Pre-departure Support

We’ll help you feel at home abroad

We’re committed to making sure you feel supported every step of your study abroad journey. Proper preparation for your studies overseas is vital to your success. We want you to have the tools you need for your best possible study experience.

That’s why our counsellors are always available to answer your queries and help settle your nerves and we host pre-departure briefings throughout the year to help you prepare for life in your new country.

From visiting to belonging

These pre-departure orientation sessions will help you navigate personal and cultural growth opportunities while you’re abroad.

You’ll discover more about:

Insights into the local culture

It’s important that you have some knowledge of local culture and customs before arriving in your study country. This will ease your transition into the community and help you interact with your new classmates more effectively. Half of the fun of going abroad is learning about the things people from other cultures do differently.

Student life in your new country

When you study overseas, you’ll need to adjust to a new learning environment, where there may be different learning styles, classroom environments and expectations. You’ll also be getting used to new cultural norms as a student.

Culture shock

Culture shock is a symptom of having to adjust to a culture different than your own. Culture shock is real and plays an important role in adjusting to your study country. We’ll discuss how to recognise culture shock and outline some techniques that will enable to you cope and climate.

Support & wellbeing in your new country

Whether it’s academic support, English language help or visa advice, we outline some of the practical support that’s available to international students.

Banking and foreign exchange

One of the first things on your to-do list when you arrive in your new study country will be setting up a bank account. Having a local bank account will ensure that you have easy access to your money to pay for your accommodation, tuition fees and living expenses, and will allow your employer to deposit pay into your account if you choose to work.

Working while you study and advice on internships

Working while you study in Australia can help complement your study and living experience. We’ll discuss how to stay within the rules of your student visa and give you some tips on finding a good student job … plus, much more practical guidance and support.

A network of advice

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of IDP alumni and network with current and future students just like you.