International Students’ Guide Part 1: How to Prepare for Studying Abroad

From packing everything you could need for a year to filling out the necessary documents to selecting classes to meeting international students, there are several things you must remember before embarking on your year abroad.

Studying abroad is thrilling because the chances and talents you may develop are limitless. And the possibilities for where you can travel are suddenly endless.

However, there are so many details to remember that it can be challenging to know where to begin.

This is why we’ve compiled the student’s guide to consider before embarking on your year abroad.

1.Get a Passport and a Visa

The first thing in the best student’s guide is to be prepared with the proper documentation for studying abroad. To travel and study abroad, you must have a valid passport. If you already have one, double-check that it is not expired and will not expire within six months of your scheduled return. Also, if you’ve previously visited overseas, make sure your passport has blank pages.

If this is your first passport, remember to bring the following items with you when you apply:

• Your original birth certificate
• two recent passport-sized photographs
• Identification that has been certified (such as a driver’s license)
• Your application for a passport
• Amount for Payment

For studying abroad, all students are required to get a valid visa and an updated passport. Do check the official website of the State Department for the restrictions of your desired study abroad location as different countries have different visa requirements. You may also get information about visa requirements and any specific travel restraints by communicating with the embassy of the country you intend to visit located near you. Visa applications which also include passport applications, will get processed after many months, so do not put them off!

Documents Needed for Student Visa Application 

2.Survey the Location

One of the things you should do is to research and learn about the best countries for international students. Before you leave, study about the people, their culture, and any difficulties the nation is having that may influence your trip plans. Understanding the culture, researching the food, studying maps and places, and learning the language may help you to feel more at ease and less apprehensive. You may still be confused and experience unexpected things when you arrive, but knowledge will help you reduce this shock.

3. Money

Once you’ve obtained admission to the institution and course of your choosing, as well as arranged your housing, the next obstacle is attempting to establish a routine. You must purchase groceries, books, clothing, and other necessities to live and study. You should also get out there and discover your new city.

All of this costs money. So, how do you deal with that?

For international students to deal with this there is a simple and convenient option available i.e., Forex Card or Forex Cash which do not requires account opening or anything complex in which students must face difficulty.
Here are the advantages of Forex Products by Thomas Cook over Cash or any other options:

Cheapest Online Rates

You may buy forex at the most economical pricing when you use Thomas Cook. We assist our consumers in tracking currency fluctuations and purchasing forex online at the best possible rates.

Door-to-door delivery and branch pick-up are also available

Thomas Cook strives to make your FX purchase as simple as possible by offering services such as doorstep delivery. This means you may buy forex from the comfort of your own home without ever having to visit our branch. In the event of an emergency, you can also select the branch for pick up as well.

Pay a little sum now to lock in prices

This function helps to block rates of corresponding currencies by just paying 4% of the full transaction value in advance, with the balance due within 48 hours.

4. Mentally prepare yourself

While saying goodbye might be difficult, it is an essential part of the trip. And think of all the fun you’re about to have! Be prepared for the unexpected! When studying abroad, you will meet people with different conceptions of time and personal space. Be open to learning and observing these differences without passing judgment. These very distinctions will surely enhance the comprehension of your own culture.

Locals you encounter while traveling will frequently be interested in your native country. Typically, you will be questioned about your country’s international policy, which you are supposed to be well educated. Get into the habit of reading newspapers and news magazines well before you travel, so you’re up to date on current events at home and abroad. It would help if you also informed your friends and family about where you’ll be traveling and what you will do. A solid support system can assist you in overcoming the difficulties of living in an unfamiliar place distant from home.

5. Begin packing!

Pack light, in two words! Double-check with your airline to learn about their baggage limitations to avoid costs. Thomas Cook would recommend bringing:

• One or two checked bags
• Bring a one-day bag (e.g., a backpack) as your carry-on
• One personal item, such as a handbag

Other helpful packing recommendations include:

• Bring travel-sized toiletries for the first two weeks and stock up when you arrive
• Instead of spending room on it, plan to buy an inexpensive towel or bedding when you arrive
• Stick to three pairs of shoes, or four if necessary
• Bring your electronics’ power adapters

Request a packing list for international students from your study abroad program, and remember that many of the products you may wish to bring will be accessible overseas. Keep an eye on the temperature of the nation you’re studying in because packing a winter coat for January down south can be a mistake.

6. Purchase an airline ticket

Finding inexpensive aircraft tickets has now become a game of time and chance. Fares might vary significantly depending on when you wish to go and where you buy your ticket.

However, before purchasing a low-cost ticket, check out how flexible flight dates are. After all, you don’t want to be compelled to buy a new ticket if you decide to extend your stay in another country! Most airlines, fortunately, will allow you to modify your ticket for $100 plus the price difference.

Thomas Cook will also advise you not to come more than a few days before your program’s start date. While a few additional days may provide one a head start on adapting to a new environment or arriving early or recovering from jet lag may cause issues with immigration.

Sometimes though you can never expect to be completely prepared when you arrive, we hope these recommendations will help you get started! We at Thomas Cook hope you select the best countries for international students with the help of this guidance.