Pre-Departure Checklist for Studying Abroad.

Studying Abroad is an amazing opportunity for students to gain exposure to new countries and cultures while also being part of a diverse student body. Students get to explore beautiful landscapes and vibrant bustling cities that are student friendly with special provisions. Universities abroad create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere to help with the transition from home countries to a foreign destination.

Before leaving on this new enthralling journey, there are a few things that a student needs to pay special attention to, these special areas are :

1. Documentation -

This is the most important area that students have to focus on. This area is the most basic but vital area. If documentation is not in order, it may hamper the departure process. Starting with the Passport and Visa. Make sure that the passport is valid. If not, then applying for a renewal has to be done. If this is the first time a student is travelling internationally and doesn't have a passport, then an application for one should be made at the earliest as this process takes a while. Another important document is the air ticket which has to be presented at the airport. Next up, Educational documents. These documents are required at the university. These include, original marksheets, Attested copies of the same. Degree certificates, recommendation letter and the admission and language proficiency test marksheets. Next are the university documents. These include letters from the university confirming admission, any aid information etc. Original transcripts, syllabus copies and the SEVIS fee receipt (only for USA students).

2. Forex and Communications -

The next step on the pre departure checklist is foreign currency or forex. As all payments are made in foreign currency, having the required amount in the bank account is very important. Apart from that, students have to sponsor their own expenditures and expenses. These include travel, food etc. Students need to have cash in hand to make spontaneous payments or in the case of an emergency. Usually, students carry about $500 of the respective currency in hand and the rest in bank accounts or cash cards. Cash cards and debit or credit cards are the safest way to keep money abroad.
International sim cards are the best way to keep in touch with family and friends back home. Students are also advised to check with the phone companies to inquire about the compatibility of their devices with foreign sim cards. Students can also buy a pay as you go card or phone or even a foreign sim card.

3. Flight and travel arrangements -

Choosing the flight for travel is the easiest thing to do on the checklist. However, students should try and find the best deal out there in terms of baggage allowance, layover time and duration of the flights. Few airlines provide more baggage allowance while some don't. Baggage allowance is important because the student is travelling to a foreign destination for a long period and the baggage may include books, stationary, among other things. Another service that students should avail of is the airport pick up service that universities offer. This service makes it easier for students to commute with big bags and heavy luggage.

4. Wardrobe and Electronics -

While packing for the trip to the study destination, students should pack their wardrobe based on the climatic conditions of the destination. Students are advised to carry only the required clothing articles to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Another item on the checklist is the electronic gadgets that are needed for the study program. Most students carry along a laptop on which they can work on college assignments and projects. Hard drives are also common among students as it helps storing large amounts of data to declutter their laptops. These components are essential to make college life easier and more efficient.

5. Health and Living Arrangements -

Before departure, students should confirm their accommodation arrangements so that they have a residence ready when they arrive at their destination. To be on the safer side, students should have a copy of their housing information like a copy of the rent agreement with them at all times and get acquainted with their neighbourhood to make the transition easier. Students are also recommended to take the required vaccinations before leaving their home country to be safe, health wise.
To make the pre departure process easier and seamless, students should keep to these points on the checklist as it will help them during their departure.

Student Testimonials

“ Edwise has been really helpful right from helping me select the college to getting to the university of my interest and guiding me for my pre-departure preparations. I recommend it to all students planning to study abroad.”

Name - Shruti Shukla
Country – UK
University – University of Sheffield

“ Had a great experience with Edwise throughout my application process, right from the entrance exam to the pre-departure, the staff was supportive and helpful whenever required.”

Name – Sayali Vishnu Kute
Country – USA
University – Northwestern Polytechnic University

“Edwise is very helpful and throughout guidance provided from the beginning till departure.”

Name – Nuzhat Ali Rampurawala
Country – Australia
University – University of New South Wales