Have you just been accepted into a university abroad?
If so, Congratulations! Well Done. You're in for the best trip of your lifetime.
If you are starting to research how to prepare yourself before studying abroad, then this is a useful guide on what to expect on the journey ahead.
So, let's get this pre-studying abroad journey started!
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad gives you an incredible chance to see the other side of the world. It's an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, learn about other cultures, gain confidence in your respective field of study and yourself.
For most of us, traveling alone is a big adventure, especially to an unknown place. It stirs up mixed feelings of anticipation, excitement, and maybe even a little fear.
No matter what, you can look forward to beautiful memories, breath-taking locations, and friendships that last a lifetime. Oh, and they look great on your Instagram feed too.
Studying abroad transforms you. You will evolve as a person as a result of all the new experiences you will have.
Things to know before you go
Ok, so the visa has arrived, and the flights are booked. You’re probably nervous and maybe a little anxious about your journey. Here are some study abroad tips to get you sorted.
Get organized
Leaving things to the last minute will lead to unnecessary headaches! So start speaking to your friends, university guide, study abroad consultants already.
They could help you sort out the essential things to consider before you step foot into the country. These could include budgeting, accommodation, transport, banking, communications, laws, and many other concerns.
Get. Set. Goals!
Remember that your course is, above all, a chance to attain a set of essential skills that will serve you for a lifetime. Set smart daily or weekly goals and give it your best shot.
Find a study spot all for yourself to avoid distractions. Probably a nearby cafe, your university library, a corner of your room, etc. Talk to your professors over the course and resolve all your queries. Be an active participant in classroom discussions.
Set your goals, make your plans, and chase your dreams. You’ll emerge out as a learned person.
Research
Read up and learn more about your study destination before you go. Studying abroad is not just about the university you consider, but also about choosing the right program that interests you and fits your goals.
Look into social media channels and get an idea about things. Use sites such as Twitter and Facebook to find out more about what current international students say about particular institutions. Watching YouTube and Vimeo videos of campus tours are the best ways to get a feel for an institution.
Follow a few of the Instagram pages of the international students and the universities. Some of them have very well-curated short-form information.
Safety first
Since you're new to the place, it wouldn't hurt to take a few precautions. Know well about the city and explore ways of transportation that are the safest to commute.
Many universities have exclusive apps for students' safety and a list of local emergency numbers within reach. Numerous safety applications can be downloaded on your phone, which addresses your safety.
Money Matters
Save Right! Spend Right! Always understand the local banking system and how your money works.
Whether you're in the mood for a fancy resto-bar or a simple coffee shop, you must be well aware of your wallet situation. But sure, you’ll easily find some good, exciting, and inexpensive locales in the city.
Street food is the ultimate food that we all crave as our stomachs rumble. The heart and soul of good food are found on the local vendors' streets on their stands and trucks. Be it the delicious vada pav of India or the juicy American cheeseburger; you get them all!
Culture Shock & Homesickness
It's normal to be apprehensive about life away from your comfort space; that space is your home. Leaving your home country and stepping into a new land may lead to certain cultural shocks and homesickness as well.
There are many ways to cope with such circumstances. Pick up a new hobby, plan short trips, talk to family and friends, experiment with cooking, start a new workout routine, etc.
Seeing more of the world around us such a fantastic experience. Try new delicacies, trot around places on your bucket list, meet different people, and make your study abroad experience remarkable!
As Mark Twain rightly said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Remind yourself that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should be enjoyed. Find out more by reading "coping with homesickness while studying abroad."