Studying abroad is exciting, there’s just no other way to put it. It can be described as the best possible time in one’s educational life. You get to meet people from all over the world, gain experiences unlike any other, and make new memories in life. However, if you’re Will-prepared, you might find the transition from comfortable family living to living independently quite difficult and stressful.
Studying abroad is exciting, there’s just no other way to put it. It can be described as the best possible time in one’s educational life. You get to meet people from all over the world, gain experiences unlike any other, and make new memories in life. However, if you’re ill-prepared, you might find the transition from comfortable family living to living independently quite difficult and stressful.
So, here are 7 things to know before studying abroad.
1. Choose where to study
Countries are just like people, no two are exactly the same. When you’re making friends, you’ll most likely find it easier to connect with people who are compatible with you. In choosing a country or place where you want to spend a significant amount of your time living and studying, you’ll want to do the same but in the form of some research.
First, learn more about the country’s language, culture, religion, mannerisms, food, and more so you’re not flying in blind. Perhaps you do want to go in without any previous conceptions or expectations, which is fine as well. No matter what though, it’s always nice to know what you’re dealing with first so you won’t regret your decision after.
2. Phone plan
This is absolutely essential when studying abroad. You never know if you’ll suddenly need to make a call at the airport, use your data for Google Maps, or search for information like a taxi company. Before you travel, check with your mobile phone provider if they have international plans with the country you’re moving to and if it’s still affordable.
If not, be sure to sign up for a mobile plan at the airport once you touch down so you have one less thing to worry about. If you can, do also pack a cheap backup phone just in case something happens to yours. You can never be too careful.
3. Budgeting and finances
This may not be something that’s constantly on your mind when your parents are around but while studying abroad, you need to be aware of your monetary circumstances and budgeting. Just like your mobile service provider, make sure your bank knows what’s up before you leave so they don’t decline your payments when you’re buying some coffee.
Some things you should be aware of if you aren’t already are:
- A. Your bank’s international charging fee
- B. The current exchange rate between your home country and the country you’re moving too
- C. The monetary system of your new home.
4. Emergency number and Electronic devices
To be well prepared, be sure to have the emergency number written physically on a piece of paper as well to keep in your luggage in case something happens to your phone. What we’re talking about is the emergency number of your school/college/university so there’s someone you can call if you get lost or something has happened to you at the airport upon landing. Also, On the flip side though, phones and laptops are absolute essentials as most schools and colleges nowadays are being more electronic by introducing Google and other learning programs into their system. If you don’t have a laptop, you’re going to find it difficult to type up that 1,000-word essay on your phone screen or create a presentation on your tablet.
Be sure to know your school/course and get the appropriate electronic equipment.
5. Culture shock & homesickness
We know a lot of friends who experienced culture shock when they first started studying abroad, and many of them experience homesickness throughout the academic year. By following the first tip thoroughly, you’ll definitely avoid culture shock.
Even after that many students go through homesickness. In order to get over that, do keep an open and positive mind of what’s happening around you and ask for help, when needed. Don’t isolate yourself and just wait for someone to come along. You have to take responsibility for yourself because you’re now a young adult.
As for homesickness, keep in mind that no matter how much you miss home, the next holiday is just around the corner so just enjoy your time abroad because you’ll miss it when it’s all over.