We know that your super excitement has got you here on our page. First of all, congratulations on being accepted to your study abroad program! After all the hurdles, right from the entrance exams to the applications, the never-ending wait for the admits and the nerve-wracking VISA procedure, it is time to bid adieu to your dear country for your destination ahead.
Although it seems obvious, having the correct documentation is essential for any trip abroad. Travel documents can include a passport, visa, proof of travel, proof of insurance, invitation letters, and maybe more, depending on the country.
Identification Documents
Legal proceedings can be baffling, but you will not be allowed in your destination country without these documents. Therefore, your legal documentation should be kept in order early.
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your program ends abroad. Make sure you have finished all the paperwork that your college/university requires before arriving. The last thing you want to find out on the day you leave is that you forgot something crucial!
You must apply for your globally recognized international student ID card (ISIC). Sometimes these can help you avail yourself of sweet discounts on travel activities like museum tickets, transportation, or accommodations.
Resources
Organizational skills are the key to the smooth running of all steps. It will help you ensure all of your credits and graduation requirements are met. Scheduling a meeting with a college coach is the best thing to do. They will keep track of all updates and get you a list of what exactly is required for your study abroad program.
From mapping out your class schedule to the next semester, they will accommodate you to meet all prerequisites of the courses so that you or any significant event does not fall through the cracks. Once you are done, the next step is to determine any necessary supplies needed for your time abroad. If you are staying on your own, then the list will go longer. Particular textbooks or other supplies need to be paid special attention to because requirements vary from your home institution
Funding
International education depends on your finances, and when conspiring this, you should ensure that you have enough safe and accessible resources for the duration of your travels.
Carrying the local currency applies at default. It would be best if you get your money exchanged before getting to the airport. Waiting for currency exchange at the airport is not really the best option. It will consume time and your peace of mind too. Consult a local bank, travel agents, bureau de change, post office, or other particular providers online to get the correct exchange rate. Students are required to register themselves with a bank of destination location to show proof of funds. This later allows students to avail themselves of the services of a local bank there. You should have an account with a bank that is internationally recognized so that you can easily access your funds through local ATMs or a bank branch there. Your card should have an international allowance and validity during your trip. Therefore, contact your bank branch already to check that your card is not blocked.
Before you depart, try to list your expenses for everything, from accommodation costs to daily food and entertainment. A weekly figure of your expenditure will help you cut down on non-essentials or research further funding options.
Travel insurance
This might look like an unnecessary cost, but on the contrary, travel insurance is the most essential on your to-do list. Travel insurance will cover you for anything that happens to you during the course. Illness, injury, or theft, you surely do not want to spend your entire life savings on a trip to the doctors! In many countries, health insurance is a requirement for international students, often included in the student’s fee.
Medical
Getting a medical check-up is a must to ensure you’re fit before flying. A wise person will always get a complete medical check-up done, including all necessary vaccinations. Countries like Canada and Australia need a special medical assessment report from one of the designated hospitals before allowing a student VISA. If you’re currently under treatment and will continue in the future, then you must ask your doctor to provide a copy of your medical records abroad. Foreign prescriptions are not always honored. Therefore allow yourself some extra time to collect your prescription from your home country so that you do not run out of medications abroad.
Travel
The last and most important is your travel arrangement. But hey! That doesn’t mean that you wait for the previous month to book your tickets. Everyone likes to stay under the budget, and if you want that too, you will have to book your initial tickets and research the means of travel for you to use once in the country. The new normal during covid-19 has made different countries fix a specific quarantine period for all travelers. This, too, will require prior booking and other arrangements. Keep track of all such updates so that you meet all the requirements.
You will be only considered ready for the adventure once you’ve ticked off everything from the list mentioned above. This pre-departure checklist will help you get everything on track so that you’re all prepared to ace your international program without any unexpected hurdles.