Studying Abroad
Studying abroad or interning abroad can be the most eye opening and rewarding time in a student’s life so it is very important to get the most out of your experience.
Whether you are enrolled in a school in a foreign land for a semester, or working as an intern for a company abroad, spending some time studying abroad is an incredibly exciting time for a student.
However, being in a different country for a long period of time can become overwhelming for many students, some who have never been away from home before. Preparing properly can help the wanderlust student study abroad in confidence. Research relevant courses, exchange programmes and funding entitlements you may have.
Studying Abroad Tips – Papers, papers, papers
Don’t be the one person that is all packed up and ready to go but gets rejected by airport security! Make sure you have the proper documentation a few weeks before departure including a passport that should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of travel, and visas. Failure to do so can take days to resolve and will take away from your experience abroad. Having more than one copy of your passport could save you from the losing-your-passport-panic-attack. It is also important to fill in the emergency information page of your passport! Going through customs in airports or getting student discounts often require a letter of intent from your university. Talk to your professor or teacher about getting a few copies before you leave your trip.
Studying Abroad Tips – Staying Healthy
With all of the excitement of going abroad, it’s easy to overlook the importance of having all of the tools to stay healthy in your new country. Students want to have the best experience possible and explore the new terrain, so be sure to do it without fear of catching a nasty illness. Book your vaccination consultation approx. six weeks before your departure. Be sure to take advantage of great deals and rates available for students. At Tropical Medical Bureau you can get your consultation, vaccinations, prescriptions and some travel extras from only €134. Also make sure you have plenty of medication that you may require while abroad, as it may not be available there.
Studying Abroad Tips – Combating Culture Shock
Culture Shock is the feelings one experiences after leaving their familiar culture to live in another cultural or social environment. These feelings can include anxiety, confusion and doubt. Culture shock is a very normal feeling for students traveling abroad and can vary in severity, but with the right mindset it can be overcome.
Before going abroad, do some research and read up on the area you will be living in. Expect that there will be differences from your home country and what you have pictured. Don’t be surprised if it’s not exactly what you thought it would be like. Allow yourself to adjust to the time zone and get into a normal sleeping and eating routine. If you are using public transportation, become familiar with the routes you need to take. And have a sense of humor! If the culture was just like your own, what is the point of studying abroad?
Studying Abroad Tips – Staying Safe
Although the buddy system seems elementary, students have strength in numbers. Keep yourself and your friends safe by trying to always travel together. Never leave your bags on the back of chairs or on the ground and always keep them close to your body when traveling. If you are consuming alcohol, drink sensibly and don’t leave your drink unattended and be aware of your surroundings. Have fun, but don’t lose your mind! A wild night of drinking can quickly turn into a stolen purse or a nasty hangover.
Studying Abroad Tips – Explore!
While in another country, get the most out of your experience by traveling! Book flights in advance as prices go up closer to departure. If you are staying in hostels purchase a lock for your bag. Strike up a conversation with a local and find out more about the parts of the country they love. Tourist attractions are a great way to see many of the countries highlights, but can also be overcrowded and overpriced. Live like the locals and find some local favorite spots. Bring a camera and a journal so you can remember your trip for years to come!
Travel Health
We hope that you find these tips useful while you travel abroad. For travel health tips and advice call your local TMB travel health clinic and speak to one of our qualified professionals. Our experts will guide you through the health requirements for your destination, telling you all you need to know about vaccinations, mosquito bite prevention and food hygiene.