It is a new year, and you don’t want to make the same mistakes going forward. For a student, plans for a new academic calendar are underway, including those related to pursuing a degree course aboard. With thousands of international students applying for education programs in some of the best Universities in Europe, America, Canada and Australia every year, it goes that adequate preparation is the key to doing well in academics in any part of the world. Therefore, with many things to do before travelling abroad, there are probably a thousand or so questions racing through minds of such students every time they think about how it is like to be away from home, for months or years.
In this post, you will discover how to get ready before taking the big leap. Mistakes, even little ones, can be costly, and losing a University placement because of bad behaviour, lack of fees and among other reasons is bad news you don’t want to take home. So, are you ready? Well, take a look at the list of things you will need to feel safe and sound in a new place.
· You will pay more tuition fees than local students
If you asked anyone, who has successfully completed a degree program in another country, one of their most prominent answers on how to prepare for study abroad is that you need adequate financing for a degree program. But, it is not just tuition fees that are going to run your pockets dry should there be a deficit in education funding. With things like accommodation, books, food and bills always needing money, you must have a fat pocket to cope with any financial challenges.
On these premises, it is imperative to ready enough funds, even if it means organising a fundraiser. Do not worry about it though. With so many scholarship programs for international students, you should be able to secure enough funding for a degree course.
· International student support centres
When preparing for to study abroad, you are basically getting ready to venture into unknown territories. From the new environment, new faces, unique experiences, a big city to strange food, it won’t be long before you start feeling homesick. While it is normal, missing home can deal one’s focus on academics a huge blow. It is why; one of the most important considerations to make before leaving for the airport is a support program for international students. On the day of admission or even before, ask whether there exist such as program as a support centre for people like you. This way, it is easy to cope, and align to a new way of life far from home.
· Language barrier
Sometimes a desire to study in another country can lead to a situation where the language barrier mars communication between students and teachers. And, even if you can use american dream essays to do assignments or pass TOEFL because your level of English grammar is below par, verbal exchanges are important in socialisation. On this premise, it is essential to learn the basics of a foreign language, say Spanish, French or Portuguese depending on your destination for further education. It is a good platform upon which to advance your language skills, and of course, one of the things you need for study abroad.
· New currency, new life
Most countries in the world have their own local currencies. While the dollar or pound sterling could be something to which you’ve got accustomed to, the issue of currency exchange rates can lead an international student to a financial abyss. You may think that swiping a debit/credit card at a canteen or a bookshop is cool, but there is more to spending money than what meets the eye. Usually, paying in your home currency attracts huge fees, and before you know it, there is no more money to spend.
Thus, while exploring what do you do when you study abroad, the best advice is to open a bank account in that country for stress-free money transactions. Find out more about international standard credit/debit card fees and local ATM charges to avoid disappointments.
· Culture shock
Culture encompasses many things such as language, dress code, history and other indigenous practices. For most international students, it is one of the biggest challenges ever. You are let into an environment when everything looks strange, including food. Therefore, before you embark on an academic trip to further your education, do research. Find out as much as possible about the people living in a country to which you are en route. It will be less shocking when you discover beforehand, that dress code varies with four seasons of the year in the UK or the USA.
· Poor budgeting can throw you under the bus
Let’s face it. The moment you land in one of America’s prestigious Universities, there is a lot to see and do within and outside the campus. However, it is not going to be possible without money. Some days, you will want to eat out, go out partying with friends or watch a movie in one of New York’s many Cinema Screening halls. That is not all. Before you travel back home for a summer holiday break, a desire to buy new stuff will be burning deep, and you cannot resist spending more money.
In all these, budgeting is necessary, without which, you are setting yourself up for tough financial times ahead. However, with works study programs, international students can raise a little extra money to cater for miscellaneous expenses.
· Shop for a good insurance cover for students
In any case, health matters everywhere. You never can tell when sickness strikes when studying abroad, but with health cover, costs come down. Spending own money on treatment can be very expensive; thus, a need to get a good health policy becomes pivotal the moment one sets foot in a foreign University.
Conclusion
Without the right information, getting ready and set for education in another country can be a hard tackle. However, with tips in this post, you should be able to wade through any challenges, be they financial or any of any other nature.
