How to Prepare to Study Abroad? Step by Step Guide!
While the idea of going abroad for higher studies is certainly fascinating and the entire process can have a decisive effect on your career, the process comes not without its intricacies. You have to plan a lot of things such as the paperwork, university, accommodation and courses etc. Further, you also have to complete the academic papers and get your transcripts. As every country has a different procedure for international students, the paperwork, visa procedure and many other things vary across them.
Hence, we are sharing a step-by-step guide to prepare for the study abroad journey and miscellaneous things that you must keep in mind.
1. When to Start Preparing for your Study Abroad Journey?
Before you get admission in any university or college abroad, you have to qualify for multiple exams, such as SAT, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL etc. Every country and every college has different criteria for these exams and you must also prepare for them in a timely manner apart from your academic exams.
These exams are of two types – Language proficiency tests that are conducted to verify that you will be able to converse with the local population during your stay. The others are the aptitude tests that are conducted for college admissions.
So, you have to start preparing for your study abroad journey at least one or two years in advance. This is because you might also require another attempt at the aptitude tests and you might also have to take multiple tests over the duration of a few months. So, you must plan these well.
2. What are the tasks that you must complete ONLY AFTER you have qualified for the exams?
Once you have qualified for the exams, you have to complete the documentation formalities, such as getting a passport and obtaining a recommendation letter or qualifying for a reputed exam of national or international repute that makes your report card look good. The admission consultants can be of real help in this phase.
You have to complete the documentation formalities, obtain a visa and book your tickets. This is one of the most crucial steps as you have to complete all the formalities accurately to avoid any troubles later on. You must also check whether the university you have applied to requires the transcripts of your educational certificates or not.
Getting enough funds in your account, acquiring accommodation and completing other such formalities take a lot of time. Hence, we recommend preparing well in time.
You must book the tickets and get the visa done only after you have received the admission letter, as you are required to attach that letter with the application form.
Further, the visa procedures might also take longer than usual in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, you must prepare well in advance.
Have a look at this: Best Countries to Study Abroad in 2021
3. When is the right time to apply for scholarships and educational aids?
The deadlines for scholarship exams and various other exams for educational aids vary across the countries. So, you must look up for them at least 8 months prior to the departure and take them as well. Preparing for the exam, taking it and completing the other procedures take time. So, you must start with a decent time window.
This article may be helpful for you: How to Get the Best Scholarship to Study Abroad?
4. When should you start looking for accommodation and housing options?
You must start looking for housing options at least 4 to 5 months in advance. There are many options available, such as on-campus hostels, off-campus housing, paying guests, and apartment rentals on sharing basis and cheap hostels for working and non-working students.
You can opt for the ones that suit your preferences and comfort levels. Living in the campus comes with its additional advantages while living on your own can help you grow. You can also opt for living in the campus hostels for a few initial months and moving out to the apartments and rentals later, once you get the hang of the situation.
Read: Common Concerns of a Parent While Pondering Overseas Education for their Children
5. When is the right time to get a new phone card?
With the advent of internet calling, it has become extremely easy to contact your family without spending lots of money on international calls. While the on-arrival phone cards are easily available online, or on-arrival at the airports, you can also use the free public WIFI for internet-based communication for the first few calls. But, get a card that can cater to your communication needs for at least a few days or one week. Later, you can ask your friends and find a suitable telecom provider.
Top Advantages of Studying Abroad or Overseas Education
Is there any checklist for the last month?
Yes, there sure is!
The last month before your departure is extremely crucial and you have to do many important things at that time.
The check-list must include the following:
-
Notify your bank of your travel so that they don’t take your credit card use suspiciously for being used internationally.
-
Get a physical exam done by an expert doctor.
-
Get a dental exam done as well.
-
Get student health insurance.
-
Register your travel with the local embassy (as applicable).
-
Get a travel credit card.
Also read: How to Fund Your Education Abroad?
Apachia Institute - Your Guide to Study Abroad Journey!
We, Apachia Institute(Study Abroad Consultants in Kuwait) offer a myriad of services with or without coaching for various tests. You must opt us as it is going to make a big difference in the entire journey. You will be able to find better colleges, better courses, contact on arrival and better housing options. We can also help you get connected with their previous clients and students that are from your home nation. Finally, Apachia Institute can also help you with the most authentic information at any point in time.
We hope all our readers find the information shared here useful. For more expert guidance, you can reach out to us.
You may read: Why Professional Guidance is Necessary While You Prefer Studying Abroad?