There are many benefits you stand to gain when you live and study abroad. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a new country, meet new people, make friends, and explore a new culture. It’s an exciting experience. But it’s important to prepare accordingly so that your transition will be swift, smooth, and comfortable. This is because adjusting to a new environment can be stressful and demanding. In this article, we’ll explore the various tips you can employ to make your transition to a new country seamless and enhance your adaptability to your new environment. Subscribe to our newsletter for more information and updates.
Read also: How To Finance Your Study Abroad Experience
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Tips for Living and Studying in a Foreign Country
Below is a list of important tips to consider when planning to live and study in a foreign country.
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1. Apply for a passport and visa
Before you travel abroad, you must have a valid passport and visa. Perhaps you have one, ensure that it will not expire soon. Ensure that you also have blank pages on your passport if you have traveled abroad before. For people who are just traveling abroad for the first time, you can apply directly for it. Ensure you also start on time as the process is likely to take time. It can take about six to 12 months to get a US passport. Some important documents you need while processing it include:
- Your birth certificate
- 2 recent passport-sized photos (these can be taken at local Walgreens, Kinkos, or most other photo-printing places)
- Certified identification (like a driver’s license)
- Your passport application
- Payment
- A form of payment
Read also: How To Choose The Right Study Abroad Program
For those who want to study abroad, they will need to obtain a visa. It is important to note that different countries also have different visa requirements. You can visit the nearest embassy or consulate for more information. You can also check the country’s website to be informed. For those who need a visa to travel to the United States, below is a list of the documents you need:
- An online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form.
- One photograph.
- Receipt proving payment of $185 for a nonimmigrant US visa application.
- Social media details.
2. Prepare for your journey
After settling your passport and your visa issue, the next step is to prepare for your journey, If you’re going to study abroad, ensure that you have gotten admission abroad. Also, make sure you also have your documents prepared. Some of the documents you need to study abroad include:
- Acceptance letter
- High school transcripts
- Final high school exam results
- Passport
- Student visa
- Tuition and funding proof
- Accommodation contract
- English language test results
- Contents and travel insurance
- Health insurance or registration forms for the country’s universal healthcare system
Furthermore, you can shop around for affordable plane tickets to reduce costs. Booking your flight earlier will also help reduce the amount of money you will end up spending.
Read also: 5 Challenges Of Studying In The USA
3. Don’t forget to research
Before going to a new environment, it is important to familiarize themselves with the culture before you get there. Read about their culture, their language, food, history, geography, economy, and everything else. This is especially true if you desire to relocate permanently. Additionally, you can join communities, webinars, and conferences where you can get informed and enlightened about what to expect in the new country. If you are going to a country where you do not speak the language, you should take language lessons to familiarize yourself with the language before you travel there.
4. Prepare your finances
Furthermore, another important thing to consider is your finances. You need money for almost everything. If you’re planning to live abroad, you should first of all set up an online bank account. This is the easiest way to manage your money when you are abroad. Additionally, make sure that your credit card has zero international transaction fees. You should also take extra cash along. It is advised that you can convert the money to the money used in your host countries.
Read also: 5 Benefits Of Studying Abroad
5. Surround yourself with the positive
Additionally, starting a new life can take a toll on your mental health. Try to focus on the positive aspects. Join a community of people who are already living there. Find a solution to combat negative thoughts, and read up about the good aspects of your country. Additionally, also talk and relate with your family members, Enjoy every bit of time you will spend will them so you will not miss them too much. If you’re going with your family, prepare yourself mentally on what to expect so that you will not be caught unawares.Â
6. Find a community
Settling in a foreign country can be very demanding. Finding a community and making friends can help you adjust to the system. Also, ensure that you stick to the rules in your host country. Ask questions where necessary so that you don’t go against the rules. If you’re a student abroad, you can visit your counselor’s office to be informed on the things you need to know and to help you properly settle down in the country.
Read also: 30 Scholarships And Fellowships For International Scholars
Start with us
Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Contact us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey.
Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
