A Timeline to Prepare for Study Abroad

Having the chance to study abroad is often a once in a lifetime experience, but with that can also come with a lot of stress. There are many deadlines and applications to make, so you might find that things slip between the cracks a lot. And you may not realize you have forgotten something until it has become a big issue. Paying attention to when you do your tasks is critical so you can fully reap the benefits of studying abroad.

At this point, you might know you want to go abroad but not know the location or program. This is a great time to start thinking about it and compare. At some universities, you can join a program that partners with sister schools or organizations in other countries.

You will also want to look into getting financial aid for your trip. It can be expensive to go abroad for even a short time, since you will have expenses such as dining, housing, and other fees. You will likely need to consider some kind of financial aid to cover the expenses. Scholarship deadlines can vary a lot, so start looking into that as soon as you know where you will be traveling. Applying earlier rather than later is always better. You might find you need to take out a private student loan to cover some of your tuition expenses, especially if you are planning a longer trip. The good news is it is not hard to apply for private student loans and doing so earlier will ensure you get the funds you need well ahead of time.

You might need to get health insurance coverage in case of unexpected medical bills. Sometimes, your travel visa might require you to have insurance. Your regular health insurance might not cover you when traveling abroad, so make sure you are prepared.

You will also want to think about your housing needs. You will often have the choice to live on or off campus, or even with a nearby host family. There are advantages of each, and if you live on campus, you will not have commuting troubles. It will also be easier to access the relevant resources. Still, if you live with a host family, you will be better able to learn the culture and do so more in depth.

Now is the time to get your finances in order. For example, consider getting one suited to travel from your local bank. That way, you will be able to cover unexpected expenses, even if you did not budget for them.

It is also a good idea to begin learning more about the destination, including the culture and language. If you will be going to a country where the general language is not your own, it is often helpful to have a basic understanding of that language. There are several apps to help you out along the way, and they will allow you to communicate with others if you do not know the correct words.