Are you considering studying abroad? It’s an exciting school opportunity that requires careful preparation. International students need to research their host country, prepare for travel and accommodation, and secure scholarships if possible. Studying abroad can be a life-changing campus experience that broadens your horizons and enhances your education. However, it can also be daunting without proper planning. One veteran traveler’s tip is to make sure you have all the necessary documents for your trip.
Before packing your bags for your trip as an international student, create a preparation checklist for studying abroad. This veteran traveler tip should include everything from obtaining necessary visas to researching the school or university campus. Don’t forget to research student scholarships that may be available to you. With this checklist in hand, you’ll feel more confident about embarking on this adventure.
We’ll discuss what international students should consider before leaving home for school and provide a veteran traveler’s tip checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked. It is essential for international students to obtain travel insurance before embarking on their journey. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Preparation Checklist for Studying Abroad
Research and Choose the Right Program
Studying abroad can be an exciting opportunity for international students to explore new cultures, gain valuable skills, and broaden their horizons. However, before choosing the right program, it’s essential to research the school’s campus and available student scholarships.
Research Different Study Abroad Programs
The first step for international students when choosing a study abroad program is to research different options. There are many programs available for students, so it’s crucial to find one that suits your needs and interests. Start by considering what you hope to gain from studying abroad. Do you want to learn a new language or immerse yourself in a particular culture? Are you looking for an internship or research opportunity? Additionally, look into student scholarships that may be available to help fund your school expenses.
Once you have identified your goals as an international student, the next step is to start researching programs that fit those criteria. Look for universities or organizations that offer study abroad opportunities and student scholarships in your field of interest. This will help students like you find the right program that matches their needs.
Make a List of Potential Options
As you study and research different programs, take the step to keep track of potential options by making a list. This veteran traveler tip will help you compare and contrast each program’s features and benefits more easily. Don’t forget to also look into available scholarships to help fund your education.
Include information such as location, duration, cost, courses offered, housing options, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant details that will help a student make an informed decision for their study. As a veteran traveler’s tip, it’s important to research the location and housing options before committing to the program.
Consider Graduate or Scholarship Opportunities
If you’re a student planning on pursuing graduate studies after completing your undergraduate degree or a veteran traveler looking for scholarships to fund your study abroad experience further, consider programs that offer these opportunities. This is a great veteran travel tip to help you achieve your academic and travel goals.
Many veteran travelers know that universities offer graduate-level study abroad programs that allow students to earn credits towards their degree while experiencing life in another country.
Scholarships are also available for students who want to study abroad but need financial assistance. Look into the various scholarship opportunities available through universities or private organizations.
Keep an Open Mind and Explore All the information.
Finally, when researching different study abroad programs, keep an open mind as a student and explore all the information.
Secure necessary documents such as passport, visa, and international student card
Obtain a valid passport and ensure it has at least six months of validity left.
Before embarking on your journey to study abroad, the first thing you need to do is obtain a valid passport. Make sure that your passport has at least six months of validity left before it expires. If not, renew your passport before applying for a student visa. It can take several weeks or even months to get your new or renewed passport, so make sure you plan accordingly.
Apply for a student visa well in advance and make sure to have all the required documents.
To study abroad, you will need a student visa. The process of obtaining a student visa can be lengthy and complicated. Therefore, it’s important to start the application process early and make sure that you have all the required documents ready before submitting your application. Some common documents that may be required include:
- Acceptance letter from the university
- Proof of financial support
- Health certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Passport photos
Make sure to read up on the specific requirements for the country where you plan to study as a student and double-check everything before submitting your application.
Get an international student card to avail discounts on travel, accommodation, and other expenses.
An international student card (ISC) is an essential tool for any student studying abroad. This card provides various benefits, such as discounts on travel tickets, accommodation bookings, food bills, shopping expenses, and much more. ISC holders are also eligible for free access to museums and other cultural events in some countries.
There are different types of cards available depending on your needs—basic or premium—with varying prices ranging from $20 to $50 per year. Students who study can choose the card that suits their requirements.
Pack essentials and lightweight clothing
Create a packing list of essential items
Preparing for studying abroad as a student can be overwhelming, but creating a packing list can help you stay organized. Start by making a list of essential items you’ll need to bring with you as a student. This will vary depending on your destination, the length of your stay, and the activities you plan to do as a student. Some common essentials for a student include:
- Passports and travel documents
- Medications
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Electronics (phone charger, laptop, camera)
- Money and credit cards
Pack lightweight clothes to save space in your bags
Less is more. As a student, you don’t want to be lugging around heavy suitcases or paying extra fees for overweight baggage when you study abroad. Instead, pack lightweight clothes that can easily be mixed and matched. Opt for versatile pieces like t-shirts, jeans, and shorts that can be dressed up or down.
Carry a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate
Studying abroad as a student often means doing laundry less frequently than you would at home. To keep your clean and dirty clothes separate while traveling, carry a student laundry bag with you. This will make it easier to keep track of what needs washing and what doesn’t.
Opt for loose and layered clothing for versatility
When choosing what clothes to pack for studying abroad, students should consider the weather conditions in their destination country. Regardless of the climate, it is always advisable for students to opt for loose-fitting layers that are comfortable enough for long hours of walking tours or sightseeing trips.
Bring a few pairs of comfortable shoes for different activities
Walking is one of the best ways to explore new places during study abroad trips, so bringing comfortable shoes is important. Consider packing a few pairs, such as sneakers or sandals, that are suitable for different activities like hiking or exploring cities on foot.
Preparation Checklist for Studying Abroad
Take Care of Banking and Online Passwords
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. One important aspect to consider is your banking and online passwords. Here are some essential tips to help you take care of these aspects before you leave:
Open a Bank Account in Your Destination Country
Before leaving for your study abroad program, it’s important to open a bank account in your destination country. This will ensure that you have access to local currency without having to pay high exchange fees or rely on credit cards.
Research different banks in the area where you’ll be studying and compare their services, fees, and requirements. Some may require specific documents, such as proof of enrollment or residency permits.
Once you’ve chosen a bank, make an appointment to open an account as soon as possible after arriving at your study destination.
Notify Your Current Bank About Your Travel Plans
It’s also crucial to inform your current bank about your travel and study plans so they won’t flag any transactions made from abroad as fraudulent activity.
Contact your bank’s customer service department or visit a branch office in person to let them know when and where you’ll be traveling or studying abroad. They may advise you on how to avoid transaction fees while using ATMs overseas or offer travel insurance options.
Set Up Online Banking and a mobile app for Easy Access
Setting up online banking and mobile app access is another way to manage your finances while studying abroad. This will allow you to monitor account balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and receive alerts about suspicious activity.
Make sure to study the bank’s website’s security by checking for “https” at the beginning of the URL address or looking for a padlock symbol next to the web address. Avoid accessing sensitive information through public Wi-Fi networks or shared computers.
Download the bank’s mobile app onto your smartphone or tablet so that you can easily study balances and make transactions on the go.
Respect Local Culture and Currency
Learn about local customs and respect them
One of the most important things to do when studying abroad is to learn about the local customs and culture. This will help you better understand the people around you as well as avoid any cultural misunderstandings or faux pas. For example, in some countries, it may be considered rude to wear shoes indoors or to show too much skin in public.
To prepare for your trip, do some research on the country’s traditions and customs before you go. Read books, watch documentaries or movies set in that country, and talk with friends who have visited or lived there before. You can also reach out to your study abroad program coordinator for resources.
Once you arrive in your host country, study how the locals behave and interact with one another. Ask questions if you’re unsure about something or need clarification on a cultural norm. Remember that while it’s okay to make mistakes while studying a new culture, it’s important to approach everything with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Familiarize yourself with the local language
Learning some basic phrases in the local language can go a long way when studying abroad in a new country. Not only will it help you communicate more effectively with locals, but it can also make daily tasks like ordering food or asking for directions easier.
Before leaving for your study abroad program, consider taking a language course or using online resources like Duolingo or Babbel to get started on learning the basics of the language spoken in your host country.
Once you arrive, study and practice speaking with locals whenever possible. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; most people appreciate it when foreigners try their best to speak their language.
Veteran traveler tip: Use local currency instead of relying on credit cards
While credit cards are convenient for traveling abroad, they often come with hidden fees that can add up quickly over time. To avoid these fees and save money, consider using local currency instead. If you are planning to study abroad, it is important to study the exchange rates and fees associated with using credit cards to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Prepare for Emergencies with a First Aid Kit and Medication Prescriptions
Pack a first-aid kit with essential items
When studying abroad, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. One way to do this is by packing a first-aid kit with essential items. Some of the must-have items in your first aid kit include bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes or sprays, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, and pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also add other items like insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, and allergy medication if you need them.
Include prescription medications in your kit
If you are studying abroad and take prescription medications regularly, make sure to pack enough for the duration of your study. In addition to bringing enough medication with you, it’s also important to carry copies of your prescriptions and doctor’s notes in case you need refills or replacements while studying overseas.
Research local pharmacies and hospitals before you leave
Before leaving for your study abroad program, research local pharmacies and hospitals near your destination. Make sure to note their addresses and contact information so that you can access them quickly in case of an emergency.
Bring toiletries for personal hygiene and sanitation
Apart from a first aid kit and prescription medications, it’s also essential to bring toiletries for personal hygiene and sanitation purposes. These may include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap bars or liquid soap dispensers (if preferred), shampoo/conditioner bottles (travel-sized), deodorant sticks/sprays/roll-ons (travel-sized), sanitary napkins/tampons/panty liners (for women), razors/shaving cream/gel (for men), nail clippers/file/scissors/tweezers/cotton balls/q-tips/hairbrushes/combs/hair ties/bobby pins/make-up remover wipes/mois/lip balms, and other necessary items. If you are planning to study while traveling, don’t forget to bring your books and study materials as well.
Final Checklist Before Departure
Congratulations on taking the first step toward studying abroad! As you prepare for your departure, it’s essential to ensure that you have everything in order. Here is a quick summary of the key points to remember:
- Research and study to choose the right program: Take time to research different programs and study one that aligns with your academic goals.
- Secure necessary documents such as a passport, visa, and international student card: Make sure you have all the required documents before leaving for your destination.
- Pack essentials and lightweight clothing. Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying your luggage around, so pack light but don’t forget any essentials.
- Take care of banking and online passwords: Notify your bank of your travel plans and make sure you have access to important online accounts.
- Respect local culture and currency. Learn about the local culture and customs before leaving to avoid any cultural faux pas.
- Prepare for emergencies with a first aid kit and medication prescriptions. Be prepared for any medical emergencies by packing a first aid kit along with any necessary medications.
Remember, studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but adequate preparation is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition. Good luck on your journey!
FAQs
1. What should I do if I lose my passport while abroad?
Report the loss or theft immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country.
2. How do I find accommodation while studying abroad?
Research different options, such as dormitories, homestays, or off-campus apartments, before departing.
3. Can I work part-time while studying abroad?
It depends on the regulations of each country; check with local authorities or university officials for more information.
4. How can I manage homesickness while studying abroad?
Stay connected with friends and family back home through video calls or social media platforms; also, try making new friends in your destination country.
Additionally, it’s important to research the culture and customs of the country you’ll be studying in to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.