Moving abroad to study is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your entire life. It will have a huge impact, not only the future of your education but also your personal life. Living away from home is a big step for many students, but to take yourself to a new country entirely is a decision you need to be prepared for. If you decide to move abroad for school, then you will meet people and learn things you would never have had access to back at home. But you need to ensure that you consider these five things before you make the big move.
Get Accepted
This may seem like an obvious thing you need to do before you move abroad but getting a place in a school or university in a foreign country can be very complicated and confusing.
Ask at the institution you are already studying at, as they may have a partnership with a school abroad.
There are also Erasmus schemes available that help you study abroad for a certain period as an exchange student.
Make sure that you get accepted onto the course you want before you start making any other arrangements.
Sort Out Accommodation
It is essential that you have suitable accommodation while you are studying abroad.
You should ensure that you have a secure and comfortable place to stay, as this will be your new home for however long you plan to study abroad.
You should look at the student accommodation provided by Collegiate, who have places to stay in both the UK and across Europe. They have exclusive student accommodation in Lisbon that has been particularly popular amongst those students who go abroad to study.
You should stick to well-known and secure accommodation and stay in the city with Collegiate. You can enjoy more of the student life by sticking to the city and staying in accommodation like this since you are likely to meet many other students, some who may also have traveled from overseas.
Learn the Language
If you are going to another country to study, then it is essential that you have a decent grasp of the language.
Even though one of your motivations for studying abroad may be that you want to improve your language skills, you should still have a basic understanding. It is going to make your time abroad a lot easier if you have an idea of what people are saying to you!
Check Out Visa Requirements
Depending on what country you are planning on moving to, and how long you are planning to stay, you may need to apply for an additional visa.
Make sure you know the visa requirements, as you could find yourself in a lot of trouble if you are caught without the correct documentation.
Ensure You Can Afford It
Living abroad is not the cheapest option when it comes to studying, so make sure you work out your total outgoings before you make the leap.
Some exchange courses may be able to provide funding or information on scholarships, so make sure you do your research!
Moving abroad for school can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Ensure that you are fully prepared by doing the five things suggested above before you make the important decision! Good luck.
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