If you dream to have a well rounded- life and a commendable career track, then studying abroad should be a part and parcel of your life goals. Living abroad will expand your life experience in such a way that you will be definitely enriched by it.
It is not just about
studying but also about understanding how to live in a totally different
cultural ecosystem. There are many skills which you pick up along the way. But
before you apply for studying abroad, do ensure that you have done your
research thoroughly so that you can be assured that you have made the right
choice with respect to your choice of educational institution and the country,
where you intend to reside.
Know
what you want and apply
Get
in touch with experienced students
Get in touch with students
who have already benefited from studying abroad. Ask them about their
experiences- what did they find good? What did they find easy? What did they
find tough and challenging? They can definitely give you useful tips and hints
on how to engage and manage your life there.
Plan
your finances
Studying abroad can be a
pretty expensive affair. You need to balance the choice of the university with
the budget you can afford to spend for this.
So, please ensure that you calculate everything before hand- the tuition
fees, the travel expenses, the food and accommodation expenses, expenses on
books and other activities which you will need. Determine the kind of financial assistance
you have to provide the backing which you need- these may include taking loans
or scholarships or assistance from family.
Your current college may
have financial assistance plans in this regard. Ensure that all these are
determined and provided for before making that application. Foreign
universities will only take you in when they are sure that you would be able to
support yourself for the length of time you are residing in the country
Travel
documents should be in order
Ensure that all your travel
documents are in order. This includes the tourist visa/student visa for the
particular country which should be valid for the duration you intend to study.
You need to do all this processing in advance so that you do not have to suffer
last minute shocks. The most important personal identity and travel document is
your passport. This should possess at least a few years validity and possess
number of pages for the visa and immigration stamp to be stamped!
Communication
and technology
Ensure that there are
enough sufficient communication avenues for
you and your family to interact in the new country. This is very important
especially when emergencies and unforeseen events occur such as wars,
accidents, epidemics and natural disasters. To be forearmed is to be
forewarned, as they say. So it is not being overcautious- it is just being
pragmatic enough to accept the reality of life.
There should be facilities for telephonic and internet based
communication.
Social networking has made long distance communication
pretty much cheap and easy. Also, prepare to purchase local prepaid card for
mobile use as roaming charges can be quite expensive. Try to avoid taking
expensive equipment such as laptops with you, unless absolutely necessary. There may be chances of theft, especially
when you are in an unfamiliar place. Find out whether your study abroad program
offers you lending options to rent out laptops and computers. That can be
cheaper and easier on the mind.
AUTHOR BIO
Sally Yolanda has been an educator with Amridge University and is presently associated with www.assignmentwritinghelp.com
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