while going abroad for studies is finance.
Consider planning finances as making sure you have the money required, safe and accessible for the duration of your study travel. While in a foreign land, carrying the local currency is a must, but make sure you don’t solely rely on cash or withdraw and store large amounts of cash at a time.
One of the most common mistakes that people do is that they get their money exchanged at airports and become victims of superbly expensive exchange rates. The best thing to do id to get your currencies done from a recognized money exchanger well before time. This also gives you the opportunity to get your currency done at the best exchange rates. To get the best rates, you can get help and a price comparison through Paul Merchants.
Plan even for cash, make sure you have a bank account which grants you access to your cash through your debit card or make payments through credit cards. Most banks are internationally recognized, but you will often be charged a small fee every time you withdraw money or pay with your card. Make sure your card is valid for your travel duration and also update your bank about travel to make sure it isn’t blocked.
Once you know you are going to access your money while you are away, you must also know how to spend it wisely. Whether you’re funding yourself through scholarships, savings, education loan or something else, keeping and following a budget is one of the most hardest and important thing.
For more information about handling your student finances, you can visit www.paulmerchants.net
4. International Student Scholarships
If this brief talk on ‘planning your finances’ has got you worried, we suggest you to consider trying at international student scholarships to find out whether you are eligible to receive additional funding for your studies.
Your first scholarship call should be your new university’s website. Here you will find information about all the scholarships, grants and bursaries that are available and how can students apply for it. Many of these scholarships are subject-specific and/or needs-based, and sometimes exclusive to high-achieving students.
If your university doesn’t offer anything you are eligible for, applying and searching for outside funding is also an option. There are various companies, National Scholarship programs available that provide education funding.
Almost all the student scholarships are heavily subscribed to, so you should make sure to research about the scholarship and start working on it well in advance to meet all the deadlines and to increase your chance of getting one.
5. International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
ISIC – The International Student Identity Card is one that should be on every international student’s study abroad checklist. The card offers discounts on products and services around the world.
Students can check online to see whether the International Student Identity Card would be useful to them and discover discounts that they offer on travel insurance, public transport, international Sim cards and a number of other useful things.
The International Student Identity Card is offered by The International Student Travel Confederation, the organization has offices in 106 countries and offers help with many travel-related issues you may face as an international student.
6. Travel insurance
Many may feel like Travel Insurance is an unnecessary cost, but, in reality, it is an essential part that needs to be addressed when you are planning to study abroad.
Travel insurance should be seen as a small, one-off payment that will cover you from any unforeseen event of a loss. If anything happens to you during your stay – like illness, injury, theft – the insurance cover will protect you. In many countries, it is essential and mandatory to have a travel insurance policy of enough cover, to make sure the student is protected during the study stay.
7. Medical
Medical wellness is another essential that needs to be covered. To make sure you’re fit and fine before leaving for studies, it is advised that students go through a thorough medical test. In many countries, there are listed vaccinations that are required to be done before boarding for studies. As an aware student one should check it with the chosen study destination and consult a doctor.
In case you have a medical condition and you need ongoing care while you’re away, make sure to update your doctors and that they send a copy of your medical records abroad.
Foreign prescriptions are not always honored, so make sure to allow yourself some extra time to collect your prescription well in advance for your trip.
8. Language
If you are chosen to study abroad in a country of which you do not speak the local language, fear not! Often in various European countries and much of Asia, you’ll find locals who speak at least a little bit of English. Regardless of this, you should consider taking some language lessons.
Language lessons do not mean professional courses, there are various DIY learning options available. Applications can Duolingo, offer comprehensive reading, listening and writing features to learn the language. These comprehensive learning options can help you adapt yourself to fully immerse in the local environment and get localized.
The best part of learning is that it is available on your smartphones. When in doubt or lost in a new town, able to politely converse with locals can be of great help.
9. Travel
The first and foremost thing on every student’s ‘study abroad checklist’ should be the knowledge and means to be able to get around the new country and explore its culture. In order to travel smart and on a budget it is critical to book your initial flights beforehand, but also to do thorough research on how will you travel in the country.
Internet can be a great tool in this, allowing you to check and use dedicated applications, compare rates, check timings, various modes of travel and more to make the best decision. Through internet, you can also find and buy a railcard for trains or coach cards for buses.
Doing all this beforehand will surely help you save more and make a more informed decision.
If you need any more information or need experts to help you with your Visa, Travel arrangements, Foreign Exchange, and more, you may get in touch with us at – 1800 137 1444.