Global experience is invaluable in today’s interconnected world. Each year thousands of students go abroad in search of an enriching study and work experience; and it’s something that provides them with an exciting learning experience that extends well beyond the classroom.
Students who return from studies or internships abroad routinely say that it was life-changing and one of the most personally and educationally rewarding, fulfilling, stimulating and interesting things they have ever done.
It’s never too late so if your heart is set on travelling abroad to study – and even at this stage if you’re going through clearing – there’s still time.
But you need to be prepared, so here are a few things to keep in mind before making your decision and embarking on this life-changing journey.
1. Get to know the new country
One of the most valuable and important steps you can take to prepare yourself for your experience abroad is to learn about your destination. Investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, healthcare, environment and culture of the country you’re visiting.
2. Keep your passport and visa papers in order
A valid passport is required for travel outside of the UK – it is your official identification as a citizen of your country. Before departure, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return. Some countries won’t let you in if your passport is close to its expiry date.
Check out www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports for details on how to renew or replace your passport and remember to give yourself a good three weeks to get the passport, although there are alternative options if you need the passport urgently.
3. Make copies of your documents
Remember to always make copies of the photo identification page of your passport and any stamped pages before travel, so that you’re prepared in case your passport is lost or stolen abroad. You may want to scan and e-mail a copy of each of your important documents to yourself so that they’re never misplaced.
4. Learn about visa requirements
Certain countries will also require you to hold a visa as an entry requirement to cross their border. Common categories include student, tourist, work and business visas. At least three months before your departure check with your guest country’s nearest consular office to determine whether you need a visa for your travels. If you do, you can contact the International Centre of your chosen college for support to help guide you through the application process.
5. Don’t forget about insurance and immunisations
You may be required to have travel health insurance for the time that you are abroad. It is also your responsibility to obtain supplementary personal travel health and medical insurance, and to understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.This is to make sure that you receive the best possible health care abroad in cases of accident or illness, and to protect you from financial burden. Out-of-country health care can be costly.
6. Get a check-up
Visit your family doctor at least 2-3 months prior to departure to make sure that you’re in good health and to check whether you need any vaccines to protect you from illness abroad. Keep in mind that some immunisations need to be administered over a period of weeks – do not leave this to the last minute.
7. Accessing money abroad
Going abroad is an investment in your education and personal growth.To have a successful experience and avoid financial stress, it’s wise to learn the value of the local currency and live within a budget whenever possible. You should also have a contingency plan for unexpected situations. The best way to prepare is to talk other students who have returned from abroad about how much they spent, and your host institution about estimated expenses.
Before you travel, research different ways to carry and access money abroad – such as credit card, debit card, travellers cheques, or cash – and decide which is best for you. Consider a combination in case one method fails. It’s always helpful to have some local cash on hand when you arrive to pay for local transportation and meals. Create a budget and look for student travel discounts.
ATMs are increasingly available overseas. Although it varies by country, “Plus”, “Star”, and “Cirrus” systems seem to be the most widely used abroad. Notify your bank and credit card company of your destination and travel dates so that they authorise your purchases made abroad. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where these companies have frozen your accounts because they suspect your cards have been stolen.
“Through a combination of academic courses, travel experiences and extra-curricular activities, studying abroad will mean you gain a highly valued global perspective, deepen your understanding of human diversity, interconnectedness, and cultural complexity and enhance your sense of personal and community responsibility,” says Rebecca Fitzgerald, International Mobility Manager at Humber College in Toronto, Canada.
Studying abroad is a great experience and one that will stay with you for the rest of your life – and being prepared will ensure that it stays with you for all the right reasons.
By Tania Spoljaric-Sherwood, Manager, International Recruitment and Market Development,Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (Toronto, Canada)
Originally posted StudyOverseas.com 9 September 2014