Studying abroad is exciting, it is one of the most life-changing, eye-opening and mind-bending experiences anyone could have. At the beginning of the process of studying abroad, it can be difficult to know what studying abroad actually is like but you need to be mentally prepared because if you’re ill-prepared, you might find the transition from the comfortable family living to live independently quite stressful and difficult.
From the personal experience of students who have left the country to study abroad here’s a summary of what you need to know before travelling abroad to study:
1. Ensure all your paperwork is in order
Your passport is an important criterion for travel, therefore before we at AETC help to facilitate your admission we ensure that you have a valid international passport. Post Admission Offer, other necessary documents needed for Visa Application also need to be provided as this would aid a smooth Visa application.
The above are the first steps to travelling abroad; securing admission and getting your Visa approved.
When it is time to go to your country of choice, before living you must have a list of all the documents that you require e.g – International passport, Original educational certificates as this would be presented at the school for verification etc
If you have documents with expiration dates then you would need to double-check to make sure they are updated before you live.
2. Courses, Housing, Flights…
Study abroad programs are unique to the country, state, province, municipal etc… And so, most of them don’t naturally include traditional course work. It is important that you know the courses you are taking and prepare your minds towards them.
Housing is a key part of studying abroad, except you have family/friends in your chosen location, ensuring that you sort your housing post Visa approval is of the highest priority. AETC helps to sort out housing for students who require such services.
Flight fare is very important and we all know booking early is the best way to get cheaper flights.
3. News and Currency Updates From Your Destination
You would want to know about the economy of the country, their metro system [if any], whether they are experiences any political upheavals or not. You would need to know whether they are in a health crisis.
The value of the currency is another thing you need to keep an eye on. Values change all the time so usually, we at AETC advice students to focus on budget-friendly destinations.
4. Health Check-Ups and Necessary Vaccinations.
Changing environments can affect your metabolism so we at AETC advice to get a personal test done and request for prescription in advance [Id necessary] so that you would not be stranded. You would also require health insurance in many modern economies so have that at the front of your mind.
5. Organize your Itenary and Let your contacts Know
Put your plane itineraries, tickets, maps etc… in one spot and keep them on hand [By this we mean carrier bag] for an efficient and stress-free journey.
Asides your immediate family members, you should let close friends know where you are travelling to study. Even when you arrive at your destination and towards the course of your program avoid falling off the grid entirely.
6. Bank Bank Bank
There’s not much to say here, however it is important to organize your finances before you travel. Ensure that you have the necessary cards that you need to take with you.
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