If you plan to study abroad, it is important to make sure you are prepared, so that upon arrival you know what to expect and enjoy studying and living in a foreign country.
Popular Study destinations for Indians students
- The U.S.A
- The U.K.
- Australia
- Germany
- Canada
For most Indians who come to study in Australia, Europe or the United States, this can be a little scary. There are a number of basic things to know that will make your student trip a great experience.
Things To Know Before Study Abroad
1. You Should be Well Informed (Research)
- A basic step before moving to a different country is to search for information and resources on the Internet.
- If you know someone who studied where you are going, it is the best way to extract a variety of information.
- You can contact the university staff to ask about your stay and level of study.
- It is always better to be well informed about the country’s climate, as this will help you pack.
- You should have information about the exchange rate and carry enough money until you find an ATM or open a bank account. You can carry international debit cards, which can be used anywhere in the world, and these cards are easily available at any nationalized bank in India.
2. Bag-Packing
- Be sure to bring all relevant documents and visas to be able to study in the country you have chosen.
- Sufficient prescription medications for the duration of your stay.
- Electrical Adapters: Since the shape of the plug differs between continents, it is one of the essential things you should carry with you.
- Laptop and mobile chargers.
- Winter in some countries is totally different from what we experience in India, so bring plenty of warm and waterproof clothing for winter. Also, bring warm sweaters, jeans, and shoes, a coat/jacket, an outfit for a special occasion with you.
- Travel book for the country you are visiting.
3. Prepare To Live In A Foreign Country
- From a cultural point of view, Australia, Europe or America are diverse and very different from India. While you may be concerned about sacrificing the language and being criticized by locals, the reality is that people appreciate your efforts to embrace your culture. Knowing the local language will benefit you a lot when shopping and traveling, as English is not necessarily spoken in all countries.
- Try to learn a little about the history and political context of the country you are visiting, so that you can become more familiar with the people there.
4. Student Accommodation
- You can contact your university for accommodation facilities and they will generally help you with this.
- You can register at www.hostelworld.com, where you can get an idea of cheaper accommodation in many countries.
- Also, register at www.isic.org to obtain an international student identity card. You will benefit from discounts on accommodation rates in many places.
5. On Arrival
The first thing to do is to register with the Ministry of the Interior within 24 to 48 hours. Registration will help you legalize your stay in that country, and can later help you obtain temporary residence.
However, there are different rules for different countries that you will need to fully understand.
The next important step is to register at the local Indian embassy. It is of great value because you will find people with whom you can speak in the Indian language and this will slightly reduce the feeling of nostalgia.
They can also help you solve any of the problems you face in the country of your stay. In addition, they organize a variety of programs related to Indian culture, which can be a source of entertainment for you.
6. Bank Account
It is recommended to obtain a bank account in the country you are studying. This will allow you to pay the bills and keep your money safe. To do this, you will need a passport, proof of residency, and proof that you are a student.
7. Earning While Learning
There are some jobs called ‘blue-collar jobs’ that may offer you the opportunity to work part-time, so you can earn some extra cash on expenses or entertainment.
For these jobs, as well as the ones you will do if you decide to stay in that country after graduation, a work permit may be required. It is very important to verify these details to respect the local law and to work legally.
8. Scholarships For International Students
You can talk to their respective universities about the finances that will be available for your studies, or you can also find some external charities that can offer financial aid in the form of a study abroad scholarship.
In addition, you can access the Opportunity portal website and see what scholarships are available to you, depending on the country in which you want to study.
9. International Calls
Live far from the country and people will make you call India often. In that case, you can ask if my current phone will work in a foreign country and the most likely answer is yes.
However, you will need to change your SIM card and buy a new one. After that, you can activate an international package to call India at very cheap prices.
Another way is to use Skype or Viber from your laptop or computer, which will allow you to have a free video chat with your closed.
You can also use the social networking site Facebook for video chat. I don’t think young Indian students have trouble going home. What do you guys say?
10. Travel
Here, the international student ID card I suggested will be valuable for cheap travel expenses. It will also allow you to buy in various shopping centers, where you can get a good discount with this card.
The best way to travel is by using local transportation, such as buses, trams, and trains. You will receive passes for buses and trains, which will significantly reduce your expenses. You can also rent a taxi, but it will be quite expensive.
So folks, here are some basic things to know while studying abroad. I hope you enjoy your stay and also appreciate the enormous natural and cultural beauty that awaits you.
