Studying in a new country, with a different culture and lots of learning opportunities, can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Therefore, when you get a chance to study abroad, it’s advisable to take it and let it transform your life for the better. Studying abroad is an exciting experience, but if you don’t know where to start, it can soon turn into a stressful part of your life. So, let us help you gather the required documents and guidelines for your journey as a US citizen studying in an international institution.
This blog discusses what US students need to know when applying to study abroad.
Keep the Passport and Visa Ready
It’s no secret that you need to have a valid and recent passport and visa to study abroad. If you already have a passport, you should check to ensure that it hasn’t expired and won’t expire during your study period in another country. If you’re an avid traveler, make sure your passport book has empty pages so you can get the required stamp when you land in a new country to start your academic journey.
However, if you don’t have a passport, apply for it immediately. Download your passport application form, fill it out, and gather the required documents before visiting a local Passport Acceptance Agent and submitting the necessary forms, supporting paperwork, and fees. Once you have your passport, you need to get a student visa. Different countries and institutions have varying requirements for a student visa. Therefore, conducting in-depth research about your destination country’s requirements and meeting them to apply for a visa is advisable.
You need to remember that even student visa applications can take a lot of time to be processed. So you need to apply as soon as you can to ensure that you don’t miss any classes or your admission doesn’t get canceled due to late processing and issuance of your visa.
Get a Medical Checkup
Many students are so busy preparing for their trip abroad that they forget to get a detailed medical checkup before leaving the country. This allows you to ensure that you’re physically and mentally healthy and won’t spread any disease to people in a new country. Additionally, if you have any long-term health issues, you should bring prescribed medicines to last for your entire trip abroad, as you might not have access to them in a new country.
Ensure Your Finances Are in Order
Student visas in many countries prevent individuals from working full-time when they’re enrolled in an educational institute. While you might be able to pick up some part-time shifts, you should have enough savings to get you going until you find a job.
It’s advisable to carry around $200-$300 with you as cash so you can deal with financial emergencies at the start of your trip. Also, notify your bank that you’ll be abroad so you can use your credit card abroad without the activity being marked as fraud by your bank or credit card company.
Consider Getting Insurance
As a student attending classes in a new country, it’s essential to have travel and healthcare insurance. Your travel insurance will cover the costs of lost baggage, stolen belongings in a new country, or canceled flights.
Additionally, they can also cover the costs of emergency evacuation from a country due to any accident, medical condition, or natural disaster. On the other hand, your healthcare insurance will cover your emergency medical costs abroad, allowing you to get tests and checkups without spending all of your savings.
Learn Their Culture and Language
Contrary to popular belief, English isn’t the primary mode of communication in many countries. Therefore, if you’re planning to travel to a country where people speak other languages, polish your skill in that language.
Learn some basic phrases that can help you navigate situations while abroad. It’s also advisable to research the customs and traditions of your destination country to ensure that you don’t come off as offensive in a new country. Communicating in their language while respecting their culture will allow you to fit in better as a student.
Fill out a Passport Application for an Emergency Expedited Passport
Did you receive your admission but are still waiting for your passport to apply for a visa? Expedite the process with the help of Prompt Passport Services! We allow US students to fill out passport applications and receive their emergency expedited passports at their houses. Whether you want to renew your expired passport quickly or need an emergency passport, our passport delivery service can help. We’re a reliable courier service that delivers passports quickly to all 50 states in the US.
Reach out to us, fill out a passport application, and get your passport at your doorstep in no time!
