Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. Not only you are entering a new phase in your life, but you’re doing it while getting to see more of the world. For many people, studying abroad is an absolute dream come true. That being said, it can be as terrifying as it is exciting. Most people studying abroad will be doing it on their own – no friends or family will join them. It can be intimidating to be in a foreign country where you know no one, but you’ll make friends soon! It’s important to get a few things sorted out before you make the move, to prevent hiccups and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Application
Of course, your college or university application is the key step to joining a studying abroad program. While it is possible to move abroad first and then look for colleges, that’s not always a possibility for all students. Most students do research, pick a few options and apply to them. Once you’ve been accepted, you can narrow it down to your number one choice and take the application further. Many English institutions require that you prove your English proficiency, usually through a test such as the IELTS test. Even if you are a native English speaker, you must prepare for this test.
Insurance
Most universities require that international students have some form of medical or health insurance, and sometimes travel insurance as well. Even if it’s not a requirement, you should get insurance, as this can help ease a lot of your worries about traveling and moving abroad. You can learn more about insurance from Atlas travel insurance. Do some research and compare different options to see what is best suited to you.
Funding
You may be thinking that you’ll move abroad for your studies and find a job there to help you pay for them. Sadly, this usually isn’t the case. While many countries will allow you to work part-time on a student visa, you will need to be required to prove that you have the necessary funds upfront. There are various options – you can apply for a shorter course that will cost less, or you can apply for financial aid. Most universities will have a selection of program fees, scholarships, or other forms of financial aid for students coming from abroad. If you’re applying for a scholarship, make sure that your essay stands out with these helpful tips. It is important that you come with realistic expectations what the costs will be and how you will pay them.
Your visa
In some cases (depending on your home country and where you want to study) you may not need a visa to study abroad. However, most students do. Unless you’re a permanent resident of a country, you’ll need a study visa to be able to study there. Certain short courses are exempt from this, but any long-term qualifications will require a visa. Be sure to have all the necessary documentation when you apply for your visa. This will vary depending on the country. For example, if you want to study in Australia, you’d need to follow the Australian visa application process.
You should also pay close attention to what is required to maintain your status and comply with the process on time. Some students allow their visa and documentation status to expire which will then make it more difficult to renew or maintain.
Given the importance of diversity and that businesses are currently more global in nature, a study abroad program can give you an invaluable experience and help boost your career opportunities.
