CHECKLIST FOR STUDY ABROAD

Once you have planned to study a program in the foreign university of the particular choice, you need to follow the study abroad checklist.

PASSPORT Many countries in visa application and such will require you to have at least 6 months extra on your passport beyond the end of your studies, so make sure you allow for study time, any additional travelling time plus an additional 6 months. If you do need to renew the passport make sure you apply as soon as possible to avoid being without a passport come start of term. Processing times vary from country to country but can often take 6 weeks or more than that.

STUDENT VISA To do this you will need to contact the embassy or consulate of your country of study and may need to attend an appointment as part of your student visa application. Here you’ll be asked to bring documentation such as a university letter of approval, the aforementioned valid passport, proof of funds, and, occasionally, a return ticket for your journey home at the end your studies.

FINANCES When considering your finances, you should make sure you have money that is safe and accessible for the duration of your travels. Once you know how you’re going to access your money while away, you’re going to have to spend it wisely. Whether you’re funding yourself through personal savings, a student loan, a scholarship or income from a part-time job, keeping a budget is one of the best, and hardest, things you can do to avoid being penniless at the end of each term. Before you depart, make a list of expenses, including everything from accommodation costs to daily food and entertainment. Figure out how much money you’ll have to live on per week and, if this isn’t enough, consider cutting down on non-essentials or researching further funding options.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS If this talk of your finances has got you worrying, you may want to consider looking at international student scholarships to find out whether you are eligible to receive additional funding for your studies. Your first call should be to your new university’s website, where information on all of their available student scholarships, grants and bursaries can be found. Many of these awards are subject- specific and/or needs-based, and sometimes exclusive to high- achieving or minority students. If your school doesn’t offer anything you are eligible for, outside funding is also an option. Companies such as International Scholarships provide comprehensive lists of externally funded student scholarships around the world.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC) The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) should be on every international student’s study abroad checklist, as it offers discounts on products and services around the world. Check online to see whether the International Student Identity Card would be useful to you, and discover discounts for public transport, travel insurance, international calling cards and a number of other useful things, from phone repairs to Segway tours!the International Student Identity Card

TRAVEL INSURANCE It might just look like an unnecessary cost, but, in reality, travel insurance is essential. For a small, one- off payment, travel insurance will cover you if anything happens to you during your studies – be this illness, injury or theft – and will make sure you don’t spend your entire life savings on a trip to the doctor’s!

MEDICAL To make sure you’re fighting fit before leaving home, it’s wise to visit your doctor for a full medical check- up and to make sure you’ve had all the vaccinations you may need for your chosen study destination. For far-off countries, these vaccinations will come at a price, but rest assured your doctor will tell you if they are completely necessary.

LANGUAGE If you have chosen to study abroad in a country in which you do not speak the local language, fear not! Often, in many European countries as well as much of Asia, you’ll find that the locals speak at least a little bit of English. Regardless of this, you should consider taking some lessons in the local language before you depart, in order to fully interact with and immerse yourself in the culture of your study abroad country.

TRAVEL First and foremost on every student’s study abroad checklist should be the means and knowledge to be able to get around and explore your new country and its culture. In order to be able to travel on a budget, not only will you have to book your initial tickets (including your return!) before you travel, but also you should consider researching means of travel for you to use once in the country.