Moving abroad for college is an exciting adventure! You have a chance to explore a new country and culture, gain meaningful work experience, and make lasting friendships – but the process of moving abroad can also be intimidating. For international students unfamiliar with customs in their destination country or language barriers that may arise during the school-shopping process, it’s easy to fall into distress because of the unknown. The good news? There are plenty of tips available on how to navigate through steps like visa applications and financial aid paperwork if you take the time to research. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing tips from experts on how international students can prepare for a smooth move overseas for college.
Research The College And Country You’re Moving To
Studying abroad can be an exciting yet daunting prospect for any college student. Before you jet set to a new and unfamiliar destination, it pays to do your research – get to know the local language, customs, climate, and currency of your new home away from home. Try reading up on the culture of your destination country and familiarize yourself with its traditions.
For example, when visiting certain countries it is wise to dress modestly and respect cultural practices such as greeting elders first prior to talking. Additionally, researching the local climate should also be kept in mind if there are drastic differences from back home – bring clothing suitable for colder or hot weather! The folks at Seven Seas Worldwide note that you might also need to ship your luggage if you’re bringing a lot of items with you, as some airlines have strict weight restrictions for checked luggage.
It’s absolutely essential to research the college or university you will be attending, too. Get to know the courses offered and any extracurricular activities available on campus, ask about student services like healthcare, scholarships, and career counseling, and make sure you understand admission policies such as standardized testing requirements.
Related Read: Make a To-Do List for Moving to a New Country
Get Your Documents In Order
Moving to a foreign country can be daunting, and there are plenty of details to take care of before you make the move. One critical aspect is making sure you have the right documents – getting all your visas and paperwork in order is key to having a smooth move abroad. Doing your research and being diligent in this step can save you a lot of stress further down the road. Familiarize yourself with the types of documents required for student visa applications so that as soon as you decide to take the international route, you’ll be ready to go!
Learn How To Budget Before You Go
When considering a move abroad for college, budgeting is paramount. Before you leave, make sure to look up exchange rates and research the range of housing options that are available to you. Do your best to accurately account for the costs associated with living away from home, and try to determine how much money you should expect to spend on basics such as rent, food, insurance, textbooks, and other necessities. Once you’ve got a good grasp of the financial implications of moving so far away from home, it will be easier to confidently manage your budget during your time studying abroad.
Make Contacts Beforehand
Moving abroad for college can be a daunting task. As an international student, you may find yourself disconnected and overwhelmed by the new environment. To make the transition a little easier, it is recommended to reach out to other international students who have already gone abroad for college. Making contact before your move can be incredibly helpful: they can provide advice on what to expect or insider tips about the culture. It can also help you connect with like-minded individuals from all around the world – forming bonds and friendships that will make your stay even more enjoyable!
Related Read: Ultimate Guide for Packing Clothes for Moving
Moving abroad as an international student can be a daunting prospect, but with some careful preparation, it can also be incredibly rewarding. With more students than ever before taking the leap and studying overseas to experience other cultures and expand their horizons, the beauty of international education has truly been realized. Before embarking on your journey, make sure you’re fully aware of all the necessary research- including the language, local customs, climate, and currency- as well as any documents required for student visa applications. You should also become familiar with budgeting in your new country by researching exchange rates and different kinds of accommodations that fit within your budget. Finally, forming connections before arriving can also provide immense support for navigating a new environment.
