What you should do before you study abroad – countdown from six months

With the chance to make friends with individuals from diverse cultures and create memories that will last a lifetime, embarking on a journey to study overseas is undeniably thrilling. However, amidst all the excitement lies the challenge of transitioning from the comfort of family living to an independent life, which can be daunting. You may be left wondering: what should I expect or do beforehand?

But fear not. With the right guidance, it's entirely manageable! From choosing the right programme to ensuring a smooth departure week, we've got you covered on how to prepare for your study abroad trip so you can make the most of this life-changing experience.

Six months to D-day - exploring study abroad options

Research on your programme

As you prepare for your study abroad adventure, the first step is to choose a study programme. To gather valuable information about education options by seeking advice from individuals within your circle, including friends, family, and classmates, who have firsthand experience studying overseas or know someone who does.

Conversations with them will reveal fascinating insights about what you can expect during your trip. Additionally, you may even discover possible connections abroad who can offer guidance and support during your time there. As you embark on your research and preparation, consider factors like course descriptions, university reviews, and locations to create a wish list of your preferences or a checklist that help you with shortlisting.

Once you have a basic idea of what you should expect, scheduling a meeting with a study abroad counsellor, such as the consultants from an agency like IDP, is highly beneficial. These certified professionals offer a wealth of experience you can tap into, enabling you to gain the support you need to make the choices that optimise your experience.

Browsing plane tickets and accommodations

During the initial research phase of selecting a study abroad programme, exploring the airline and rental prices for each potential country on your list can also be helpful. This step serves as a valuable reference point to help you decide on your eventual destination. Moreover, booking your flight and accommodation early can significantly enhance the affordability of your journey by securing them at lower prices.

However, above all else, proper planning is the key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free study abroad experience. For instance, if your study destination is the UK, you might need to change to different modes of transportation to arrive at your designated on or off-campus housing.

If you need assistance in choosing where to live, our IDP counsellors are here to guide you in selecting your next home. With a list of trusted accommodation partners offering houses at exclusive IDP rates and deals, you can rely on us to help you find the perfect home away from home that enables you to get the most from your international study experience.

By proactively planning ahead, you can anticipate potential situations for each leg of the journey and prepare yourself in advance. This, in turn, helps you avoid time loss or unnecessary distress arising from unexpected situations.

Three months to D-day - navigating the visa process

Visa application

With your course and university selected, the next crucial step is to apply for a student visa. As the application duration varies depending on your overseas destination, it is strongly advised to apply early. For instance, if you intend to study in Canada, the processing time for a Canadian student visa is approximately three weeks. Applying early not only gives you peace of mind but also helps minimise any unnecessary delays.

Moreover, there may be instances where your visa application process gets prolonged due to challenges in providing the required paperwork. To avoid any hiccups, it is highly beneficial to seek assistance from an overseas study agency like IDP.

With the counsellors' years of experience in guiding students on international education, you can trust that all your visa paperwork will be taken care of, enabling you to navigate through customs regulations seamlessly.

In some countries, health insurance may be a prerequisite for visa application, and IDP can also streamline this process for you, making the search for the right coverage a breeze. Simply compare and select the most relevant and affordable health insurance from our list of providers. With the convenience of online application, you can have your policy confirmation in just a few minutes, ensuring you find the perfect cover for your needs without hassle.

Language acquisition

Depending on your study abroad destination, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with basic phrases in the country's language. By making a genuine effort to converse in the local language, you demonstrate respect for the culture, paving the way for a deeper connection with the locals. Moreover, acquiring basic language skills will prove invaluable in handling day-to-day situations with ease, allowing you to feel more comfortable and confident in your new environment.

If your education abroad requires a specific language test, such as the IELTS English proficiency test, IDP can assist you with the test preparation to increase your chances of success. With a dedication to language learning, you'll embark on your overseas adventure fully equipped to embrace every moment and thrive in your new surroundings.

One month to D-day - packing and preparing for study abroad

Budgeting

With the countdown ticking away, it's time to prepare for your departure. While financial budgeting may not be at the forefront of your mind when your parents are around, this will be a significant part of your time abroad in the subsequent months.

If you haven't already, make sure to set up an online bank account, as it will be the most convenient way to manage your finances while you study overseas. Many international travellers rely on their ATM/debit or credit cards to withdraw cash in the local currency, but this often incurs a transaction fee that can add up quickly.

As part of your preparation, you should thus ensure that you have a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees. You can also open a bank account in your destination country to leverage it to save on transaction fees.

Before your departure, remember to inform your current bank and credit card companies about your study abroad plans. If you are unsure how to do so, our IDP counsellors can help you set up your student banking before your arrival.

In doing so, you will have easy access to mobile banking upon reaching your destination, making it easy for you to perform local transactions such as paying for groceries or entertainment. Such an approach also mitigates potential issues, such as getting locked out of your account due to fraud alerts triggered by foreign transactions.

Enabling you to avoid such situations is particularly helpful, especially if your host country primarily communicates in a language unfamiliar to you. Above all, IDP empowers you to leverage our connections with financial institutions to tap into specialised products or discounts for students, enabling you to maximise your cost savings.

For added convenience, consider carrying some spare cash in your host country’s currency. This will serve as a helpful safety net during your first few days in the new country, enabling you to manage in the event of emergencies.

If you find yourself in need of more funds, you can effortlessly tap into IDP’s partnership with CohortGo, Flywire, and Convera. This collaboration allows your family to transfer living expenses directly into your bank account in the local currency, further simplifying your financial management while abroad.

Packing

As you prepare for your study abroad journey, it's crucial to consider how you should dress by factoring in the weather conditions of your host country. Additionally, double-check the luggage allowances with your airline to avoid extra baggage fees.

While your passport is the most crucial identity document you'll need on your trip, it's not the sole document to consider when figuring out what to pack for studying abroad. Forgetting essential study and visa documents can also easily hinder your overseas adventure.

To avoid such situations, always keep physical and digital photocopies of vital documents. Just like your passport, keep these copies in separate places within your luggage, but ensure they are stored neatly and are easily accessible.

Additionally, it's wise to place at least one identification document on top of your check-in luggage in case the tag becomes detached during transit. These measures will help you safeguard your important documents and ensure a smooth study abroad experience. If you want to make sure you’re not missing anything, you could always speak to your study abroad counsellor, such as our consultants from IDP, who can guide you in your preparation.

You will also want to take the time to meet up with friends and loved ones, creating precious memories together before you venture abroad. Through connecting with your squad, you might even find others who are heading to the same destination, forming a social circle that can support you mentally during your time overseas. By building these connections, you can enhance your study abroad experience and make your journey more enriching and memorable.

One week to D-day - embracing the moment

In the final week before departure, allow yourself to unwind and savour the comforts of home or indulge in the local delicacies you'll miss. During this time, also discuss ways to stay in touch with your loved ones while you’re abroad.

While you may consider acquiring an international plan from your current carrier, opting for a local plan can be more cost-effective if your study duration is longer. This enables you to communicate with your loved ones without incurring substantial international charges. Above all, be sure to jot down an emergency number and keep this paper in your luggage as a backup in case something happens to your phone.

Trust IDP with your study abroad dreams

Excited to kickstart your study experience overseas? Let IDP be your guide to ensure your journey starts on a solid foundation. As a trailblazer in international education with a presence in over 50 countries, IDP understands the intricacies of different education systems and university experiences worldwide.

Our dedicated team is here to provide you with a wealth of insights and student resources, including personalised course advice, assistance with visa application, IELTS test preparation and comprehensive pre-departure support. By doing the heavy lifting for you, we empower you to be confident and ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Take the first step towards an unforgettable educational journey by booking a free counselling session to speak to our IDP counsellors today.

Enquire with us or hit the message button to drop us a question.