What to Prepare for Studying Abroad: Things you need to keep in mind

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity period. But, before you can become fluent in the language of your choosing, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create experiences to last a lifetime, you must first prepare to travel to another country – and this includes more than simply getting your passport and a suitcase ready. So, what to prepare for studying abroad? How to mentally prepare for study abroad? Everyone on DNBC Financial Group has considered – and found answers to – these questions before. Continue reading for our best advice on how to prepare for studying abroad.

What to Prepare for Studying Abroad: Things you need to keep in mind

What to prepare for studying abroad

Determine your financial situation

Before you do anything else, be sure you have enough cash to cover the cost of the trip, including the money you’ll spend while there (Here are some pointers for those saving for a gap year). As a general rule, you will probably spend more money than you anticipate. It’s usually preferable to keep some small denomination cash on hand, as well as a credit card for larger purchases and longer journeys. Notify the credit card issuer of your destination and length of stay so that the card is allowed once you begin your shopping trip.

You need the proper documentation

Studying abroad entails visiting another country. To do so, you will require a new type of identification, a passport. Passports might take several weeks to process, so it’s better to plan ahead of time.

When you leave the United States and enter the new country, you will be required to show your passport. You may also need a visa to study abroad, depending on the country. We recommend consulting with your advisor to ensure that you have everything you need, as well as creating digital and physical copies of your passport and visa.

Paying tuition fees abroad

Because foreign payments are not a one-time event when studying abroad, you will need timely and cost-effective methods to pay your tuition bill. If you’ve looked into several methods for sending money abroad, you’ve probably discovered that it’s an expensive and time-consuming process. Maybe DNBC Financial Group’s international transfer is an ideal choice for you. DNBC Financial Group enables SWIFT and SEPA transfers to 170 countries and territories worldwide, allowing our customers to choose from a choice of transfer alternatives at the lowest possible rate and with the least amount of wait time.

Cover your insurance needs

Make use of your study abroad adviser’s knowledge of travel insurance. You should also contact your health insurance provider to see if there is a specific package that protects you when you are traveling overseas.

Although your health insurance provider may cover you abroad (not all do), there are a few things that travel insurance will cover that health insurance won’t. As an example:

• Coverage if your flight is delayed or canceled
• The luggage was misplaced.
• Personal items were stolen.
• Evacuation during a medical emergency or natural disaster

Get any necessary prescriptions

If you regularly use prescription medication or contact lenses, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip or a prescription that can be filled abroad (Confirm the coverage with your insurance company).

Consciously protect your valuables

You’ll most likely be carrying a few of your most precious possessions, such as your laptop, smartphone, iPod, passport, nice jewelry, or money. It is critical that you actively track your belongings.

While theft isn’t necessarily more dangerous abroad than at home, you’re more likely to be distracted (due to all of the awesome fun you’re having!). Place your money in a money belt or various locations on your person before leaving your dorm, apartment, or homestay. Lock any belongings you leave behind!

How to mentally prepare for study abroad

Living abroad for a few years is not for the faint of heart. Being immersed in a vastly diverse environment can leave you feeling overwhelmed or anxious, especially if no emotional preparation is undertaken. As a result, we’ve come up with some mental preparation tips for studying abroad.

Learn about your study destination

You will be exposed to a different culture, way of life, people, food, and potentially even weather and language as soon as you get to your study destination.

By researching the country and its unique characteristics, you will have a better idea of what to expect and react appropriately rather than being caught off guard.

Connect with other international students

International student clubs and societies are common at many universities. It would be fantastic if you could join these clubs because they can act as a reliable support system for you. Make friends with other global students and ask for tips and advice on living in a foreign country. However, don’t forget that mixing with local students is also important so you can learn about and be exposed to different cultures and people.

Find out what are your support options

Find out if the university provides a counselor on campus in addition to joining an international student society. Counselors at the university are responsible for offering students who need emotional and psychological support.

About DNBC Financial Group

DNBC Financial Group is passionate about making global financial payments easier. We’ve grown quickly to help businesses and individuals all over the world reduce the cost of sending and spending money abroad, collecting payments from international customers, moving cash between international subsidiaries, and managing the risk of currency fluctuations.