We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Prepare to Study Abroad?

By Aniza Pourtauborde
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,458
Share

Studying abroad is an eye-opening experience. People, culture and even the weather differ from what you are accustomed to. Researching your host country can prevent you from having a culture shock. However, there are other important details to consider when you prepare to study abroad:

1. Documentation

A passport and student visa are critical documents that you need to legally remain in a foreign country. Apply for a passport several months ahead of your application to study abroad. Your passport may later be used to prepare your student visa if the host country requires you to have one.

Photocopy these documents and give them to your family and student counselor in your home country. Keep a copy for yourself by packing it separately from your original documents. This way, it will be simpler to generate new documents if your original ones are lost or stolen while you study abroad.

2. Health

Before leaving, consult your doctor for a full physical examination to ensure that you are in good health. Bring along a copy of your medical records in case of an emergency overseas. Know the host country’s immunization requirements and become immunized before your departure.

3. Insurance

Get a reliable health insurance policy that includes medical evacuation and repatriation if a medical emergency occurs. Consider taking a comprehensive travel insurance policy if you intend to travel a lot while you are overseas.

4. Money matters

Develop a realistic budget for your study abroad and stick closely to it. Learn about the cost of living and account for fixed expenses such as rent and utilities. Put money aside for entertainment and the occasional shopping spree. Add your one-time expenses as well, such as the purchase of a car and your rent deposit.

Have at least three months of savings before you leave to study abroad. When you arrive overseas, set up your account in a reliable bank with branch offices near your campus and where you live. Have some money transferred from your account at home. For safety, avoid carrying too much cash. Rather, have student checks and debit or credit cards on hand.

5. Communication

Regular communication with your family and friends is essential when you study abroad. The Internet connects the world with just a click of a mouse. Your campus library allows free Internet access during office hours, so you can send emails to your family and friends. However, you may be restricted from using more advanced Internet features, like chat programs and Internet telephone calls. You can buy an international calling card instead to make affordable calls to home.

6. Accommodation

To economize, request on-campus accommodation when you apply for your study abroad program. Universities give priority to foreign students, although on-campus accommodation may only be offered for a limited period, such as the first semester or year. Survey the rental market early to avoid paying expensive rent due to lack of more affordable options.

Share a place with your campus friends. This helps save on gas expenses when you carpool to classes. Staying with a host family by exchanging domestic services like cleaning and babysitting is another economic alternative. However, check with your student counselor beforehand to avoid violating any laws.

7. Packing

Pack only what you need to get settled in the host country. Avoid bringing clothes for a whole year. Chances are, you may not even use most of them, especially if the weather is completely different.

Know the weather when you arrive so that you can wear appropriate clothing. Remember to bring adaptors if you are bringing your own electrical appliances. Place important documents pertaining to your study abroad in a hand-carry luggage and keep it with you at all times.

Leaving to study abroad opens your mind to another world. Your experience should not be fraught with lack of preparation and last minute planning, so bear these tips in mind to have a hassle-free departure to your host country.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By mandydances — On Apr 30, 2011

My niece got a study abroad scholarship. We were sad to see her go, but happy for her at the same time. She will learn so much about another country, herself, and obtain an education.

By honeysuckle — On Apr 28, 2011

I wish I could have had a study abroad opportunity. My sister did, and she had so much fun while learning. In my case, I was the older child and my parents had less money when I was going to college. I was working full-time to pay my way through school. I also got grants to help me. I am happy for my sister; I just wish sometimes I would have had the same opportunity.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-can-i-prepare-to-study-abroad.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.