Guidelines For Students Staying Abroad

Foreign countries have always been very welcoming places for Indian students. For most Indians going to study in Australia, Europe or the U.S., it can be a little daunting experience. Life in the US can be quite a culture shock at first which will eventually turn into a cross-culture experience.

Here is a list of basic things that you should know before deciding to live in a foreign land.

Be well informed
Surf the internet or get in touch with someone who has studied at the place you are going to, for information and resources.
You can inquire about your course/ curriculum by contacting the university personnel.
Have enough information required about the currency exchange rate.

Pack the necessities wisely
Ensure to carry the relevant documents and visa.
Electric adapters are very essential along with mobile and laptop charges as the electrical plug differs between continents.
Winter in other countries is totally different from what we experience in India. So pack sufficient warm and waterproof outfits like sweaters/hoodies, jeans, warm sleepers, shoes, coats/jackets, and a couple of special occasion outfits.

Urgent formalities to take care ON-ARRIVAL
Register yourself with the Internal Affairs Ministry within 24 to 48 hours to legalize your stay in that country.
Register yourself at the local Indian Embassy to feel connected to your community.

Explore your scholarship possibilities
Consult your university personnel regarding fee waivers that’ll be made available for your studies or look for external charities that can offer financial aid in the form of scholarships for studying abroad.
In addition to that, take a look at the Scholarshipportal website to find the scholarships applicable to you depending on the country you are looking to study in.

Make a wise accommodation decision
It is advised to live close to your university or near the university.
On-campus housing i.e. dormitories are recommended so as to avoid the maintenance task and utility bills for gas, water, and electricity.
You can register yourself at www.isic.org to get an international student identity card in order to avail discounts on accommodation charges at many places.

Get acquainted with the local conveyance options
The international student identity card as suggested will be of value for cheap travelling charges.
Taking local transport like buses, trams, and trains or getting bus and train passes will significantly reduce your expenses.

Managing finances and expenses
Carry sufficient money with you until you find an ATM or carry international debit cards with you(these are available at any nationalized bank in India).
It is advisable to get a bank account in the country you are studying in order to pay bills and keep your money safe. For this, you will require a passport, proof of residence and proof that you are a student.
Learn to be economical by planning your finances.

Medical Care 
International students are required to have medical insurance, and many universities offer their own medical insurance services too. Ensure that you research this facility well in advance.
You should carry all the over-the-counter medicines you are accustomed to.

Learn Basic Cooking
Satisfy your urge to eat ‘your food’ by cooking for yourself during moments of cultural shock. This will save money too.

Earn while you learn
You can take up a few part-time jobs to earn some extra pocket money for your expenses and entertainment.

International Calling
Living far away from your people will definitely make you call frequently. Staying connected digitally is as easy as it can be. You will simply have to change the sim card and activate the international pack for calling. This can prove to be very economical. You can use Skype from your desktop or laptop for video calls free of cost. Furthermore, you can explore other options like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram for the same as well.

Living as a foreigner
Living as a foreigner is very different from living as a native. You will often have to make efforts to bridge the cultural gap to avoid misunderstandings. Try to stay calm and collected and be willing to listen and participate.

Conversing 
The way you communicate plays a vital role while living abroad. Learn about the history and culture of the new place by talking to your fellow friends and professors(natives). Always speak clearly and slowly to resolve the communication barrier.

Cross-culture Networking
While living abroad, encircling your community will make you feel secure and have its own benefits, but it should not come at the cost of cross-cultural ties. Make an effort to meet, work and travel with people of different ethnicities. You will have an excellent opportunity to develop global networks. Ensure that you make the most of it.

Fight Homesickness
Falling prey to homesickness is often inevitable but you are not the only one who has come to study abroad. So, swallow the pill and work hard to get your desired ROI post-studies. Enjoy the experience and stay in touch with your folks.

Time Management
Developing time management skills is a must to find time for studies, household chores, errands, and leisure. There is no debate about the fact that days will be hectic. Hence, you need to know how to manage time to cope with unexpected events.

Create privacy for safety
Always protect your personal information like credit card numbers, ATM PINs, banking passwords and other sensitive details. Don’t randomly befriend anyone. Also, respect the privacy of others by not being too inquisitive.

Keep up the Hard-Work
No dream can be achieved without honest hard work. Since the education layout is very interactive and hands-on abroad, it is not too difficult to catch on. Learn to think independently and use available resources effectively.

Be mindful of these pointers and rest assured, you will do great. We wish you all the best in your academic endeavours.

Reach out to us for any kind of assistance or queries by filling  Student’s Assistance Form. We will be more than happy to help you with it.