STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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Welcome! Welcome to educations.com’s study abroad checklist: your guide to all the most important steps you’ll need to take to make your study abroad dream a reality. There are many benefits to studying abroad. You’ll become more independent, learn new cultures, broaden your education, improve your employment prospects, learn more about yourself, gain valuable travel skills, learn new languages and expand your network. It’s true that studying abroad requires lots of planning. But this checklist is here to help you with all of that. Maybe you already know what or where you want to study. Or maybe you’ve just begun researching your options. No matter where you are on the path to studying abroad, this checklist can help you to decide where and what to study, and what to do when you first arrive - together with everything in between! We’ve divided this checklist into different time periods with individual checklists for the actions you’ll need to take 1 year, 8-10 months, 5-6 months, 3 months, 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day before your departure. However, these time periods are not fixed. You may decide to expand or compress the time periods, or shift some of the different actions around, to suit your particular circumstances. We’ve included some additional tips for each time period and, at the end of this document, we’ve consolidated the individual checklists to give you an overview of all actions to be taken from start to finish. If you need additional information on any of the topics addressed here, that - and more - can be found in our detailed guide: How to Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide for International Students.
CONTENTS
3 1 year before 4 8-10 months before 5 5-6 months before 6 3 months before 7 1 month before 8 1 week before 9 1 day before 10 On arrival 11 Complete checklist
Happy planning! EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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1 year before Some of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make are when to study abroad, and how to pay for it. How much it costs will depend on the country you go to and of course, how long you plan to stay. You’ll also need to figure out where studying abroad fits in with your personal and academic goals. That means research.
THINGS TO DO
Research suitable programs and destinations
Research potential study abroad organisations
Figure out how much it will cost
Check whether you qualify for any fee-waivers Research your scholarship, financial aid, and student loan options
Apply for / renew passport
Check whether you need to take any standardised language, writing, or reasoning tests
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
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Educations.com can help you compare different programs and universities by filtering programs by country, city, school type, and other categories. Extensive country guides provide in-depth info on what it’s like to study in 60+ countries.
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Passport processing can in some instances take up to 8 weeks. So start this process now to avoid costly expedite fees or delays to your visa application.
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Read our detailed guide for more info on proving your language competence, and other common standardized writing or reasoning tests that you may have to take.
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Thorough research could go a long way towards getting your parents onboard.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider cities with lower costs-of-living or opt for a semester or summer abroad rather than a full program. Check scholarship options in both your home country and in the country of your intended studies. Our scholarship guide is a good place to start.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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8-10 months before It’s time to start getting your application(s) ready. If you’ve applied to a university at home before, you’ll find the process quite similar. This time, however, you’ll need to make sure that your study abroad courses are recognised / suitably credited. Check this with a trusted adviser, or your current institution, to ensure that you maintain your academic and career goals.
THINGS TO DO
Find out how your school can support you
Confirm credit / course transfer requirements
Update your CV
Write a motivational letter / personal statement
Ask for references / recommendation letters
Gather all your grades, transcripts, and other supporting documents
Apply for programs
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
To help you keep track of every program you’re considering, create a spreadsheet for entry requirements and set calendar reminders for application deadlines.
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A personal statement or study abroad essay explains why you’re applying to a program. Use it to prove your ability to excel in the program you’re applying for.
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You may need to convert your grades or have your transcript translated - so get this done sooner rather than later.
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Create electronic copies of your grades, transcripts and other supporting documents. Give them identifiable names and store them in a logical place. It’ll make the online application process so much smoother.
For reference / recommendation letters, choose teachers who know you well. Provide them with a copy of your CV, and details of the school / program you’re applying for so they can customize their letter. Give them at least a month’s notice, and be prepared to send reminders.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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5-6 months before Once you’ve accepted an offer, it’s time to do the practical work in preparation for the big move. All of this can be very overwhelming, so we’ve broken down each thing you’ll need to do step-by-step. Don’t overlook the importance of a budget. With so many potential “do not miss” experiences on offer, a budget can help you prioritise activities - and get the most from your study abroad experience.
THINGS TO DO
Accept an offer of study from a school
Apply for scholarships / financial aid / student loan
Sort out accommodation
Research health insurance options
Prepare a detailed budget
Find out whether you need to apply for a visa Start decluttering / selling unwanted belongings
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
Your budget will vary based on where you study abroad as some countries are more affordable than others. Make sure to budget for activities and side-trips!
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Be prepared to revise your budget once you get to the country and get a better sense of what things cost.
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Be aware that some online accommodation listings you see will be scams. To try and avoid them, familiarise yourself with these redflags, or use a reverse image search if ever you’re suspicious.
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Spaces for on-campus accommodation tend to fill-up quickly, so start this process early.
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Most countries require foreign students to obtain a visa. However, it is possible that you won’t need to apply for a visa at all. Consult the website of your destination’s immigration office, or your embassy, to find out what applies to you.
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Check whether your home institution, or the one where you are planning to study, has insurance in place that covers unexpected medical emergencies.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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3 months before Now’s the ideal time to finalise your travel arrangements: with tickets in-hand you’ll be in a position to start finalising financial and travel details. Many countries have very different laws and customs than those in your home country. Some cities around the world are essentially “cash-free.” Researching these details, and learning the language, will all help to ease into your home-away-from-home.
THINGS TO DO
Plan your travel arrangements (book flights)
Arrange debit/credit cards for travel
Arrange travel insurance
Start learning useful phrases in your destination’s local language
Get familiar with your destination’s culture
Find our about social clubs / communities in your host country and school
Pre-book tickets to at least one “must-see” tourist destination / activity
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
International flights are on average cheapest roughly 3 months before your intended departure date. There are several apps and websites that will send you alerts whenever the fares drop on your intended travel routes.
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Many credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance for tickets bought using them.
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Look for travel-oriented debit or credit cards with zero foreign transaction fees.
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Learning the local language will enrich your experience and will make you feel less intimidated as you acclimate to your new surroundings.
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Follow your institution’s social media to find out about official and unofficial orientation programs, student clubs and help offered to international students.
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Connect with your program’s alumni association or other students that may have studied your program before.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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1 month before Now’s the time to start shifting your thinking towards the smaller details of life abroad. Will your phone work overseas? Which apps and institutions send verification codes to your current mobile number? Use this time to answer those questions. A visit to a doctor or medical adviser now will also leave you with enough time to get any recommended vaccinations, or extend prescriptions for medication.
THINGS TO DO
Notify your bank of your travel plans
Change the forwarding address for your mail
Research phone carrier / mobile data options
Visit the doctor for a check-up
Cancel, pre-pay, or downgrade your subscriptions and contracts
Check requirements for using your driver’s license abroad
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
Many banks block foreign point-of-sale transactions on cards. Notifying your bank of your travel plans will help avoid this inconvenience.
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Arrange for online verification codes to be sent to your email address or to an app so that you can securely access your accounts even if you change your mobile phone number.
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Check your destination’s restrictions on prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Not all of your favorite medicines will be easily available abroad.
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Check that your phone is “unlocked” as certain networks / carriers block the use of third-party sim cards.
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A medical check-up may be a requirement for applying for a visa, but a ‘clean bill of health’ is always a good idea before embarking on long-term travel.
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Although not required by every country, an international driver’s license will allow you to drive in most countries. Consult the website of your destination’s transportation office, or your embassy, to find out what applies to you.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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1 week before Between all the extra visits to friends and family, and the last-minute dashes to the store, make sure you check these last few items off your to-do list. Not sure what to pack? Consult The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing List for general advice, as well as the region-specific advice in our detailed guide: How to Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide for International Students.
THINGS TO DO
Start packing your bags
Arrange Forex / local currency
Refill prescription drugs (and pack a copy of the prescription)
Make copies of your travel documents
Make arrangements for travel to your accommodation upon arrival
Get familiar with the destination’s public transport options
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
Make sure you pack the correct power adapters for your personal electronics.
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Make print and electronic copies of your travel documents. Store print copies in your luggage. Upload electronic copies into a remote database, and consider granting a friend or family member access to it.
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Make sure you check baggage restrictions for all connections and transfers to avoid excess duties and fees.
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Pack snacks and candies you’re likely to miss while you’re away. Not only will this reconnect you to your home, if you’re missing it - but they also make great gifts for friends, hosts and helpful people you meet along the way.
Order foregn currency from your bank to avoid the expensive conversion commissions charged at airports and travel hubs.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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1 day before Your mind is probably racing with all the loose ends you’re still trying to tie up. Check these things off your list to help set your mind at ease. And do try to get a good night’s sleep!
THINGS TO DO
Check for flight delays
Check your destination’s weather report
Pack carry-on
Download apps
Pack a black-ink pen
Fully charge all of your devices
Download offline versions of maps onto your phone
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
Standard carry-on includes: passports and other travel documents, contract details for an emergency contact and for your accommodation, a change of clothes, travel-size toiletries, ziplock bags, cash and travel cards.
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Make sure you have a pen handy. Depending on your destination, there could be some paperwork that needs filling out on the plane or after your arrival.
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Make sure all the devices you want to use on your flights, and while you wait, are fully charged before you leave. That way they’ll be ready whenever you need them.
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Pack a phone charger and power adapter in your carry-on. There’s nothing worse than a dead phone and no way of charging it when you eventually arrive.
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There’s probably an app for that: a smartphone equipped with translation, map, messaging, and e-hailing apps will help you get you wherever you need to go.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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On arrival You’ve arrived. And you’re probably exhausted. Things will probably seem a bit of a blur, so use this final checklist to keep you on track. Find your bags. Put one foot in front of the other, and don’t forget to breathe. This is it!
THINGS TO DO Check in with your family and friends back home
Purchase a local sim card / mobile data
Travel to your accommodation
Connect with other students
ADDITIONAL TIPS •
Find out where your nearest grocery or convenience store is, and stock up on a few pantry items and snacks.
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Depending on your housing situation, you might also need to purchase some bed-linen, towels or some kitchen basics.
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Studying abroad is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Do things that make you a little nervous. You’ll be grateful you did when you return home!
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Start speaking some of the local language. The more you do it, the less awkward it will start to feel.
Texting your parents or friends every now and then can provide a source of comfort.
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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Complete checklist 1 YEAR BEFORE
Research suitable programs and destinations
Research potential study abroad organisations
Figure out how much it will cost
Check whether you qualify for any fee-waivers Research your scholarship, financial aid, and student loan options
Apply for / renew passport
Check whether you need to take any standardised language, writing, or reasoning tests
8-10 MONTHS BEFORE
Find out how your school can support you
Confirm credit / course transfer requirements
Update your CV
Write a motivation letter / personal statement
Ask for references and recommendation letters
Gather all your grades, transcripts, and other supporting documents Apply for programs
5-6 MONTHS BEFORE
Accept an offer of study from a school
Prepapre a detailed budget
Apply for scholarships / financial aid / student loan
Sort out accommodation
Research your health insurance options EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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5-6 MONTHS BEFORE CONT.
Find out whether you need to apply for a visa
Start decluttering / selling unwanted belongings
3 MONTHS BEFORE
Plan your travel arrangements (book flights)
Arrange debit/credit cards for travel
Arrange travel insurance
Start learning useful phrases in your destination’s local language
Get familiar with your destination’s culture
Find out about social clubs / communities in your host country and school
Pre-book tickets to at least one “must-see” tourist destination / activity
1 MONTH BEFORE
Notify your bank of your travel plans
Change the forwarding address for your mail
Research different phone carrier / mobile data options
Visit the doctor for a check-up
Cancel, pre-pay, or downgrade your subscriptions and contracts
Check requirements for using your driver’s licence abroad
1 WEEK BEFORE
Start packing your bags
Arrange Forex / local currency
Refill prescription drugs (and pack a copy of the prescription)
Make copies of your travel documents
Make arrangements for travel to your accommodation upon arrival EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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1 WEEK BEFORE CONT.
Get familiar with your destination’s public transport options
1 DAY BEFORE
Check for flight delays
Check your destination’s weather report
Pack carry-on
Download apps
Pack a black-ink pen
Fully charge all of your devices
Download offline versions of maps onto your phone
ON ARRIVAL
Check-in with your family and friends and family back home
Purchase a local sim card / mobile data
Travel to your accommodation
Connect with other students
EDUCATIONS.COM STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST
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