When COVID-19 is over, many people will want to travel overseas somewhere. They should consider studying abroad. Studying abroad makes you more complete, thoughtful, and open to change as a person. Some experts and scholars argue that doing your studies wholly or partially abroad enhances the academic learning experience by 33%, and the overall empathic and social awareness by 67% compared to the metrics taken before the travel experience.
Studying abroad is an enlightening experience in which you can combine academic growth with tourism and recreation. It is also for most students the first opportunity to live alone, make their own decisions, and find themselves while discovering a different country. If this is your first time doing it, it can become a scary or even daunting experience. But there is no need to panic since you can follow these three essential tips that will make your travel abroad an excellent memory.
1. Start planning as soon as you can.
You’ll be living in another country for at least three months. There are many variables that you will need to keep in check if you want to succeed in your studying endeavor. It is best to start preparing as soon as you have settled in which country and institution you wish to study. You will need to apply to an exchange or student mobility program; once that’s approved, you’ll have to sort a place to stay; renting an Airbnb is a great option. If needed, visas take a long time to go thru, so it’s best if you start this right before your academics are given the go sign. It is also crucial to start saving as soon as you can, even if you have financial aid or were granted a scholarship. Once you take care of all the administrative, academic, and legal aspects, you’ll have time to prepare clothes, hygiene products, an itinerary, and everything else you may need.
2. Adapt and find your way around the city.
Isolation is one of the only treats that could make studying abroad a miserable experience. To avoid this, you could convince a classmate to do the experience with you or make a youtube channel and vlog the overall experience. Even if you do this, it is helpful to learn at least some of the local language. You’ll be able to talk and interact with classmates and teachers, making the overall experience more enjoyable. There’s the added bonus that you’ll be learning a different language, with all the professional benefits that imply. Knowing the language will also help you to navigate the city. The ultimate tip to do this quickly is to get a car. The process is easy; all you need is an international driver permit; this kind of international permit can even be bought online. After that, you go to a dealership and rent a car… and that’s it, you’ll be cruising through the streets!
3. Get a bank account and cards.
You are going to need a convenient and straightforward way of managing your money to pay for food, transport, tuition, and rent. You can open an account at an international bank while you are home and request a debit and credit card that can work abroad and with currency exchange mechanisms. You can also rely on internationally supported e-wallet apps like PayPal or Bitcoin if you prefer to. It’s essential to be aware of your spending habits and balances. Remember being alone can lead to reckless spending, especially if it’s your first time in a big city.
In conclusion, the best way to travel on your own and study abroad is to keep your head down to earth and take care of your responsibilities from the first moment. Make sure to start doing all the legal paperwork in advance, avoiding the heartbreak of missing your beloved scholarship because of a delayed visa or lack of funds. Once you are there, you have a clean slate, be sociable, open yourself to new knowledge. Build up your confidence, get an international permit, drive a car. Make a budget with your cards, and plan a road trip with your local friends during mid-term. Study hard and remember to have fun – it’s a growing experience, and growth can be scary for some people, but only at the start.
