5 Tips for Studying Abroad
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Studying abroad during your university career is an effective way of enriching your student experience. You have the opportunity to study things unavailable at your home institution, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and maybe even learn a new language.
In addition to being exhilarating, studying abroad can be a daunting experience. Thankfully, here are five tips to help you maximize your time overseas while also making it as comfortable as possible.
Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Did you know there are often scholarships and other awards available only to students who will be studying abroad? Check with your home institution about your opportunities. Scholarships, bursaries, and grants can really help relieve the financial burden of studying in a foreign country. While you may only have to pay your home university?s tuition, you still have to consider travel, food, and accommodation.
Be an Active Learner
Yes, you have to listen in your classes if you are going to learn and progress in your degree. However, you should also ensure you seek out other learning opportunities while abroad. You can pick up a few phrases in a foreign language, learn about the country?s history, try new food, and more! There is no doubt about it: learning in a foreign country will change you.
Plan Before You Leave
Make sure you have all your essential documents in order before you go. You do not want to find yourself stuck in a foreign country or face issues with your bank back home. Inform your bank where you are going and for how long, so they are aware if you are going to use your credit card overseas.
Ask your parents or another loved one to act as an official proxy for official business while you are away. You do not want to face a crisis because you did not make a plan for your home while you are overseas!
Talk To Your Doctor
Before you travel overseas, make an appointment with your primary doctor. You may need certain vaccinations for the country (or countries) you will visit. In addition, if you are on any kind of prescription medication, be sure to have it refilled before you leave. You need to bring enough of the medication with you to cover your entire trip (and a little extra, just in case) so you do not run out. No one wants a health crisis overseas!
Call Home with iRoam
Many students will find themselves homesick while studying abroad. Others may simply want to talk to someone from home, or just keep themselves up to date on everything happening back home. In any case, staying connected is essential. There are countless options, but many of them often result in high data or roaming charges. However, you can call home, text your friends, and surf the web for an affordable price with one of iRoam?s prepaid international SIM cards. You can even keep the same cell phone number as you travel between countries, so no one is confused about how to contact you!
Make sure your time overseas is a smooth as possible with this collection of five tips for studying abroad. Embrace the experience!