An American Abroad

There are a lot of things to figure out in order to successfully study abroad and it can be kind of daunting. Making sure to do in-depth research will allow the transition much easier with minimal stress. Plus, you have me! I’ve created a guide to navigating this tricky time so you are prepared for your adventure!

University

Obviously, the choice of university is one of the most important parts. If you are studying abroad only for a semester, it may be less crucial, but ensure to look into all aspects of the school. These are some steps to take:

• Carefully read the details of the programs you are looking into
• For graduate students, it is encouraged to reach out to faculty or potential supervisors with further questions (this may also help you get accepted during the application process)
• Review the support options for international students, including language support (if applicable)
• Reach out to current and/or former students about support from faculty
• Explore extracurricular options at the university
• The more scholarship/funding opportunities available, the better
• Take virtual tours of the campus and buildings wherever possible

Location

Before you settle on a university, make sure to research into its location. Read up the following topics:

• Ease of travel – public transportation
• Student-friendly restaurants/stores
• Student discount apps
• Size of the student population
• What there is to do in the city
• Night life activities
• Day trip possibilities
• Number of dietary restriction-friendly restaurants
• Student reviews at your university

Paperwork

Make sure you bring:

• Passport: cannot expire within 6 months of travel and must be signed
• Visa: should be a sticker in your passport, but make sure to grab any other visa-related paperwork you feel is necessary, like the confirmation of approval
• Medical History: a copy of your medical history can be helpful in case of emergency
• ID Card/Driver’s License: you can use this card to prove your date of birth abroad, although a passport is recommended as well
• Social Security Card: in case of emergency

Flights

I don’t recommend booking your flights until you receive visa approval. This document will tell you exactly what time period you are allowed to enter the country, and you can plan your flights accordingly.

• Make sure to purchase checked bags ahead of time
• Any carry-on bags should be backpacks for ease of travel
• Shipping items can be expensive, so pack carefully
• Double check all flight layover information, if applicable

Accommodation

Important accommodation plans include where you will be staying in between arriving in the country and moving into your long-term accommodation, which I write about here.

• Book your hostel/hotel as soon as you buy plane tickets for a cheaper rate
• Remember to consider how you will get from the airport to your accommodation, and find one that is easy to travel to as you will have your suitcases
• I recommend arriving no sooner than 3 days before you move in to your long-term housing so you can adjust to the time change and the new city
• Don’t be afraid to reach out to your long-term accommodation with any questions

Finances

Finances are going to be the biggest determiner of where you go. Be prepared for dramatically increased course fees for international students, as many universities make most of their money this way.

• If staying long-term, you can probably open a local bank account
• Getting a part-time job in the area is a good way to make some money for rent/food in the local currency, which cuts down on transaction fees
• Apply for every single scholarship/funding opportunity you possibly can because they are incredibly, incredibly competitive
• Create a budget to ensure you are not living above your means
• Most universities have a Cost of Attendance (COA) form to help clarify finances
• Good news: you probably (depending on the uni) won’t have to buy textbooks!
• Tuition and rent will be your two biggest costs

Cultural Differences

No matter where you go, you will encounter cultural differences. For example, check out my article on terminology differences between the UK and the US here. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the following:

• Language barriers (if applicable)
• Popular local holidays or celebrations
• Terminology differences
• Traditional food dishes