{"id":2867,"date":"2012-02-08T16:40:10","date_gmt":"2012-02-08T16:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mobal.com\/blog\/?p=2867"},"modified":"2013-02-01T11:21:14","modified_gmt":"2013-02-01T11:21:14","slug":"study-abroad-help-for-international-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mobal.com\/blog\/travel-talk\/study-abroad-help-for-international-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Study Abroad: Help for International Students"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you choose to study abroad you need to carefully research and plan your trip. Studying abroad can be daunting, but with the right preparation it can be a wonderful experience.<\/p>\n
We posted something a while back called \u2018Tips for Students Studying Abroad<\/a>\u2019 and, since things change, we wanted to create an updated version to allow you to effectively plan your international studies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Of course you will have a good idea of what subject you would like to study, and maybe where you want to study abroad. So, with this in mind, check out the local and national environment. Such as:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Local customs and traditions<\/a> \u2013 what are they and can you abide by them?<\/p>\n Amenities \u2013 where are the closest stores?<\/p>\n Current political landscape \u2013 is the country stable politically?<\/p>\n Infrastructure \u2013 can you use a cell phone there<\/a>?<\/p>\n Driving \u2013 are you allowed to drive?<\/p>\n Disability \u2013 does the infrastructure and amenities cater for people with disabilities?<\/p>\n Safety \u2013 what is the current crime rate?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s time to get prepared to study abroad. The first \u2018official\u2019 part of organizing your international studies is to apply for the relevant paperwork so you can enter the country where you\u2019ll be studying abroad.<\/p>\n These will more likely be a passport, a visa and, if you\u2019re heading by land or sea to another North American country such as Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean, you\u2019ll also need a passport card.<\/p>\n Applying for any documentation can take time, so it\u2019s advised to allow 10 weeks before you receive your final passport in the mail. If you require a visa you may be able to apply online, via the countries embassy or even at the airport once you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Staying fit and healthy whilst you study abroad is essential. Not only will falling sick affect your international studies, but also foreign healthcare can be very expensive. So, it\u2019s vital that you check your, or your parents, existing medical insurance to see if you are covered in your particular destination.<\/p>\n If you choose to study abroad you\u2019ll be enjoying the local cuisine and immersing yourself in a new, exciting, culture. While it provides you with these amazing experiences, it can open up a host of possible diseases and other health risks. Remember the standards of which food and drink is prepared may not live up to the standards of which you are use to in the United States.<\/p>\n Depending on which country you\u2019ve chosen to study abroad within may require you to receive a vaccination to protect you from illnesses that are present in other parts of the world. It\u2019s just as important that you\u2019ve kept up to date with your routine vaccinations too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be prepared\u2019 the trusty Boy Scout motto, is a very apt saying here. Having to deal with an emergency when you\u2019re home is difficult, imagine how difficult it could be if you\u2019re the other side of the world?<\/p>\n Technology helps. Having an international cell phone<\/a>, that acts exactly the same as a cell in the United States, goes someway to satisfy the \u2018be prepared\u2019 Boy Scout motto. If your current cell phone works, you\u2019re cell operator may not cover the destination you plan to study abroad within \u2013 it\u2019s worth checking out with them. However, getting an international SIM card<\/a> may be easier and more cost efficient. Once you have organised a cell phone for your international studies, it\u2019s very much entering a few of these emergency contact numbers, as well as all your family and friends.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a>Research a Destination<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/a>Paperwork<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/a>Health and Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/a>Contact<\/strong><\/p>\n