Introduction.
Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to experience life in a new country, learn about another culture, challenge yourself in ways you’ve never thought possible, and meet new people. If you’re an international student looking to study abroad, or if you’re an American student who wants to take your education overseas for a semester or two, there are many steps you need to take before leaving home. The good news is that it’s not as complicated as it may seem! Here are some tips to help make this incredible experience happen:
Choose Your Country And Program.
Choosing a country and program that’s right for you is one of the most important steps in your study abroad application process.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a location, including:
- Your personality and interests
- Your academic interests (e.g., science, humanities, etc.)
- Your financial situation (e.g., how much money do you have saved up?)
- And finally, if you’re applying to an academic program (like an immersion-style course)
Apply, Apply, Apply!
There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of getting into a school. First and foremost, apply to multiple schools. Applying to only one school makes it look like there isn’t much interest in studying abroad. It also doesn’t give them much incentive to accept you if they know they’re your only option. The more schools you apply to, the better!
But don’t just randomly throw together a bunch of applications; be strategic about which ones you apply for:
- Apply for schools that are different from the one you currently attend (e.g., apply for an American university if your high school is British)
- Apply for schools that are different from the one where you want to attend (e.g., applying at an American university if your dream school is British)
- Apply at all kinds of different universities and colleges around the world!
Get Accepted.
The first step in studying abroad is to find the right program. The best way to do this is by talking with your university’s study abroad office. They should be able to help you figure out which programs are most appropriate for your goals and situation.
Some programs are easier to get into than others, but not all of them will be right for you. Some programs may offer better facilities, faculty, or reputation than others—which might make them worth paying more money for (although it’s not always true). There isn’t one perfect study abroad program out there—it’s up to you to find one that fits your needs!
Get a Passport And a VISA.
Before you can study abroad, you’ll need to obtain a passport and a VISA. A VISA allows you to enter the country of your choice and work legally while there (if necessary). It’s important that you apply for a VISA before traveling so that there won’t be any problems when entering another country.
Plan Your Arrival.
- Check the weather.
- Check the local time.
- Learn about local currency.
- Find out about customs and traditions in your host country.
- Research any laws that might affect you, such as visa requirements or restrictions on food, drink or smoking in public places (or even private ones). If you’re going abroad to study at a university, find out whether it’s part of an international student exchange program and how this will affect your experience there (i.e., do they provide housing for participants?).
The same goes for culture: what are some behaviors and activities typically associated with people from this country? Is there something unique to them that you should know before visiting? After all, if someone can’t understand why you’re laughing at something they say and then call it rude…well then they probably won’t appreciate being called “stupid” either!
Set Up Your Budget For Your Time Abroad.
Once you’ve picked the country, city, and program that best suits your needs and wants, it’s time to get down to business. Before leaving for your study abroad trip, be sure to set up a budget for yourself that includes everything from housing costs to food costs (and even entertainment because travel is expensive!).
If you want to live on campus rather than in an apartment or house with roommates off-campus (i.e., not within walking distance), make sure you have enough money saved up so that if there are any problems with the housing arrangements—if they don’t provide linens or towels or if something breaks during winter months when students aren’t allowed access inside—then there will still be enough money left in the bank account until things get sorted out back home.
Transportation costs should also be considered when creating an overall budget; depending on where exactly within Europe one travels throughout their studies abroad experience will determine how much they’ll need per month spent abroad.”
Pack For The Trip.
Now that you’ve decided to study abroad, it’s time to pack! While many people think they need tons of stuff, the truth is that you really only need what’s necessary. Remember:
- You will be carrying your backpack around all day. If it’s too heavy or bulky, you won’t be very happy about it. Don’t overstuff your backpack with unnecessary items!
- You don’t want to bring anything extra that isn’t absolutely necessary for the trip—you can always buy something new once you arrive if there are things missing from your luggage (like an umbrella).
So what should go into my bag? The basics include:
- clothes (enough for a few days) and toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/soap etc.)
- a jacket or coat—it could get cold at night as well as during the day!
Decide If You Want To Live In Student Housing or Look For An Apartment Off-Campus.
Once you’ve decided to study abroad, the next step is deciding where. If you’re looking into university programs, your school will likely have a list of available housing options for students. And if it doesn’t, the school’s website or admissions office should be able to give you some information on local apartments and how much they’d cost per month.
If there isn’t any student housing available at your chosen destination or if you don’t want to live in dorms with other people, check out websites like AirBnB and Craigslist which usually have listings for apartments in the area. Student-friendly neighborhoods are usually safer ones too, so keep that in mind when considering where to live off campus!
Get Ready To Soak Up The Culture Of Your New Home!
Now that you’ve selected a study abroad program, it’s time to prepare for your experience! What should you bring? How do you make sure everything is in order? We’re here to help!
Before leaving, consider the following:
- How will my life be different while I’m abroad? What can I expect from my new home? What are the customs around me, and how might they affect me as a traveler or student.
- Am I ready to adapt and try new things? Will this be a challenge or an opportunity for growth?
- Do I have an open mind when it comes to other cultures, customs and ways of life (even if they are different than mine)? Can I overcome any preconceptions about them simply because they are “different” from what I am used to seeing at home in America/Canada/Australia etcetera…
Studying abroad is a great opportunity for students who want to go outside their comfort zone and see the world. It’s important to plan carefully, but it’s also important to leave room for flexibility.
For many students, studying abroad is a great opportunity. It’s an opportunity for students who want to go outside their comfort zone and see the world. It’s also an opportunity for students who want to learn a new language or experience a new culture—or just meet new people!
However, it can be difficult to know where you should go or what program is right for you. Keep reading for our tips on how to find the perfect program for your needs!
Conclusion:
Studying abroad is a great experience for anyone. It’s an opportunity to learn more about yourself, your country and the world around you. While there are many steps involved in preparing for your study abroad experience, we hope we’ve given you some helpful tips on how to make sure this adventure goes smoothly.
