Before you start studying in another country, you will need to make some key preparations, including dealing with passports, visas, insurance, finances and accommodation. Read on for tips on what you need to do.
Every country in the world has controls on who can cross its borders and stay in its territory. What this means in practice is that, wherever you intend to go, you will have to obtain and be able to produce the correct documents and know what the rules are, otherwise you could be refused entry.
Essential documents
There are two essential documents needed when you are getting ready to travel into a new country to study. A valid passport will be needed to travel from country to country. A visa may be needed depending on factors such as where you're travelling from and travelling to. It’s important for you to check if both of these items will be required while you are planning your trip.
Passports
For most places, you will need a valid passport or a valid national identity card. So the first thing you should do is to make sure you have one. You should do this early on, allowing plenty of time; getting a passport can take several months in some countries.
Visas
As well as a valid passport, you may also need a visa to enter the country you are travelling to. The precise rules will vary, but each country will usually have a list of nationalities that will need a visa before they will be allowed in. You should check with the relevant authority in your chosen country to see if they expect you to have a visa. If you do need one, you will have to get it in advance, otherwise you will be turned away when you arrive.
To get a visa, you will have to contact the local embassy or other body representing the country you are intending to travel to. They will provide you with a form that you will have to complete carefully and return to them, along with any documentation that is requested. You should do this as soon as possible as processing times will vary. Even if you do not need a visa, you will still probably have to show the relevant immigration authorities that you meet all their requirements for entry, so be sure to have all your paperwork in your hand luggage.
Meeting the costs
You’ve decided to study abroad and have researched the likely cost. It looks daunting, particularly as students will not be allowed into many countries unless they can prove they can cover the costs of their planned studies before arrival. Don’t despair, as there are many financial sources on offer – it’s just a question of knowing where to look:
Grants
These are financial awards by a government to cover the costs of study, which do not have to be repaid. However, grants are usually restricted to a government’s own nationals. So, if your government provides grants, you will have to approach the education ministry in your own country for one. You will have to do this as soon as you know you are studying abroad.
Loans
These are funds borrowed from governments, special educational loan programmes or private banks. These are usually offered at lower interest rates and repayment is often delayed until after graduation. These are the main way that students in many countries now finance their studies. However, it is very difficult to get a loan in the country you are studying in, as loans tend to be restricted (like grants) to citizens of that country, so you will have to set one up in your own country. Make sure you do this well in advance of travelling.
Scholarships and awards
Although competition for these can be fierce, there are many scholarships and awards offered by governments, government departments and agencies, educational institutions, international organisations and voluntary agencies, charities and trust funds. These should all be approached directly for more information about what they offer, any conditions attached and the application process. It is important to make enquiries about scholarships well in advance as it is unlikely students will be successful if they wait until just before their course starts.
Student support and aid
Students are sometimes eligible for student support in their host country, subject to certain conditions. You should check with your host country’s government.
Hardship funds and other aid
Students are sometimes eligible for support in the form of funds that are administered by their educational institution. Extra grants and other additional funding may also sometimes be available to you.
Part-time work
This can seem an attractive way of generating funds, particularly as full-time international students in many countries are allowed to work a certain number of hours a week part time, subject to certain conditions. However, you will not be allowed to finance your studies solely by working when in the host country – it is a condition of entry in many countries that students must be able to prove that they already have the money to support themselves without needing to work. Remember, also, that many institutions will try and discourage you from working, as they will not want it to interfere with your studies.
Other money matters
When you come to your country of choice, you will need to bring some money with you to cover your immediate needs. Bring it in the local currency or as travellers’ cheques. You should not bring all of your money in this way: send the rest of your funds to an account with a local bank by an international money order, bank draft, electronic transfer or telegraphic transfer. You should set up this account before you go. Ask your bank at home about this. Also check to see if you have to comply with any regulations that might restrict the amount of money you can take into or out of your country.
Insurance
You will need to plan travel insurance to cover your goods and yourself during the journey. Personal belongings insurance will be needed to cover valuable goods that you might bring with you. Also forget your health insurance. The need for this depends on where you go.
Many countries, like the UK, have free and universal healthcare systems to which you, as an international student, may be eligible. However, you may still have to take out private health insurance if your own country does not have a reciprocal health agreement or if you do not meet other conditions. Others, like the US, have entirely private healthcare systems, so you will have to ensure before you leave that you are covered by a medical insurance policy. You will have to check to see what your situation will be in the country in which you will be studying and make sure you have adequate health coverage in place before you go.
Accommodation
Provision of institutional accommodation varies greatly across the world. What this means in practice is that students will find themselves in a variety of types of accommodation:
- halls of residence or hostels owned by the institution
- institution-owned flats
- private flats or houses owned by somebody else
- homestays/lodgings.
It is essential that you find out what your institution’s accommodation policy is well in advance of travelling, as finding a place to stay before you go will make your arrival easier. You should start arranging this as soon as you can. Your institution will usually give you support in the form of an international students’ officer and/or an accommodation office; both will help you with accommodation issues.