There's no other way to put it, studying abroad is exciting. Getting the chance to meet people from all over the world, gaining experience unlike any other, and also making new memories in life- what is there not to actually love about studying abroad?
However, if you are unprepared, you might find this transition rather uncomfortable, difficult, and stressful. So in this article, we have put together a list of useful study abroad preparation checklists that will in assisting you in your study abroad.
Moreover, while you will be required to pinch every penny trying to get through the gauntlet of college life, it doesn't mean you can't kill it with an incredible trip. You will need to play it smart, watching your wallet carefully to help minimize your expense while you're still able to have the maxi-life during your study stay.
Your preparation is as adequate as knowing what to pack when you are traveling abroad. We desire that you wander around school confidently during your stay, and come back with some money still in the bank.
Study Abroad Preparation - Helpful Tips
1. Be sure that all your paperwork is in order.
Get your passport as early as possible and also apply for your visa(s) quite on time (if you're reading this and you're thinking "Visa? What Visa? Please you can actually go look up your chosen country's visa requirements immediately). If you have a passport, triple-check the expiration date. Be sure it will really last you beyond your stay abroad.
2. Secure Your Courses, Flight and Housing.
Without a doubt all study abroad programs are quite unique, however, most of them involve traditional coursework. You have to know what classes you'll have to be taking and when they meet (this will enable you to plan activities around that schedule), and where you'll be staying (this will help in determining your commute).
If you're doing some travel before the semester begins, that's awesome! Just be sure that you have booked a flight to your study abroad destination. That is actually the whole point of the trip, so don't be leaving it to chance.
3. Talk To Your Bank.
Meet your banker and have conversations with him/her about how your credit card works overseas. Some banks usually have their own, hassle-free items in your area, and some might actually have regional partners that don't charge a fee for withdrawing cash.
If you do belong to a smaller bank that doesn't have an international presence, then you should plan for that. You can lean on a traveler's credit card as much as possible, and only take out cash when it is necessary.
4. Budget Your Finances
This may be something that isn't always on your mind when your parents are around, but when you begin studying abroad, you will need to be aware of your monetary circumstances and budgeting. Just like your mobile service provider, be sure that there's an agreement with your bank before you actually leave, this will help them not to decline your payments when you're buying some coffee.
Here are a few things you should be aware of if you aren't already:
-You should be aware of your bank's international charging fee
-The current exchange rate between your home country and the country that you're traveling to.
-The monetary system of your new home.
5.Keep Up To Date with the Currency Exchange
When you're deciding where to study abroad, tons of students usually consider their daily expenses, although some of the cheapest countries are usually the least stable. Don't just assume that the US dollar, for example, will have the same value when you're studying abroad as it did when you did check the exchange rate a few months ago, most especially if your country has a particularly volatile economy.
Even small and insignificant changes can make huge impacts when you're actually budgeting for months instead of days, and you could suddenly find yourself spending Western Europe Money on what you thought was a budget-friendly destination.
6.Electronic Devices
On the flip side though, phones and laptops are absolute essentials as most schools and colleges this day are being more electronic, they are now introducing e-learning and other online-based learning programs into their curriculum.
If you don't have a laptop, you will surely find it difficult to type up to 1,000-word essays on your phone screen or create a presentation on your tablet.
And also, be sure to know your school/course and also get the appropriate electronic equipment.
7.Emergency Number
Yes, we probably know the emergency numbers of different countries so yes, that isn't what I'm talking about (Get to know the emergency hotline of the country that you're traveling to, that is if you don't already know it).
What I'm referring to is the emergency number of your school/ college or university so there's someone you can call if you possibly get lost or something happens to you at the airport upon landing.
8.Culture Shock and Homesickness.
We actually know a lot of people that experience cultural shock when they first started studying abroad, and tons of people will also experience homesickness throughout the academic year.
But by following these tips that we'll be outlining below, you'll be able to avoid some cultural shock. However, some unforeseen circumstances or events may tip you off, so you will really need to cope.
To do this, you'll have to overcome this:
-Keep an open and positive mind about what is happening around you and consistently ask for help if need be.
-Don't isolate yourself and just hope for someone to come along. Put yourself out there often, make friends, and be nice to people.
-all and communicate with your people at home regularly.
-Take it like you're there for just a short while, so be sure to enjoy your time abroad, because you'll surely miss it when it is over.
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