We know you are saving every penny to get through the gauntlet of college life. That does not mean you can not kill it with an incredible study abroad experience. However, you have to play it smart, finding ways to cut corners and keeping a close eye on your wallet to maximize this adventure. We want you to jump at the chance to study abroad, roam confidently, and come back with some cash in the bank.
The best thing about studying abroad is that you make rules, but you must first hit a few checkpoints. You need to choose the country you want to visit, figure out exactly how to get there, and make sure you still have some money left over for the trip.
Study Abroad or The Study Away programs are options universities and colleges provide to complete a semester, year, or sometimes more of a study program at another campus, usually in a foreign country. These programs are an excellent opportunity to get to know a new part of the world, experience a different culture, and travel. Relocating temporarily to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else means having an excellent opportunity to take advantage of abundant travel options. It will allow you to maximize your experience and exposure to new places.
What is the importance of studying abroad?
There are numerous reasons why study abroad programs are so popular. For most students, the appeal is a combination of-
- Receiving a high-quality education
- Experiencing a new culture and often a second language
- Gaining a global mindset
- Broadening the prospects of future employment
For some people, leaving home and venturing into the unknown is daunting. Studying abroad is also an exciting challenge. It will lead to improved job opportunities and a broader understanding of the world’s workings.
The type of experience you’ll have during your time abroad will vary greatly depending on where you go, so be sure to choose your study destination based on your interests and the country’s academic reputation to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
How can I log in?
Most programs are through your institution’s partnership with a program or foreign university. Some schools—like NYU—even have their global campuses to send their students to.
However, many schools allow their students to enroll in public or “all-inclusive” study abroad programs for students from different institutions. These programs benefit people who want to study in a specialized location and a specific subject.
If you type in the name of your school and “study abroad,” you’ll usually find your school’s landing page or study abroad office. From there, you’ll be able to sign up for information sessions, schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor, and—mostly—directly through the website.
10 Things You Should Know Before Studying Abroad
We understand your concern about going to a new place. Here we will provide you with all the essential information you will need for your study abroad trip.
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Provide accurate paperwork:
Get your passport as soon as possible and apply for your visa on time. Suppose you have a passport; double and triple-check the expiration date. Make sure it lasts even after your semester abroad.
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Book courses, flights, and accommodation:
All study abroad programs and facilities are unique, but most include traditional courses. Find out what classes you’ll be taking, when they meet, and where you’ll be living to determine your commute. If you’re traveling before the semester starts, that’s great! Just make sure you book a flight to your study-abroad location.
That is the whole point of the trip, so don’t leave it to chance. You can look at several websites to book your study abroad flights at the cheapest airfares.
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Keep up-to-date with the exchange office:
Many students consider daily expenses when deciding where to study abroad, but some of the cheapest countries to study are also the least stable. Refrain from assuming that the US dollar will be worth the same while studying abroad as it was when you checked the exchange rate five months ago. If your country has a volatile economy, even small changes can significantly impact when your budget for months instead of days and you suddenly find yourself spending money from Western Europe on a destination you thought was affordable.
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Follow the news to find news about your destination:
You’ll want to know if your country’s economy is in decline if its subway system is falling apart, if they’re experiencing major political upheaval, if it is in the middle of a health crisis, etc.
Some significant countries to study abroad are in economic or political flux, so don’t panic because of every little event. Easily incorporate new knowledge into your existing study abroad plans. In the worst-case scenario, the country will close its borders, and your study-abroad trip will cancels. Student travel insurance will protect you in such events.
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Register for the semester with your home government:
You are going overseas. Wifi can be spotty, cell coverage may be non-existent, and sometimes you’ll be 100% alone. It’s one of the reasons why studying abroad is exciting, but it also makes you vulnerable. Please take comfort that no matter what happens, the government has you on its radar. They know who to turn to in an emergency.
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Complete all necessary medical examinations and vaccinations:
Your doctor can recommend visiting a travel clinic to find what you’ll need to stay healthy overseas. Check with your health insurance company to know where and when you will be traveling and to request prescriptions in advance.
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Organize your flights and itinerary:
Gather all your tickets, itineraries, maps, etc., and keep them handy (or actually in your bag – we don’t want any boarding passes or bus tickets left in your seat pockets) for stress-free and efficient travel. Organizing everything ahead of time allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride – especially when you consider all the money you’ve saved with our exclusive student discounts!
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Let more people know where you’re going and how to get in touch with you:
Of course, you should let friends and family know you’re studying abroad—that goes without saying. However, check in often while you’re traveling and let people know if you’re leaving campus for weekend trips or school breaks. You don’t have to live stream every extracurricular adventure, but don’t go completely off the grid.
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Consult with your Bank
It is essential to know to find out how your bank cards work overseas. Some banks have hassle-free ATMs in your area, and some may have regional partners who don’t charge cash withdrawal fees. If your account belongs to a smaller bank that has yet to have an international presence, plan for it. Rely on the traveler’s credit card as much as possible and withdraw cash only in necessary cases.
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Make sure your credits will be accepted at your university:
Preapproved study abroad programs by your department should be exemplary. Still, if you find online or through another office, you should talk to an academic advisor to ensure that you will be on the right track when you return to college school. The last and most important thing you want after studying abroad is to find that none of those classes counts toward your degree.
Do I need to speak a second language to study abroad?
It depends on the country you want to study in and the language. If you are a non-native speaker of the English language but want to explore a course taught in English, you will need to prove that you speak the language. To a relatively high level by providing test results in the English language. It ensures that you can follow your course without any comprehension problems.
The use of English as the language of instruction in several other countries around the world, particularly for postgraduate programs and business degrees. Courses taught in English will be advertised on the university’s website and can sometimes be searched using a centralized database run by a national agency.
Standard tests accepted as proof of English proficiency are TOEFL and IELTS. If you need to prove your knowledge of a language other than English, there are also similar tests in different languages, such as DELF/DALF and TCF-DAP (French) or DSF and TestDaF (German).
Before taking the language test, confirm which results in your chosen school accepts, so you don’t waste money on the wrong test.
Can I work or volunteer while studying abroad?
It all depends on whether your student visa allows you to work. Some countries will not allow international students to work at all. Others allow international students on essential student visas to work. However, other countries require you to complete a particular application to obtain a work permit. If you’re interested, look for the country- or region-specific job requirements.
Even remote work like journalism, video editing, or anything else done entirely digitally requires special authorization to get paid while completing the work in another country.
Volunteering while studying abroad is usually a different story because no salary or paycheck is involved. There are no tax status issues, so volunteering is generally available to international students. However, some countries require you to apply to join any organization. Be sure to check your destination’s requirements before you leave.
There are also plenty of programs that allow you to volunteer or work as an English teacher abroad, read more about them here.
However, most students find that between traveling, class, and meeting new people, there isn’t much time to work—even part-time.
Will study abroad credits work with my degree program?
Therefore, it is essential to have the approval of your university. Ensure your academic advisor knows your plans to study abroad as soon as possible. This way, you can plan for limited study abroad opportunities and permanent degree requirements you must complete before graduation.
Most places will only have some of the classes you need to complete your degree. And some schools will not accept core requirements taken in a non-university program. So you MUST consult with your academic advisor. Your school’s study abroad office can help you work with your advisor, fill out forms to eliminate specific requirements, or clear a particular study abroad class with a primary or core curriculum requirement.
It takes work to plan so far ahead in your academic career. But it is necessary to have the best experience and graduate on time.
Conclusion
Successfully planning a month-long trip abroad is a big challenge. It is especially true when you go to school, on trips, and work or volunteer. Nevertheless, completing something like this will enrich your life with many beautiful experiences and prove that you can handle a big undertaking. Being able to deal with something like this is an important stepping stone in adulthood.
FAQs-
- What are the significant problems of studying abroad?
Ans: The five most significant challenges of studying abroad include the following:
- Feeling like an outsider
- Overcoming the language barrier
- Get used to currency differences
- Being away from your support network
- Coping with cultural misunderstandings
- What is the essential thing to prepare for studying abroad?
Ans: Students must first apply for a passport before studying abroad. Potential study abroad students should get a clean bill of health from a doctor and secure health insurance. You can find cheap flights on many websites. When it comes to packaging, try to pack less. It will save you extra baggage costs.
- What is the benefit of studying abroad?
Ans: The benefits of studying abroad include seeing new terrain, natural wonders, museums, and landmarks in your host country. Plus, when you’re abroad, you won’t just be limited to traveling in the country you’re studying in – you can see neighboring countries too.
Also Read: Best Exams for Studying Abroad? Find Out Now
