- Gather all necessary documents, such as passports and visas, before departure.
- Research accommodation options that best suit your financial situation.
- Set up an international bank account to manage your funds abroad.
- Familiarize yourself with the local language and cultural norms.
- Investigate health and safety considerations, including setting up a comprehensive health insurance plan.
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and go to college abroad. This can be a thrilling yet intimidating experience. To make sure you’re as prepared as possible, there are some essential things all foreign college students should know before they embark on their journey. Take a look at these top five essentials.
1. Essential Documents
You first need to ensure you have all your necessary documents in order. The list can vary significantly depending on where you are going and what kind of visa you will need. Make sure you have your passport and any other necessary travel documents, your student visa (if applicable), proof of insurance or medical coverage, proof of identity (birth certificate or national ID card), and any other documents required by the country/university. In addition, if you plan to work while studying abroad, you may also need a work permit or visa for that purpose.
Student Visas
Student visas can take up to several months to obtain, so start the process early. Depending on your country of residence and study destination, visas may need to be renewed regularly or even annually. Most student visas also have a limit on the number of hours you can work while studying abroad. So it’s essential to factor that into your potential financial plans.
2. Accommodations
When you move abroad, you’ll most likely need to arrange some form of accommodation for yourself. Depending on your financial situation and university regulations, this could range from a dorm room to a private apartment. Make sure that you are familiar with the housing options available to you. If need be, contact the university or local government offices to inquire about potential grants or other housing assistance forms.
Many universities offer on-campus accommodation; however, depending on which one is right for you, it may be more cost-effective to look into off-campus housing options such as apartments or shared rooms with other students. Many real estate firms offer student accommodation options for rent close to universities that can provide you with a safe and affordable place to stay during your studies. Additionally, if your university has student support services, it might be worth looking into them. They can often help with everything from finding roommates to sorting out rental agreements.
3. Finances
How will you cover your living expenses? If applicable in your case — scholarships, grants, and financial aid from the university should cover tuition costs. Still, additional funds may be needed to cover costs like food and transportation, depending on where exactly you are going. This is why it is essential to check beforehand how much money per month would be needed for this purpose so that sufficient funds can be set aside accordingly before departure.
International banking
It’s important to have a plan for managing your finances while abroad. Opening a bank account in the country you are studying in is essential and much more accessible than carrying around large sums of money. Most universities offer international student banking services with accounts that can be opened without physically visiting the institution. In addition, some banks offer online access or even debit cards if necessary.
ATMs and Foreign Exchange Rates
Another thing to consider is ATM access and foreign exchange rates; some banks may limit how much you can withdraw at a time, so it is vital to check these details before setting up an account. Knowing the exchange rate in the country you visit is a good way of estimating how far your budget will stretch, especially if you’re receiving some of your funds in a different currency.
4. Language and Cultural Barriers
Going to a foreign country also means that language barriers could be an issue, so it is best to familiarize yourself with the local language as much as possible before your departure. Many universities provide language lessons for international students during their first few months, but basic knowledge of the local dialect will help you get around easily and make friends quickly. You can also check out online courses that may be available for learning the language of your destination country if you don’t want to wait.
Understanding local norms
Cultural differences also play a role in how you might be received abroad, so familiarizing yourself with the local customs and cultural norms is essential. It’s also important to remember that it’s ok to make mistakes — the most important thing is to be respectful of others and show that you are open to learning new things.
5. Health and Safety Considerations
When moving abroad, health and safety considerations should always come first — regardless of location. Therefore, it pays off hugely to research local laws and regulations pertaining specifically to foreign nationals before coming over — both online via official government sources and offline via embassies or consulates. In order to ensure that everyone staying abroad knows what their rights and duties are upon entering a specific country, you can also look into additional resources like the international student handbooks which many universities provide.
Additionally, since it’s essential to stay in good health while abroad — setting up a comprehensive health insurance plan is equally important as well. Therefore, ensure you thoroughly investigate your options and determine what kind of coverage would benefit you and your budget.
To Wrap Things Up
Moving away from home for college can seem daunting, but with proper preparation heading overseas for higher education does not have to feel overwhelming anymore! By ensuring all essential documents are ready before departure and researching everything from finance and health safety considerations through housing options up until cultural differences before arrival — foreign college students now have more access than ever before when heading overseas toward new academic adventures.
