10 things you can do if you want to study abroad
1. Plan ahead
There are many details that you need to sort out before you go to study abroad. Our recommendation is to start preparations at least six months in advance. Document yourself about the university, about the specialization you want to follow, about the travel conditions in the country where you will study. Find out what accommodation options you have, possibly book a place on airbnb in case the university cannot provide you with a place on campus. Plus the plane ticket, the earlier you book it, the lower the price.
2. Start saving
As soon as you’ve decided where and when you’re going to study abroad, you’d better start saving some money. Even if you’re going on a scholarship or your parents are helping you, living on your own can have all kinds of unexpected expenses, from weekend trips to study gadgets or administrative fees. Once you arrive at your new university, find out what internship opportunities you have, if there are jobs on campus for students, if you can teach meditation or if you can babysit.
3. Get an International Student Card (ISIC)
ISIC – International Student Identity Card is the only student ID that certifies, at a global level, your status as a secondary school student, high school student, student, master’s student or doctoral student. Use it as soon as you arrive at the airport to exchange money without commission. Based on the ISIC card, you can benefit from discounts on some museum tickets, some cinemas and even restaurants. And the best part is that you can use the card when you return home, until you finish your studies.
4. Buy a local SIM card
Buy a local SIM card
5. Learn the local language
Most international students look for study programs in English, but it wouldn’t hurt to take advantage of the local language courses that many universities offer. When you speak the language of the locals, new horizons open up and you can experience life in a foreign country on a different level.
6. Make friends with the locals
The tendency of those who go to study abroad is to make friends among international students. It’s true that you have a lot in common with students from other countries who are in the same situation as you, but maybe you should try to approach a local student as well. More than likely there are locals you can befriend and who can show you things specific to the place that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience.
7. Don’t overload your academic schedule
As much as you would like to take advantage of the courses offered by the university you are attending, do not forget that you will be studying in a foreign language. Even if you know the language you are studying well, consider that it will take you longer to process the information of the courses than you would in your native language.
8. Some administrative things
The budget and finances are not among the first things that occupy your mind normally, but when you study in a foreign country, it is good to prepare ahead of time for this chapter as well. Make sure you have a credit/debit bank card compatible with the country where you will study and keep a daily budget! This is the advice that most international students give to those who are just starting their experience of studying in another country. The truth is, in the beginning, it’s very easy to spend all your money quickly. From eating at fast food, to traveling by taxi or going out with colleagues, there are all kinds of unforeseen expenses that can leave you with an empty card. Try to write down what are the necessary, regular expenses, how much they cost you and only then decide what you can do with the extra money you have. One more tip,
9. Don’t buy a return ticket
If you’re still living the adventure of your life with your studies abroad, why not extend your life a little on your own with a trip across the country or Europe?
10. Document the experience abroad
The time at the university outside will pass faster than you think so it wouldn’t hurt if you kept a diary, started a blog or simply documented your student life with lots of posts and stories on Instagram or Tik Tok.