Steps to go Abroad
Depending on your university, degree, program, and country
of choice these may be wildly different.
If you have your finances sorted it is a good idea to start allotting funds toward what you will need it for. In some programs and universities for example you will be provided a meal plan. This could be all three meals or one. You may have to purchase your pots/pans and kitchenware. Find out and list out what will be covered, what you need to prepare for it, and how you will pay if you need to. Planning is the key to success. Sometimes this can be difficult if you are applying for scholarships and gathering funds during this step. It will be difficult but not impossible. List things out in order of priority. If you need pots and pans while abroad you should contact a roommate to split or cover this expense (if they have already planned it).
If you have your finances sorted it is a good idea to start allotting funds toward what you will need it for. In some programs and universities for example you will be provided a meal plan. This could be all three meals or one. You may have to purchase your pots/pans and kitchenware. Find out and list out what will be covered, what you need to prepare for it, and how you will pay if you need to. Planning is the key to success. Sometimes this can be difficult if you are applying for scholarships and gathering funds during this step. It will be difficult but not impossible. List things out in order of priority. If you need pots and pans while abroad you should contact a roommate to split or cover this expense (if they have already planned it).
Typically, the things you should prepare for through your
university and/or program are:
a.
Meal plans
b.
Passport and fees
c.
Student visa/internship paperwork
d.
Commuting expenses
e.
Tuition exchange or payment
f.
Housing (homestay/dorms/external flats/apartments, or independently
secure housing for yourself)
g.
Excursions included through your program,
university (home or foreign), and independently
h.
Flight (to and from) or airport transit –
welcoming reception
Purchase these no more than 3 months before leaving to save
Purchase these no more than 3 months before leaving to save
i.
Where your on-site support will be through your
program (if any).
j.
Any other assistance your program, universities,
or countries may provide.
k.
Insurance while abroad (CHP for example)
l.
Communication (laptops/tablets/cell phones)
m. Your Bank - Credit/Debit cards and currency
You need to alert them of travel plans, sort out fees and percentages taken when cards are used abroad. Make sure you monitor your bank statements while abroad!
n. Packing - what to bring and leave at home. You'll need to sort out medications and all the over the counter meds before leaving. Make sure you can travel with what you bring or that you can find it abroad. Certain toiletries (especially feminine items) maybe not even be available.
o. Medical need. If you need assistance abroad this should be worked out months in advance. Prescriptions and care will need approval, clearly marked labels, and prescriptions. You should research what you can get abroad, what you can bring abroad flights, etc. Another possible obstacle will be the absence of items in your abroad country or different terminology or names for the items. In England Ibuprofen is called Paracetamol. When I needed to pick it up this made it easier for me to find immediately.
p. Register with S.T.E.P and your embassy while abroad.
q. Your Return - make sure and prioritize your return to your home country before leaving! It can be really stressful trying to find a sublet, register for the following semester, and everything while you are abroad.
m. Your Bank - Credit/Debit cards and currency
You need to alert them of travel plans, sort out fees and percentages taken when cards are used abroad. Make sure you monitor your bank statements while abroad!
n. Packing - what to bring and leave at home. You'll need to sort out medications and all the over the counter meds before leaving. Make sure you can travel with what you bring or that you can find it abroad. Certain toiletries (especially feminine items) maybe not even be available.
o. Medical need. If you need assistance abroad this should be worked out months in advance. Prescriptions and care will need approval, clearly marked labels, and prescriptions. You should research what you can get abroad, what you can bring abroad flights, etc. Another possible obstacle will be the absence of items in your abroad country or different terminology or names for the items. In England Ibuprofen is called Paracetamol. When I needed to pick it up this made it easier for me to find immediately.
p. Register with S.T.E.P and your embassy while abroad.
q. Your Return - make sure and prioritize your return to your home country before leaving! It can be really stressful trying to find a sublet, register for the following semester, and everything while you are abroad.
And of your any personal expenses that you will have to
cover, which could include appliances, toiletries, clothing, and other miscellaneous
items.
Remember if there are snags in your plans along the way it
isn’t the end of the world just part of the journey! Keep calm and carry on.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave
them in the comments section below.
Happy Travels,
Elle
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