Cover Image: MD Duran via Unsplash
Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. You get to travel, learn about different cultures, and practice speaking in a foreign language. But with all the freedom you have to explore while living abroad, it’s easy to let your personal safety slip through the cracks. These 20 things to know about studying abroad will help you stay safe while learning new cultures and expanding your horizons!
Do your research
Planning a trip overseas is an exciting venture, but it’s important to do your research beforehand. Spend some time looking into any visa or travel requirements, as well as how you’ll be able to communicate with locals. You should also make sure that your phone and other electronics are compatible with foreign networks. Doing some homework before you leave will help ensure your trip goes smoothly!
Ask yourself why you are studying abroad
Is it because you want to meet new people and live in a different country? Is it because you want to be challenged academically, or is it because you want more money? Understanding why you are studying abroad will make all of your experiences so much more meaningful. Write down why and keep these reasons in mind as your adventure unfolds.
Think about your goals
As you pursue a new opportunity, it’s important to reflect on why you’re doing so and what you hope to achieve. You might be considering studying abroad because of your goals for your future career. Sometimes looking at bigger picture questions can help in making smaller decisions: Will studying abroad make me a more attractive candidate for my dream job? If I do well while overseas, will I stand out from other candidates?
What resources will you use?
You don’t need to travel far or spend a lot of money in order to study abroad. There are many resources available online, including virtual programs and books that can help you learn a language, understand cultural nuances and broaden your perspective. If possible, visit a country before making any decisions about where you want to study abroad.
Understand the potential costs
Before you decide if studying abroad is right for you, you need to understand how much it’ll cost. There are tuition fees (which may vary between study-abroad programs), as well as flight and lodging expenses. If you plan on staying in a homestay or an apartment, consider how much of your rent will be waived through your program, and factor that into your budget. Be aware that it can get expensive—quickly!
Do you have safety concerns?
Moving abroad is a big undertaking and you will have a lot of logistics to take care of. Don’t forget your concerns over safety when studying abroad. If you decide to move overseas, it is important that you address your concerns about safety early on. It’s better for everyone if these concerns are addressed before moving rather than after. Here are some things you should know about studying abroad and safety concerns.
Consider what you will do if something goes wrong while abroad.
This is a question that many college students and recent graduates ask, especially when they are off to study abroad. It’s important to have an idea of what you will do if something goes wrong while you are away from home, both for your peace of mind and for someone else who may be helping with your finances. Have a plan in place so that your bank accounts can be accessed by someone back home if necessary and so that there is someone back home who will know where you are in case of an emergency.
Will you live in dorms or find a roommate?
Dorms are great for meeting other students, but having a private room will be much more comfortable. If you have enough cash, rent a place with some roommates. They might not be from your country, but they’ll be able to teach you about their culture and language in exchange for practice speaking English (or whatever language you speak). This can lead to lifelong friendships! Plus you can ask them any questions that come up while studying abroad. You’ll probably make friends at school as well.
Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents
you’ll need your passport, visa, and any vaccination certificates. If you’re going on a student trip or with a study abroad program, be sure to check if you need anything else – like an international driver’s license.
Get insurance
While you’re studying abroad, it’s important to be insured. In addition to making sure your existing insurance policies will cover you outside of your home country, it’s a good idea to buy short-term medical and travel insurance. The coverage can help if something goes wrong while traveling.
Make sure you’re aware of social customs
When studying abroad, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture. There’s no doubt that spending time in another country will be a transformative experience, but it’s important not to forget that you’re still an outsider. Make sure you familiarize yourself with local customs before arriving so you can avoid accidentally offending someone. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting churches or mosques; never eat or drink while walking down streets, and don’t give gifts with your left hand because some cultures use it for bathroom purposes. It might sound like common sense, but cultural blunders can easily make or break your overseas experience—so take steps now to avoid any faux pas!
Register to vote
Before you study abroad, it’s important to be registered to vote. Being involved in politics, even as a voter on Election Day, helps you feel more connected and invested in your country while you’re living abroad. It can also help you connect with people who feel similarly about what’s going on back home—and that might lead to lasting friendships with locals. Registering isn’t difficult, but it is different depending on where you live and what state or country you’re planning on voting in.
Find a bank
As soon as you decide where you want to study, find a bank that works with students. They’ll usually have branches in any nearby towns and will be able to tell you what fees they apply, if any. Don’t forget your passport or photocopies of both sides of it (leave one with your parents) when you open an account. Also, take along other documents such as your student ID and proof of address in case they ask for them.
Know what to do in case of an emergency
Safety should be your number one priority while studying abroad. If you plan on traveling while abroad, make sure that you know what to do in case of an emergency (e.g., if someone is injured or gets ill) and have information about healthcare resources available at your destination.
Know how to find the embassy
Just like finding any other government agency, you can use Google Maps or another service to locate your destination. Before you go, it’s a good idea to do a little research on what visas are needed for your destination and make sure you have all of your paperwork in order. It is usually required that students have valid passports in order to study abroad.
Know the law and stick to it.
When you study abroad, you’re subject to a different country’s laws. What may be legal in your home country, such as a smoking pot or drinking, may not be legal where you are studying. Be smart, and stay safe. Get up-to-date information on what is legal and what isn’t by checking with your program director at school, friends who have studied there before or on Google (there are plenty of sites that explain local customs). At all times be aware of cultural sensitivities.
Learn about food and drink safety
Before you study abroad, make sure you have a good grasp on food and drink safety. The U.S. State Department has a handy guide full of tips for staying safe while traveling in different countries.
Research local religion.
As part of your experience, you’ll likely have an opportunity to explore some of the area’s religious offerings. But whether you choose to visit a church, mosque or temple, keep in mind that many traditional services are conducted entirely in another language.
Write down emergency numbers
Before you leave, write down emergency numbers of family and friends that can be reached in your host country. Make sure to keep these with you at all times. If something were to happen while studying abroad, such as an accident or illness, it would be important for others to know where you are and how they can reach you immediately. Don’t forget your cell phone number!
Pack smart
If you’re traveling outside of your home country, you don’t want to be stuck without a hairdryer or toothbrush. Make sure that you pack smart—get familiar with what you’ll need for a day, a week, and an entire semester abroad. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra charger and SIM card in case your phone is locked into one specific network. This way, if you go overseas and find out that it doesn’t work, at least it won’t prevent you from reaching friends and family back home.
