– Preparing for your study abroad program takes multiple steps, including getting a passport and visa.
– Studying abroad allows you to see the world and get a wonderful education in the process.
– Applying for a passport and visa for your study abroad trip is fast and easy.
Studying abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime, and is something that we highly recommend adventurous students trying it out at least once. Not only does studying abroad let you see the world, experience new cultures, and make lifelong friends, but it also allows you to get an excellent education. But there are some things that you should know before jumping in and signing up for a study abroad program, including some tips that will help set you up for success. From getting your travel documents ahead of time to creating a bucket list and more, here are 10 tips you should follow if you’re considering studying abroad.
10 Tips For Studying Abroad
1. Get Your Passport Ahead of Time
Getting ready to study abroad requires some preparation, including obtaining a passport. Whether this is your first time getting a passport or you need to renew it, you’ll want to make sure you apply ahead of time. Many people will be looking to study abroad this year, and you should start the application process as soon as possible so that you get it in time for your semester abroad.
2. Acquire the Necessary Visas
Most study abroad programs require that you obtain certain visas or e-Visas before traveling internationally. These visas allow you to spend a specific amount of time in another country while learning and attending school. Typically, these visas let you stay for an extended period (generally for months at a time) to get a taste of what it’s like to go to school in another country. Do your research and apply for all required visas ahead of time so that you can get them with plenty of time to spare.
3. Learn Some of the Local Language
One of the most intimidating parts of traveling to another country is not understanding the local language. But the truth is, this doesn’t have to be scary! Before traveling abroad, take some time to learn some of the local language. Start with basic words, then slowly learn some common phrases. Try your best to practice as much as you can before departing for your international study abroad trip, and before you know it, you’ll be able to communicate with the locals. Even if you only know a few words, the locals will appreciate you trying to speak their language.
If you want to speak to the locals more fluently but don’t have time to learn a lot of their language, you can also download a translator onto your phone. There are many great apps that allow you to translate what people are saying in real-time. These apps also allow you to speak into the phone in English, and it will translate what you’re saying into another language.
4. Make the Most of Your Luggage Space
When going to study abroad, you may be gone for a few months, and you’ll want to pack efficiently and make the most of the space in your luggage. To do so, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them, using compression bags, wearing your bulky items on the plane, and, if possible, only bring a couple of pairs of shoes. We suggest sticking to one pair that is comfortable to walk in (many international cities are very walkable) and one pair that you can pair with multiple outfits.
5. Create a Bucket List
Though studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for students to learn in a different country, it’s also an excellent opportunity to explore and embrace a new culture. Creating a bucket list is one way to guarantee you’re making the most of your time away. Write down all of the things you want to see, places you want to visit, the food you want to try, and anything else you want to experience while away, and try to check off as many things as possible. You will have a lot of extra time to fill on the weekends, and completing your study abroad bucket list is the perfect way to see a new country.
6. Learn What Public Transportation is Available
A fantastic and inexpensive way to get around a new country is to use its public transportation. Depending on what country you’re going to, your options for public transit may look a little different. This is why it’s essential to do your research so that you know what options are available for getting around your destination. The bus, subway, or train are typically all efficient ways to get around, or, if you can, try walking to get from one place to another.
7. Consider Getting Travel Insurance
Going away for a long time comes with some risks, and you want to protect yourself in case anything goes wrong. That’s where travel insurance comes in! You may want to consider purchasing travel insurance when going on your study abroad adventure, especially if you’ll be gone for a few months, and it will cost you a significant amount of money. It is important to note that travel insurance doesn’t cover everything, but it does cover enough where it is probably worth purchasing.
8. Talk to Your Classmates and Make New Friends
Studying abroad is a beautiful way to make friends you’ll have for a lifetime, and allows you to meet some awesome people from different countries and cultures. Though it can be somewhat scary to put yourself out there and talk to others, speaking to your classmates and trying to make new friends is important. You can then spend your free time hanging out with one another and getting to know your new pals!
9. Plan Out Your Free Time
You will have a lot of free time to explore your temporary new home on the weekends or even after class. To ensure you’re making the most of your time, plan your leisure activities in advance. For example, at the beginning of each week, look at your schedule and see when you have class, when you need to study, and when you can go out and explore. Then, write fill in those open spots with things you want to do, and buy any tickets if needed!
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
You may have some questions while away, and that’s okay! Traveling to a different country is full of new sights and experiences, and you may have questions about the culture, the city, or maybe you just want to know the best places to grab a bite to eat. Your teachers and classmates who live in the area probably have great advice and recommendations and will have no problem helping you.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page” – Saint Augustine
How Many Students Study Abroad Each Year?
Studying abroad opens up many opportunities, and those who get to experience it are taking on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing a new country while learning is special, and it’s easy to see why thousands of students sign up to study abroad each year. In fact, according to NAFSA, more than 188,000 students went to study abroad during the 2021-2022 academic year, expanding their knowledge and cultural horizons.
How Long Are Study Abroad Programs?
The program course length for study abroad programs varies depending on the school, and you should check with your chosen school ahead of time so that you know how long you’ll be away. According to Greenheart Travel, one of the most popular program lengths for study abroad programs is one academic year, which is equivalent to 10 months. So you can expect to be away from home for this amount of time in most cases.
What Are Some Popular Destinations For Studying Abroad?
Many countries worldwide offer fantastic study abroad programs, so it can be hard to decide on just one. However, some countries tend to be more popular than others when it comes to studying abroad, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. Many factors should be considered when deciding where to study abroad, and we suggest that you take your time and weigh all your options carefully before making your final decision.
Where Can I Get a Passport or Visa For My Study Abroad Trip?
You’ve decided where you want to study abroad, and now it’s time to prepare for your upcoming adventure – hooray! This includes checking that you have a valid passport and getting any necessary visas. Though this may seem like a daunting task, we’re here to tell you that getting a passport and visa is relatively easy when you choose Swift Passport and Visa Services.
First, head to our website to begin your passport or visa application and complete the checkout process. Next, you will be sent a complete list of all the documents you’ll need to gather and send in so you can check them off individually. A member of our knowledgeable team will then process your application and work with you to get your passport and/or visa to you in time for your study abroad journey. No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there!
