Study Abroad Checklist: Everything You Need to Prepare

Once the student has been accepted onto a program at a foreign university of their choice, it's vital for them to have a study abroad checklist handy. They are preparing to set off via their preferred means to start their new journey as an international student.

Study Abroad Checklist

Preparing to study abroad can be hectic and overwhelming, especially if it is the first time the individual is going to live in a different country. With so many deadlines, phone calls, and arrangements to make, a study abroad checklist is a must to not slip between the cracks.

Table of Contents

• Passport
• Student Visa
• Finances
• International Student Scholarships
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC) 
• Travel Insurance
• Medical
• Language
• Travel

Passport

Yes, a student might not target their passport, but it is necessary to ensure that the passport remains valid for the duration of the student's travel. The reason that passport should remain their priority in study abroad checklist are mentioned as follows:

• Many countries, in visa applications, require the individuals to have at least six months extra on their passport beyond the end of their studies
• The passport should allow for the study time, any additional traveling time, plus an additional six months
• If the passport needs to be renewed, apply as soon as possible to ensure the passport comes before the start of the term. 
• The processing time of the passport varies from country to country but can often take six weeks or more 
• If the student decides to wait until they’re abroad before renewing their passport, they will have to face embassy visits, queuing, and even more form-filling than usual

Student visa

Depending upon the student's chosen country, they will likely have to procure a student visa in order to be allowed in the country for the full length of study. The steps students should take regarding their student visa are mentioned as follows:

• If the student has applied to an accredited university for an undergraduate degree, the school assists the student with the student visa process 
• Though, this is not necessary, so the students should make sure to inquire about the details of the student visas from their applied schools or institutions
• If no help is being offered, the students must get straight onto the job of applying for and securing a student visa for themself
• The candidates need to contact the embassy or consulate of their respective country of study and may need to attend an appointment as part of the student visa application
• They can be asked to bring documentation such as a university letter of approval, the aforementioned valid passport, proof of funds, and, occasionally, a return ticket for their journey home at the end of their studies

Finances

When considering their finances, the students must ensure that all their money is safe and easily accessible during their travels. Managing their finances is a crucial and important part of their travel. So the students should keep these points on their study abroad checklist:

• Carrying local currency is a must, but the students should make sure not to solely rely on cash or withdrawing a large amount of cash at once
• Convert their money before getting to the airport as the converting rates are not the best there 
• The converting process can be done at various places such as the local bank, travel agents, bureau de change, post office, some supermarkets, or even a specialist online provider
• They must have a bank account that can be accessible abroad as well with a cash card or credit card through local ATMs or an international bank branch
• Check that their card is valid throughout their travel

Students should also be careful while spending money when they are funding themselves. It is helpful to have a list of expenses, including everything from accommodation costs to daily food and entertainment. 

International student scholarships

Student scholarships can be a great help to international students to receive additional funding for their studies. The student’s first call should be to their new university’s website or inquiry phone call. It is thoughtful to look after these points when considering looking at international student scholarships:

• Find out whether the candidate is eligible for financial aid
• Avail all the information on the available student scholarships, grants, and bursaries.
• Many of these awards are subject-specific and/or needs-based. Sometimes they are also exclusive to high-achieving or minority students
• If the respective schools or universities are not offering such financial aid, the students can opt for outside funding as well
• All student scholarships are heavily subscribed to, so the students should make sure to research the scholarships well in advance of leaving for university
• The students need to work hard on their applications and pay close attention to application deadlines

International Student Identity Card (ISIC) 

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is one thing that should be on every international student’s study abroad checklist.The International Student Travel Confederation, the organization behind the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), has offices in 106 countries worldwide. 

Students must check online whether the ISIC would be useful to them or not. Here is why ISIC can be useful to students studying abroad:

• It offers great discounts on products and services around the world
• They can discover discounts on public transport, travel insurance, international calling cards and a number of other useful things
• It can offer help with many travel-related issues you may face as an international student

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may look like an unnecessary cost, but, in reality, travel insurance is essential. Travel insurance will cover the students if anything happens to them during their study abroad period – illness, injury, or theft. 

In many countries, health insurance is also a requirement for international students and they may be asked to prove if they have sufficient cover.

Medical

It is extremely wise to make sure the students are fighting fit before going to another country, city, etc. It is thoughtful to visit the doctor for a full medical check-up. Students must pay close heed to these things while study abroad:

• If ongoing care is needed while the candidate is away, the students need to make sure their doctor sends a copy of their medical records abroad 
• Foreign prescriptions are not always honored so it is advised for students to allow themselves extra time to collect their prescriptions before their medication runs out

Language

If the student has chosen to study abroad in a county in which they do not speak the local language, it is nothing to be nervous or anxious about. Often. In European countries or even others, the locals speak a little English. 

Regardless of this, the students should take a few lessons in the local language of the country they are going to study abroad. This will ensure they are able to interact and immerse themselves in the culture of this new foreign country of their study abroad. It will also be helpful for them in their day-to-day lives. 

Travel

Every student’s study abroad checklist should contain the means and knowledge to be able to get around and explore the new country and its culture. The students should book their initial tickets and their return before they travel. 

The internet is a helpful place and it allows the students to compare prices of transport all over the world. 

Make sure to enjoy yourself and have a wonderful experience while study abroad!