Important Things Parents and Students Have To Consider While Going For Overseas Education
Going for higher studies in an institution overseas is like going on an adventure. There will be thrills and challenges and what matters is how well one can tackle those challenges. People can develop a personality and grow career-wise once they step out of their comfort zone.
Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are very welcoming toward international students due to the ways in which they contribute to their culture and economy.
Planning to seek your education overseas? Parents and students need to keep these things in mind.
What Should Students Do?
Research
Do proper research and be thorough about the country, university, and the culture there.
● Students should do proper research before going to the institution. Check online to get major information or talk to a friend or a relative who has been there.
● You should study about the country, the laws, and what you need to do to prepare yourself. Study the history and political background of the country you are visiting.
● You should study about the university, the course, what all facilities are there, resources for international students, etc. Search for more details about the following:
⮚ Accreditations of the course
⮚ Professional licensing
⮚ Internship
⮚ Required grades to get into internship programs
⮚ Learning outcomes
⮚ Semesters and credits
⮚ Courses covered in each semester
⮚ Flexibility
⮚ Career outcome
● You should check the information about the currency exchange rate and carry enough money with you.
Pack The Bags Carefully
Remember these crucial aspects of bag packing. Take only relevant items with you. Flights tend to charge extra for baggage weight. Plus, you don't have to carry around unnecessary items until you have properly settled there.
● You should have all the relevant documents and visas.
If any drugs are prescribed to you, take a doctor's note and required documents that will let you take the medications to the destination.
● Take electric adapters because the plug points available in a country can differ.
● Take electronic items like mobile phones, laptops, and chargers.
● If you are going to a country that experiences intense winter then carry sweaters or hoodies, jeans, warm sleepers and shoes, a coat, and a jacket.
Consider Taking A Part Time Job
No matter how much funds you have with you, it is always safer to have a part-time job in the country you are moving to. At the same time, in a country like Canada or Australia, you will be able to develop experience and understand their culture and working conditions.
Certain companies will hire people who mention part-time jobs in their resumes.
Accommodation
Certain colleges or universities will provide accommodation and other facilities for international students. Otherwise, you can live in a rented house or hostels.
You can bag the student identity card at http://www.isic.org.
Scholarships
Countries like Canada will provide scholarships for international students. Don't assume that you won’t be eligible for it because the criteria are different for each scholarship. Scholarships are given based on gender or economic background or marks, etc.
You can also find some external charities or other reliable organizations that can offer you financial aid. For instance, try visiting the Scholarship portal website http://www.scholarshipportal.com to get more information.
Bank account
You should prepare a bank account in the country of destination that will do international transactions. It is better to pay bills and save money with the help of a bank.
To get a bank account, you will require a passport, proof of residence, and proof that you are a student.
Travel expenses
When you collect funds to go study abroad, keep a large chunk aside for travel purposes alone. While doing research, find out how often you will have to travel and how much money will be needed.
An international student identity card will help you get cheap traveling charges and shopping discounts. You will get passes for buses, trams, and trains for a cheaper rate.
International phone calls
Along with travel expenses, keep some funds aside for international calls. Certain phone companies will offer packages for cheaper international calls. You will have to change your sim card and buy a new one.
You can do video calls, free of cost through apps like Skype or Viber.
What Should You Do After Landing In A Country?
International flights can be as long as 10-15 hours. You need to be prepared for that. Arrange your meals and sleeping time accordingly. It is better to opt for a flight that will help you land during the daytime instead of night-time.
On arrival, you need to register yourself with the internal affairs ministry within a day or two to legalize your stay in that country.
Then you should register at the local Indian embassy. You will find someone to talk to in an Indian language and reduce homesickness.
If you have a friend or relative who is settled there, then contact them too if you need help or assistance.
What Should Parents Do?
Parents should keep the following things in mind:
● If you are arranging for the funds, make sure that you have set aside enough for international calls, food, and travel expenses alone. Living in a foreign country does not simply involve tuition alone.
● You also need to be familiar with the country's laws and regulations.
● After your child has landed in a foreign country, make sure that you are in touch with them on a weekly basis at least. But give them the time and space to prepare for their stay.
● You should be ready for the massive change of lifestyle your child is going go through.
● You must be able to let them go and explore a different lifestyle but be vigilant enough to keep in touch and ensure their safety.
If you are looking forward to migrating to Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or Australia, contact our team at Scholab. Check out our website for more information to get more information about overseas education.