Five Great New Year Resolutions for Studying Abroad

Woman taking notes at table with laptop and cup of coffee

You’ve decided to you want to study overseas. Well done! Now what do you need to do?

This is a big decision, and deciding to study in a different country can have many pitfalls, such as language problems, visas issues, distances to travel etc.

The key is to make sure you’re suitably organised before you go, and that way you won’t stumble upon any unexpected problems, and you will always keep a calm head.

Let’s look at five of the top tips to help you get organised for your overseas study adventure.

Get organised – write a list

List writing is the one thing that will make certain that you are organised and you don’t forget anything. Write down every task that you need to do, and tick each one off when completed.

Every time you think of something else, write it down. Your mind better able to concentrate when clear and not trying to remember all the tasks you need to complete.

Research!

This is probably the most important thing on the list. You need to do extensive research into the country you’ve decided to study in, the requirements of your course and the cost of study. Can you find any financial help for your studies?

Most importantly, when are the deadlines to apply for your course at your chosen university, and what the grades will you need? Finally, when are the application deadlines for funding help?

Visa Requirements

Certain nationals may require a study visa to study in certain countries. This differs worldwide from country to country and when you’re doing your research, this is one of the things you need to look into.

Apply for your visa in good time, because without the visa, you’re going nowhere.

See also: International Study Visas

Create a Back Up Plan

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, so it’s important to have a plan B. Of course, we hope you’ll never need to go to plan B, but if you do, then you have that peace of mind.

Try to have another course or two in mind, in case you don’t reach the requirement for your first choice, another university, or even something as simple as another flight.

These are all things that can create problems, so having alternative options in place will ease your worries.

Shopping!

You will need to give some thought to what you are going to take with you. Of course, you will need text books etc, but can you buy them over there? Consider buying a guidebook into your chosen city, and read it thoroughly before you go, picking up local knowledge, so it won’t feel quite so alien once you arrive.

Also, begin to think about your personal belongings and what you can take, cutting out any unnecessary luxuries that will take up valuable space in your suitcase.

There are many factors to consider when in applying to travel overseas to obtain your degree and it may seem like an uphill battle at the moment.
But studying abroad will never be something you will regret, as you meet new people, widen your horizons and hopefully take your first steps into an exciting new career. Make sure you’re organised beforehand and your journey will be a smooth one.