The world is an open door, and students are standing on the threshold. They have more international opportunities than ever before. Living and studying in another country can prepare learners for a career in today’s interconnected world. Read our concise study abroad guide. It will help you make a decision if you’re still hesitating.
Selecting a location
Some of the most popular study abroad destinations include the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, China, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. Before choosing a country, make a research about what your daily life will be like.
As for learning a foreign language, it’s not a necessity unless required by the particular course. If you choose to study in a country where people speak a primary language other than English, you’ll be able to practice a foreign language.
Consider cultural characteristics. Take time to research local customs, people, history geography, government, economy, and political climate. Discover the cost of living there.
Choosing a program
There are many different types of study abroad programs. A few common ones are described below.
- Language school programs – Learn a new language fast due to complete immersion
- University programs – Spend a semester or a year in a university abroad
- Summer programs – Spend your summer learning abroad
- Volunteer programs – Learn the language while you help others
- Youth programs – Programs for families or youth
- Internship programs – Learn in a work environment and use your abilities in a real-world setting.
Academic considerations
Consult your advisor to clarify the following questions:
- Are you eligible to participate in a study abroad program?
- Will you receive a transfer credit?
- Do you need to submit a course approval form?
- Does studying abroad delay graduation?
It is better to opt for the courses that will count toward the completion of your degree. Redundant or ineligible credits are a waste of money (and time!).
Funding
The cost is the main reason for hesitation when it comes to studying abroad. Sometimes, study abroad can be less expensive than studying on your home campus!
Make inquiries about the scholarships that are offered by a study abroad program selected, the schools where they may be associated to qualified applicants (including your current one), potential universities you’d be attending abroad, and the organizations you’re affiliated with. Write a scholarship essay (or a few of them) to win a financial support.
Living options vary. Some programs give a student the opportunity to live with a host family, while others allow them to live in dorms at the foreign university or rent an apartment. You can apply your current on-campus financial aid package to your study abroad trip in addition to scholarships. Again, you will need to write an essay. It is hard to believe how much depends from these papers! If you’re bad at arranging words into something readable, you can refer to trusted online services. They craft the applications like that.
Preparation list
- Make sure your health insurance covers you abroad.
- Get all the documentation needed to enter the country.
- Take your student ID.
- Keep your wardrobe basic. Consider the climate. Take a range clothes that you can mix and match. Your luggage will be light, and you’ll avoid an overweighting fee. Besides, you’ll be more mobile.
- Opt for versatile but comfortable shoes.
- Take a small amount of cash, a debit card, two credit cards (in case one is declined or stolen!) and some traveler’s checks.
Safety considerations
Protect your valuables. Living abroad isn’t necessarily supposed to be riskier that at home. But you’ll likely be more distracted (due to the fun you are having!).
Lock up before you leave. Place your cash in a money belt. Seasoned travelers advise avoiding wearing fancy clothes or accessories and visibly displaying cash.
If you get into trouble, contact your study abroad resident programming staff. In case of an emergency, you’d be wise to apply directly to your home country’s embassy. Get the number and address of its location.
After the first few weeks in another country, when you overcome the stress and acclimatization, you’ll fully grasp you’re doing. You will get an experience of a life-time!
