What to Know About Going to College Abroad
There are many critical aspects of a typical university experience, and travel happens to be at the top of many students’ favorite experiences.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students to travel and continue their education in a new, stimulating environment. Living within a new a culture, surrounded with new people and new ideas can have great benefits – opening one’s mind, getting out of one’s comfort zone and becoming a better person.
However, deciding to study abroad also means a lot of preparation. It is not as simple as jetting off and being incredibly knowledgeable tourist in a new country all of a sudden, although we’d love to believe that it is.
Choosing to study abroad means taking every step carefully to ensure that you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Start Now
Whether you have to worry about the costs or simply the paperwork, there are plenty of both. If you want to study abroad for a couple of semesters, there is a lot of paperwork involved with traveling abroad.
You will need to obtain a student visa, which could also mean you might have to travel to a larger city with sensitive documents in tow. If you start early, any hiccups along the way can be easily taken care of.
Be in Peak Health
Make sure you are in peak health when you travel. If you have a long-term condition or need medication of some sort, speak to your family doctor and make sure that necessary medication is accepted in the country where you are traveling.
They may suggest that you visit a travel clinic, where medical professionals can advise what you need before going abroad.
Skype and Other Forms of Communication
When you are out of the country, it may not be possible to call your loved ones using your mobile phone – or it may simply turn out to be too expensive than it is worth.
Look for other forms of communication through internet, such as social media outlets and Skype. Skype is a great way to video chat and even make ‘phone calls’ with family and friends at no cost but with a little smart planning.
Stay Organized
Keep your travel documents well-organized, as well as your belongings. If you’ve started early, you will have plenty of time to properly organize and rehearse your flight and travel itinerary.
Make sure that you pack your laptop, all the important electronics, and the adequate clothing for a new place. If you forget something important, don’t panic; just notify your family and take advantage of fast and affordable college shipping services and the problem will be solved.
A New Environment
While you have already chosen the country to which you are traveling, you should still do plenty of research. Understand the local culture, have a grasp of the language (especially if you are going there to study in real-time).
Many choose to watch the news carefully leading up to a semester abroad. These observations will make sure you’re truly ready for this new environment.
Finances and Banking
Visit your financial situation to see whether your debit or credit cards will work in the country where you are traveling. Some banks, however, do not have a prominent international reach and may be able to offer a traveler’s credit card in order to financially support yourself as you spend time studying in a foreign country.
College can truly be a unique and invaluable experience for all students. Traveling abroad can mean a lengthy application process, but it is worth each hiccup along the way.
This new environment can teach you what you cannot learn in a classroom, and it will depend on you to take full advantage of your travels.
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Photo credits: Passport in suitcase by Kevin Spencer.
