Pursuing a higher education, such as a degree or certification, can include a fair amount of travel in some cases. Not only do students frequently move overseas to gain access to some of the best courses and college campuses in the world, but they often invest in exchange programs which open the door to new ways of gaining experience and professional insights. Of course, while travel can be a phenomenal experience for any student, it’s not without its challenges.
First and foremost, many students struggle with finding the financial resources they need to explore the world when living on a restrictive student budget. At the same time, it’s important to commit to doing your homework before you set sail on your adventure, to avoid ending up in any sticky situations. Here are steps every college student should take before they begin travelling for their college education.
Research Your Destination
This is an important tip for any adventure in travel, but it’s particularly crucial when you’re a student branching out overseas for the first time. You’ll need to ensure you know exactly what you need to pack, from clothes to resources like books and stationery. Additionally, it’s important to find out what kind of support you’re going to be able to access when you’re away from home.
Many colleges and universities will provide access to overseas support when you’re travelling for educational reasons. You might be able to access to free internet café where you can log into the world wide web without having to use your mobile data. You may also be able to use your student discounts overseas to access cheaper food and other essentials. Researching your destination will also help you to prepare for any challenges you might encounter, like a change in language, culture, or climate.
Plan Your Budget Carefully
Whether you’re travelling to another country as part of a short-term school trip, or you’re taking part in a long-term program which involves spending multiple months in another country, it’s important to iron out your budget ahead of schedule. Make sure you know how much cash you’re going to have at any given time, and what kind of expenses you’ll be expected to handle while you travel. Think about not just your accommodation as a student, but travel costs, food expenses, and anything else you might need to invest in.
If you’re concerned you don’t have enough savings or resources from your student loan to pay for everything, it might be worth looking into a student credit card as a backup source of funds. While it’s best not to rely on credit cards extensively, you may find that these tools act as effective safety blankets when you’re exploring new regions and destinations. Make sure you choose the right card to keep your rates and interest fees low.
Make Sure You Can Connect with Home
Finally, while travelling overseas during your college education can be a great way to put your independent living skills to the test, it’s always useful to make sure you can connect with those back home. Communicating regularly with your friends and family members will ensure you’re less likely to feel the side effects of home sickness during your adventure. Additionally, communicating with those you know on a consistent basis can be a great way to stay safe, as it ensures someone will be checking in on you if they don’t hear anything for a while. Make sure you have plenty of access to communication tools available, whether this means investing in a new international SIM for your mobile phone or accessing a laptop for social media interactions.
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