Studying Abroad? 7 Things to Plan

Going to study abroad is a life-changing decision and the experience of a lifetime. While you’re probably spending all your time sorting out details about the school you’ll be attending and dreaming of all the sightseeing you’ll be doing, don’t forget that there are a number of other important things to plan.

Here are a few of the most crucial ones to think about as far in advance as possible.

Travel Documents

Naturally, you’re not going anywhere if your passports and visas aren’t sorted out. Make sure that your passport is up to date and that your visa is applied for well in advance.

These documents can take a while to be processed, so the sooner you get it done, the better. Remember to research the visa requirements of the country you’ll be staying in to make sure you have everything done right.

Insurance

You’ll want to make sure that you have a reliable insurance policy when you’re traveling and living abroad. As an international student, you can get specialized health insurance policies like Student Secure Insurance that will fit all your needs.

Don’t forget to look at travel insurance too, to cover your luggage and personal belongings and other travel-related issues and emergencies.

Insurance might sound and feel like a drag – an unnecessary expense – but it’s one of those things that we don’t need until we really need it. Make sure that your insurance policies are all up to scratch – and inform your insurance companies at home that you’ll be leaving the country.

Your Budget

Before you decide to drop everything and go exploring the world, keep in mind that you’ll need to keep yourself alive for an extended period.

Consider the costs of your tuition, as well as your typical daily expenses like rent, food, travel, etc. On top of this, you’ll definitely need to factor in some “fun” money for your trip. Studying abroad without taking advantage of the tourist attractions and beautiful new sights to see would be a waste.

Plan your budget carefully and meticulously to avoid running into financial troubles while you’re trying to enjoy your trip. You might want to consider applying for part-time jobs for the duration of your studies. This will allow you to work on paying your tuition and still enjoy your trip too.

Your Bank Account

When moving to a foreign country, even temporarily, you’ll need to sort out where and how you’ll be handling your money.

Opening a bank account as a foreigner might be a little tricky, so try to get this planned and sorted out in advance if possible. Do some research online and chat with professionals who will be able to help you through the process and let you know what documentation you’ll need.

Accommodation

Surprise, surprise – you’ll need somewhere to live! If the college or university you’ll be studying at has a good residency on campus, this might be your best option since they’re usually affordable.

Otherwise, you’ll need to do some house hunting online before you make it to your new city. For a short-term solution, hotels and guesthouses might do the trick, but be sure to plan something for the long-term as quickly as you can, and make sure that your monthly rent fits into your budget.

Research

Once the important things have been planned and organized, you can spend more time focusing on the fun stuff, like what there is to do and see in the country you’ll be studying in.

Do some research about the culture, tourist attractions, foods that you can try out, and even make an effort to learn a little of the local language. The internet is a great way to make yourself familiar with your new home before you’re even there.

Make use of Facebook groups in the area, you might be able to meet some other international students, travelers, or just people that you can connect with on your journey.

Your Packing List

Another thing to plan carefully is your packing list. You might be inclined to throw everything you think you might need into a suitcase the night before your flight, but this is a disaster waiting to happen.

Leaving your home for an extended period means that there is a lot you’ll need to remember to take with you that you can’t simply run back home to fetch if forgotten.

While it’s a good idea to pack light (you can always shop when you’re there), you’ll want to make sure you remember the important things, and weather-appropriate clothing and gear.

The Takeaway

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Getting these things in order before you’re set to jet off is a good way to avoid anxiety while you’re sitting at the airport and wondering what it is that you’re forgetting.

In this regard, you also must read: Why Choose the Overseas Education Consultants for Further Studies?