Pre-departure preparations for studying abroad (Scholarship)
Pre-departure preparations for studying abroad (Scholarship)
Posted by #Admin #Abuchu May 1, 2018
Studying abroad as an international student could be very exciting even though it sometimes comes with its own challenges. Of course, it is equally more challenging to process all the documents that are needed for both school admission and visa application. It goes without saying that the process of doing the applications is both expensive and time consuming. However, most people turn to forget their challenges once they are issued their visas because it is usually a dream-come true situation for them. Well, in as much as being granted a visa is worth celebrating, it is equally important to understand the importance of careful planning before departing to study. This applies for all students moving to a foreign country to study and it doesn’t matter if they are free scholars or self-sponsored students. There are nonetheless many tips to prepare to depart to study abroad and we will be looking at the main ones in the subsequent paragraphs;
- Buy a plane ticket
Once you are issued your visa, the first thing to do is to check out the rates of air tickets and buy a plane ticket to your destination. It is apparent that if you are moving to study in another continent, the safest way to reach your destination is by air. It is worth mentioning that delays in buying an air ticket could end up costing you a late. The reason is that air tickets are most often much expensive when they are bough under emergency situations. Besides, all flights could be booked such that you end up stranded with no available means to arrive your new school in time.
- Do thorough research on your destination
Another pre departure preparation tip for studying abroad is by doing thorough research about your destination. If you have never visited the country, it is imperative to do research about the lifestyle, climate, living conditions and even available food stuffs. You can do online research or contact a few people who have had the opportunity of living in your destination country. Of course, having first-hand information about the destination country will help you better prepare to adapt to your new life. For instance after doing research, you will decide what foodstuff to carry along. Similarly, you also need to know about the weather so as to take along the right clothes with you. Remember it could be challenging starting life as an international student in a new country so you have to take along some of the stuff you will need.
- Improve on your language skills
You should also try refreshing and improving on your language skills as you plan your journey to your new environment. For instance if you are travelling to English speaking countries like the USA and UK, then you are highly advised to refresh your English language skills especially if you are not a native speaker. Similarly, it is advisable to start learning the language of the country you plan studying in before arriving. Knowing the language will however help you integrate into your new environment faster.
- Find time to pack your items
So many people take packing for granted. Well, it is imperative to take it seriously by making time to pack all the items you may need carefully. Of course, packing should be a gradual process which may take up to a few days. Taking time to pack your items will minimize the possibilities of forgetting some very valuable items.
- Have some money with you
Another very important pre departure preparation tip is to have some money with you. As a matter of fact, it is too risky to travel to a foreign and strange land without any money. The reason is that you may end up stranded. Thus, every international student, those on free scholarships inclusive should ensure that they leave their home countries with some money for unseen circumstances.
By following these tips above, you are likely to easily settle into your new environment. Nevertheless, you should also consider contacting someone to pick you and show you around your new city or town. However, do not worry if you do not find anyone as sooner than later, you will get to understand your new environment well.
