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Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for many students. Most universities now offer exchange programmes for their undergraduates, often using the ERASMUS scheme, part of the SOCRATES initiative, which allows a year’s studying abroad at a participating institution.
Postgraduates also often get the chance to study abroad as research facilities and archives may be needed at different institutions around the world. With so much to look forward to it is important to be prepare as much as possible for the experience of studying abroad.
This includes thinking about not only academic matters, but also: finances, accommodation, flights and transport, medical matters, legal documents, insurance, cultural expectations and clothes.
With a more international flavour existing these days at all universities, it is only natural that studying abroad should have become so popular. Not only do students get chance to broaden their horizons intellectually and academically, but they have the opportunity to meet many different people and experience a whole new culture.
When preparing to study abroad it is therefore important to prepare not only academically for the different challenge that comes with a new educational system, but also for the new social culture and language demands.
In order to get the most out of your period of studying abroad, you should research your chosen destination. Look on the internet for information about your new institution and the course you will be taking; check out travel guide books to find out more about the country and the city you will be travelling to.
Studying abroad should be great fun and making sure you are fully prepared will help to make the experience as stress free as possible.
Studying abroad is different from going on holiday in that you are not simply there to look at the sights and enjoy some good meals and a few nights out (although you will get to do these things too!)
Studying abroad means actually living in a foreign country for an extended period of time and integrating yourself into a different culture and way of life for the duration of your stay. Researching the country’s attitudes and the expectations of its citizens is very important.
This is especially so if the country is very different from your own (traditional Arab countries, for example, are much more conservative), so thorough research of this kind is an important part of your preparation.
Studying abroad requires you to acquire basic travel documents such as a passport. You will also need a visa, if the country you are visiting requires it. Make sure you apply for your passport several months ahead of your departure and photocopy all these important documents. Making photocopies means you are covered to an extent if you lose any of these documents while studying abroad.
You also need to think about travel insurance; this makes study abroad safer and gives you peace of mind. Ensure your insurance guarantees suitable cover for your needs, for example, your immediate return back home for treatment in case of an emergency in a desolate place.
If you are planning on studying abroad in a distant country you also need to ensure you are fully fit and immunised against any possible diseases that may be prevalent in your destination country. Visit your doctor in plenty of time for a medical check up and any necessary jabs. Take a copy of your medical records along on your trip in case you fall ill while studying abroad.
During your period studying abroad it is important to keep in touch with family and friends. Time can pass quickly without you realising it and family need to know you are safe and well. Phone calls can be costly, although international calling cards can be reasonable, but the internet is a cheap and easy way to communicate by e-mail.
Financial matters can be a worry when study abroad, therefore it is a great idea to save up as much as you can in the months before you depart. It is also important to sort out a budget for your trip and stick to it.
Put money aside for necessities such as rent and bills, then think about studying expenses and course materials, and place another amount aside for entertainment and any travel you want to do while over there. Once you have arrived at your studying abroad destination you can set up a bank account at the campus or in the town and get money transferred over from home. Credit cards are useful and safe to use when studying abroad as it is not a good idea to carry too much cash around with you.
Your accommodation matters when studying abroad as finding suitable on-campus housing will be a lot cheaper and also cut down on travel costs. Universities will usually give priority to study abroad students for these reasons.
After your careful preparation for study abroad over the few months before you go, the final hurdle is what to pack for your studying abroad experience. Do not try to take everything with you for a whole year ahead as you can always buy things when you are there. However, do make allowances for the kind of weather conditions in your new country: pack a few things for different weather types and a raincoat for that inevitable downpour. Although students usually dress casually, it is worth noting that when studying abroad there may be different clothing customs in your destination country, for example, some universities may be a bit smarter or may cover up more, so check these out before you go. You may like to take a couple of smart outfits anyway for more formal occasions.
Do not forget to pack any academic papers you might need for studying abroad and, of course, a good dictionary. Lastly, remember to take an adapter for any electrical appliances, and always carry important documents and any medicines, as well as a change of clothes, in your hand luggage in case the airline loses your hold luggage.
Although you are sure to enjoy your study abroad experience in every way, there may be moments of home-sickness and it can be comforting to have something from home packed in your suitcase, such as a couple of photos or family, friends, or your pet. Some favourite snacks from home might also be welcome after the weeks of foreign food are no longer a novelty. If you follow these preparations, you will be sure to have a stress free, and fun packed, semester or year studying abroad.
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