Have a dream of studying abroad but don’t know where to start? Do you want to broaden your horizon and fly high up in the sky? Are you ready to give yourself an opportunity of a lifetime? This blog can help you to take that leap of faith for yourself.

Studying Abroad needs more than just a thought. Being an international student can be a challenge. But it also can be a door to give you better opportunities to grow, be independent, self-sufficient, and be more responsible.

1. Well-informed Research.

i. Find The Right Course, Country, and Accommodation

Many students choose the country first and then the course options available there. But finding a course first and then a country that provides the best education for the same always sets you in the right direction and is the first step to starting your study abroad journey.
There are many options for accommodation for an international student.

• On-Campus: Dormitories/ Hostels.
• Near Campus: Rental Apartments, Bungalows.
• Off-Campus: Host Families/ Homestays.

If safety is your no. 1 priority, looking for a furnished space filled with necessary utilities also can save time on travelling then On-Campus accommodations are the best option. Near Campus or Off-Campus can be cheaper accommodation options compared to the On-Campus ones.

ii. Keep an Update on Study Abroad News

With the experience of a Pandemic, we all understood that we should always be on alert because you never know what may happen. Keep yourself updated with all the news related to the country you’ll be studying in. Be it the weather and climate, health-related, or even politics, keeping an eye on these topics is always beneficial.

2. Financial Plan

i. Reach out to a Study Abroad Expert

Reach out to a Study Abroad Expert. They can help you with many things; if you have a course in mind but don’t know which country to go to study they can suggest you some options, help you with all the documents you need while applying, guidance on your SOPs, LORs and Entrance exams, Language tests, and many more.

ii. Connect with your Financial Advisor and Bank

Connecting with your Financial Advisor can help you set your Budget for your studying and living expenses. They can also help you with the Education/ Student loan.
Also, you’ll need to create an Account for your money in the host country. Be aware of the currency value in both your home and host country. But don’t compare and see the prices every time you spend money. .

iii. Scholarships and Part-time jobs

There are always a bunch of scholarships offered by the university, host country, and your home country for international students. Check out those and apply for the same before the deadline.
You can also opt for private scholarships by reputed companies given to the students with good merits. Every International Student has to do either a paid Internship or a part-time job to support themselves. It helps to be an efficient and independent student. You can also look for Co-op opportunities for job experience.

3. Before Departure

i. Check all Paperwork

Check all of your paperwork before the date of applying to the University. Make sure that your credits get accepted in the university, all your transcripts and other documents to apply for Visa are correct, and your passport is in place.

ii. Medical Insurance and Checkup

For Visa, they may ask you to have a complete medical check-up. Subscribe for medical insurance in your host country. Get your vaccinations done before traveling. Visit your family doctor and get a prescription for your flight, for instance, the jet lag and the weather change. And carry all your medicines with you everywhere you go.

iii. Clothes and Other Stuff

Learn about the weather conditions of your host country and pack clothes accordingly. Winter and Summer wears are inevitable. Focus on the other necessary things you should carry; documents like a passport, offer letter, identity proof, electronic gadgets, and medicine.

iv. Meal Plans and Utilities

Check out the On-Campus Meal Plans the Dormitories/ Hostels provide and subscribe for the same. Also, check with the Utilities like a refrigerator, a microwave, a toaster, a Study desk, Hot water, and most importantly, lighting and ventilation in the rooms.

4. On Arrival

i. Organize

Organize your Itinerary according to your flight. Check with the university about your date of arrival. Many universities have a schedule planned for international students as they can send Student Campus Ambassadors to pick you up and give you a tour of the university.

ii. Contact

As soon as you land at the airport, you should contact your University’s International Admissions Centre, the Student Support Incharge, and most importantly, your family to let them know you reached safely.
When things settle, get a local Sim card and subscribe for a phone plan and internet services available. And share that contact no. with your family and friends for contacting you.

Tips to Start Your Study Abroad Journey

• Start early looking for accommodation and apply for the same.
• Be careful and take all the precautions when renting an apartment.
• Don’t skip breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and eat on time.
• Learn to do all the necessary household chores on your own.
• Get a Foreign Exchange Card and learn to save money.
• Always seek student discounts.

Conclusion:

Lastly, don’t stress yourself, take one step at a time, be proactive and reach out to people, ask for help when needed, make new friends, try to learn and respect the culture of the country you stay in, and be open to new experiences.