So you're planning to study abroad and are ready to embark on a life-changing experience. At a time like this, don't you think a personalised checklist can you help you plan and execute things in the right way? Planning a study abroad trip comes with a lot of freedom and responsibilities at the same time. For you to execute the plan without any hassle, you need to keep in mind that this requires quite a bit of time management and consistency. A proper checklist can help you achieve that.
For those of you who don't know where or how to begin your study abroad trip, you need your very own checklist with details of everything you need to do. And that's exactly what this article is about to give you, so read on!
Things to Cross Off your Study Abroad Checklist
There are a few things to take care of when it comes to planning a perfect study abroad trip. A checklist with all the things you need to get done before you set off on your study abroad journey can help you organise things better. Here are some of the essential things to cross off your study abroad checklist:
Do your Research Before Choosing a Study Abroad Program
You always land at the perfect pick after an ample amount of research. And this applies to choosing a suitable study abroad program as well. Start with picking the course that you want to study and then pick the university you want to do it with.
Different universities have different curriculums, so choosing the one that fits your interests is important. Make sure that you do deep research and know everything about the university and its environment before beginning your application process. It will also be an opportunity for you to browse through a list of popular courses that can help you pick the right one for you.
Take up a Language Test
As an international student, there are chances that you might find it hard to cope with the local language if you are planning to move to an English-speaking country. In such cases, it's important to concentrate on your English proficiency to be able to communicate better with the people around you. Taking up a language test before you begin your study abroad journey will help you improve your English language skills and thus make you a confident individual amongst the other English-speaking students.
Language proficiency tests are taken for various reasons such as for academic purposes, better day-to-day communication, effective business communication, and so on. Certain language tests such as IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are taken up as part of university eligibility criteria as well.
Keep all Your Documents Ready
This is probably the most important step of all. Once you have made up your mind to study abroad, ensure that you keep your supporting documents ready.
- Passport
- Student visa
- Documents supporting your academic qualifications
- Financial proof
- A letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Send out Your Application
Once you are done with the above steps, it is time to send out your application for the study abroad program of your choice. While you are in the process of sending your application, ensure that you are aware of the university deadlines for the same. Sending out your application early is wise since many universities operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply for International Student Scholarships
Did you know that scholarships play an important role in making your study abroad experience easy and hassle-free? Studying abroad at your desired university might be an expensive affair and sometimes exceed your budget. With a suitable scholarship, you need not worry about this and shift your complete focus to your academic grades.
Scholarships vary based on your requirements and it is important to be aware of the eligibility criteria and the application deadlines for the same. Gather information about the scholarships that you are eligible for and apply for them before the deadline. There are universities that provide fully funded scholarships for international students that can cover their entire cost of education.
Apply for the International Students Identity Card (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card is a must have on your study abroad checklist as this can benefit you in a lot of ways. As a full-time overseas student, this card will instantly prove your student status. You will also be gaining access to over 150,000 student discounts and offers worldwide.
Avail for a Student Medical Insurance
Student health insurance can help you meet your unexpected medical bills while you are studying abroad. Even though it is not compulsory for you to have health insurance, it is always safe to have one in hand because you never know when you might need it. This can cover certain minor medical expenses such as prescription drugs and very minor injuries.
Look for an Affordable Accommodation
The process of settling down in a new country is never complete without finding the perfect place for your accommodation. Once you are done finalising your study destination, university and the course that you want to pursue, the next step is to find the perfect place for your stay. You can either opt for on-campus accommodation or a shared accommodation outside your university depending on your requirements. This entire process of looking for accommodation should ideally begin at least five to six months prior to your course start date.
Additional tips to Complete Your Study Abroad Checklist
- Notify your bank about your travel and let them know you will be using the cards for transactions from there. This way, they will not block your card due to any suspicious activity.
- To ensure that you have a smooth method of communication, purchase a temporary sim card or phone at your destination country to use it as long as you're there.
- Get to know more about your destination language and the culture there as this can help you prepare yourself to be in a completely new environment.
- Build your social network with the students there, especially your seniors who will know a lot about the university and its culture. Having a good rapport with your seniors will help you connect with your peers sooner than you think.
- Preparing yourself mentally as important as every other step that's involved in this process. You'll be experiencing a whole lot of changes in terms of the culture and atmosphere. Make sure that you give yourself that time and energy to adapt to this new environment.
- Make a copy of all of your important travel documents and make sure to carry them with you whenever you step outside once you've reached your destination country.
- Order your destination currency and keep it ready so you don't run out of money when you're there.
Now that you know everything about how to prepare yourself for your study abroad trip, it's equally important to go about with the process as lightly as possible. Be easy on yourself and feel pumped up about meeting new people, exploring new places, and making memories all the way.
To further simplify this whole process, reach out to AECC Thailand, a promising study abroad consultancy who can give you end-to-end career guidance and help you in different aspects such as university admissions, visa application, and much more.
FAQs:
When should I start planning for my study abroad trip?
It is recommended to start planning at least 6-12 months before your intended departure date. This will give you enough time to prepare your documents, apply for visas, and arrange your travel and accommodation.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the country and university you choose. You will need to consider tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other expenses. It is important to create a budget and plan accordingly.
How can I prepare for the cultural differences in a foreign country?
It is recommended to research the culture, customs, and traditions of the country you will be studying in before you go. You can also take a language course, connect with other international students, and be open-minded and respectful towards different cultures.
How can I stay connected with my family and friends back home?
You can stay connected through social media, email, messaging apps, or video calls. It is important to communicate with your loved ones regularly to keep them updated on your progress and to seek support if needed.
EN 
TH 