Do you want to study abroad? Are you worried? You are, of course. You could never be completely prepared for life in a distant nation (wouldn’t that ruin the drama?) However, you may use our top 9 study abroad suggestions to make the leap of faith a bit less frightening.
There are no words to adequately express how amazing it is to study overseas. It’s been the most amazing time of my life, and it can be for you as well, as you meet other people from all across the world, have real adventures, and make new achievements.
If you’re unprepared, though, the adjustment from cozy family life to independent living can be tough and unpleasant.
My situation was fortunate in that I received a lot of help from my parents, the admissions office, and others. Nonetheless, I know a few people who were in potentially avoidable difficult situations at the outset of their careers.
If only they’d known more information ahead of time or devised contingency plans in case of a mistake. I’ve been in your shoes before, and I’d like to make your study abroad experience as painless as possible.
So, here are nine things to consider before going abroad to continue your education.
1. Decide where you will study.
Regions are similar to people in that no two are alike. When it comes to making friends, you’ll probably find it easier to communicate with people who share your interests.
You’ll want to do something similar, but in the area of learning, when settling in a country or location where you’d like to invest a significant amount of time living and studying.
To begin, familiarize yourself with the country’s language, customs, religious practice, mannerisms, food, and other aspects so you don’t go in blind. Perhaps you’d like to go in with no preconceived notions or expectations, which is OK.
Whatever the case may be, it’s always a good idea to know what you’re up against beforehand so you don’t end up regretting your decision afterward.
2. Climate & Clothing
The weather is something you should think about. Investigate the climate and average temperature of the location you’ve selected. I’m from is Malaysia, where the average temperature is 37 degrees Celsius all year, so I’m used to wearing light shirts and shorts.
I attended EF Academy Torbay, which has, should we say, unusual weather. The blinds are drawn while I write this article to keep the blazing sunlight and warmth from bothering me.
However, we experienced a snowstorm just two weekends prior that had not occurred in Torbay in almost nine years. We should expect a lot of rain tomorrow and the next few days. As you can see, knowing the weather in the location is essential for packing.
3. Mobile phone plan
This is critical when studying in a foreign country. You never know when you’ll need to call a taxi business, use your data for Google Maps, or make an emergency call at the airport.
Check with your mobile phone company before you travel to see whether they have international plans for the country you’ll be moving to and if they’re still inexpensive.
If not, make sure you sign up for a mobile plan once you are at the airport so you don’t have to worry about it. If possible, bring a cheap backup phone in case your primary phone breaks. It’s impossible to be too cautious.
4. Finances and budgeting
While it may not be on your mind all the time when your parents are present, you must be aware of your financial situation and budgeting while studying abroad. similar to yours.
Make sure your bank, like your mobile service provider, is aware of the situation before you leave so that your payments aren’t declined when you go out to have a cup of coffee.
If you haven’t previously, you should be aware of the following:
The overseas billing cost charged by your bank is the current currency rate between your native country and the country to which you will be relocating your new country’s monetary system
When I was in America, for example, it took me a long time to get acclimated to their currency system, and it was embarrassing at times when I was rummaging about in my wallet trying to find the proper coins. So make sure you’re familiar with the system so you don’t end up becoming “that person.”
5. Emergency Contact
Of course, we all know the emergency numbers for various countries, so that’s not what I’m talking about. (Note: Research the country’s emergency hotline before you relocate.)
What I’m referring to is your school’s/college’s/emergency university’s number, which you can call if you get lost or something happens to you at the airport after you arrive.
To be safe, write down the emergency number on a piece of paper and put it in your luggage in case your phone is lost or stolen.
6. Electronic gadgets
Phones and laptops, on the other hand, are an absolute must, as most schools and institutions are becoming more electronic by incorporating Google and other learning applications into their systems.
If you don’t have a laptop, typing a 1,000-word essay on your phone screen or doing a presentation on your tablet will be difficult. Make sure you understand your school/course and have the necessary electronic equipment.
7. Disorientation and homesickness
Several of my family went through cultural differences after they first began researching abroad, and many of them are restless throughout the educational year.
If you follow the first guideline, you should be able to prevent culture shock. Unexpected circumstances may, however, cause you to be alerted, so you’ll have to adapt.
To do so, maintain an open and optimistic mind about what’s going on around you and ask for assistance. Don’t disconnect yourself in the hopes of meeting somebody or something. Because you are now a young person, you must take full responsibility for yourself.
In terms of homesickness, I’ve never been homesick before for reasons I don’t understand. So, based on what I’ve seen others do, bring some food from home and phone your parents frequently.
Remember that no matter how much you miss home, the next vacation is just around the corner, so take advantage of your time away since you’ll miss it after it’s done.
8. Consult a Travel Physician
Before you leave, make an appointment with your doctor to receive a physical to safeguard your wellbeing. Take a duplicate of your medical information with you if you are traveling internationally in case of an emergency.
It’s also crucial to learn about the host country’s vaccine regulations and be inoculated before leaving. Most organizations will counsel you on the types of vaccinations you’ll need (if any) while overseas, but you might want to also contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up-to-date disease information.
Also, if you have a serious medical condition that necessitates the use of prescription drugs, you should bring enough with you to last the duration of your trip (if possible).
To avoid being confused for illegal drugs, prescription medications must be transported in properly labeled containers. It’s also a good idea to carry a signed prescription or note from your doctor.
9. Purchase travel insurance.
While living overseas, it’s critical to have a solid health and accident insurance policy in place, as well as insurance for emergency rescue and return (but hopefully not!).
Although your health insurance provider may cover you while traveling (not all do), there are a few things that travel insurance will cover that health insurance will not. Consider the following scenario:
- If your flight is delayed or canceled, you’ll be covered.
- Luggage that has gone missing
- Personal items that have been stolen
- Evacuation is essential in the event of an outbreak or a natural catastrophe.
- Travel insurance is available from companies such as WorldNomads.
If you only need health insurance for your stay abroad, the Council on International Educational Exchange in the United States offers affordable coverage for students, teachers, and youth under the age of 25. Alternative options are Student Travel Guard and GeoBlue.
Final thoughts
Students who study abroad with us at EF Academy gain confidence and develop their ability to think independently. We give comprehensive university preparation as well as a global future.