A Useful Checklist Before Going Abroad For Higher Education

Study Abroad Pre-Departure Checklist

Ready for an international departure ?If you are all set to study abroad and have packed your stuff ,tick the check boxes on your pre departure checklist to ensure you have left no stone unturned.

Never forget to attend the pre-departure orientation sessions as these will help you to pack your stuff and scan every little detail about what is crucial prior leaving for abroad. These orientation sessions are conducted to let you identify and inform about: necessary documents, travel arrangements, flight timings and processes at airports, accommodation, health, insurance, host-country culture and financial obligations. If for some reason you have missed the orientation, then browse the web to get informed about the pre departure checklist.

Credit Transfer:

Get complete understanding about the various strategies and processes to gain full credits for your course work. Though it needs a real hard work but this beforehand preparation will ensure that you will get full credits for your course and if necessary, these credits are smoothly transferred to your own university.

Organized and Valid Documents:

Get all your necessary documents organized in a folder such as: student visa, passport, school releasing certificate or any other relevant documents .This is also necessary to avoid delays. Renew your passport if it is expired and make sure it remains valid for at least six months even after you return back to your country. Make sure that you have a copy of each and every necessary document.

Flight Details:

Check each and everything about your flight .It’s number, booking, timings and the airport area where you have to board it. If necessary, Sign up for the flight through the recommended travel agency. Send your flight itinerary to your Program Advisor and your family member; get aware of the arrival program and also check your airline for baggage descriptions .Read thoroughly the specific arrival instructions and give a copy to a responsible person in your country.

Health Checkups:

Health should be your prime concern. The weather or atmosphere in a foreign country might not harmonize with your fitness therefore it is crucial to travel healthily. Get properly vaccinated and address each and every health issue before departure .Take generic prescription for medication as brands differ in different countries. Have sufficient quantities of medicines and visit your physician or other consultant to get a complete physical checkup. Visit a health clinic for appropriate advice and immunizations. If you are suffering from any medical condition or disease, it’s better to take a letter from your doctor or pharmacist describing your condition and the prescribed medication.

Legitimate Requirements:

Don’t miss any legality to be fulfilled like legal registrations, Power of Attorney form endorsements, any applicable abroad taxes or any other document or procedure which is needed for your identification and security is really crucial.

Necessary Contacts:

Compile all necessary contacts either in your digital devices or on a note pad like: phone numbers, email, and mailing addresses of university personnel, friends and family as well as you should have the contacts of your home institutions, advisors, financial aid office, it’s better to have an international calling card or simply set up an international calling plan on your personal as well as your home phone. Establish a valid email account.

Monetary Issues:

Money greatly matters abroad therefore jot a budget for your abroad spending and get an estimated idea of expenses. The most important thing you need abroad ,therefore get aware of every banking procedures and make sure your ATM card and PIN will work abroad; Inform your credit card company and bank about your transactions from abroad. Estimate the current exchange rate prior to departure. Purchase the international currency prior departure or at the airport.

Foreign Culture and Demands:

Have some research on the country and city you are visiting .Learn some vocabulary and buy a guide book to get saved from ignorance .Check the local weather for the span you’ll be living there.

Hence the checklist should comprise all necessary preparations crucial before leaving your homeland .It also include insurance issues, basic available facilities and last but not the least the arrival plans and details.