Things You Should Know While Planning Your Studies Abroad
The number of Indian students going to abroad for studies is on a rise and is expected to increase by 50% in the coming 4 years. As per the placement expert, the reason for this increase may be because of the increase in the family income of Indians. Talking about USA only, the number of Indian students in American universities and colleges increased by 31%. And if you are also going to become a part of the increasing number of students studying abroad, then a proper planning is must.
Buying a travel insurance is one of the most important parts of planning if you are thinking of studying abroad. A travel insurance can provide you the proper assistance in the case of miss happening like medical emergencies, accidents etc.
So through this article, let’s look at some of the important tips you require if you are planning to study abroad.
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1. Buy Travel Insurance
Studying abroad entails a lot of risk. Medical expenses and hospitalization can prove to be a big hassle and very expensive for you. You must have some back up for any unfortunate event in abroad and a travel insurance is the best choice for such backups. A travel insurance can act as a savior for you in case of loss of passport, medical emergency, cancellation of flight, etc. You can search and compare travel insurance policies from various insurance companies in India.
2. Apply for Passport and Visa
You must have a valid passport if you are planning to study abroad. Make sure that your passport isn’t expired and will be valid for next 6 months after reaching abroad. If you have already traveled abroad, then you must check that whether your passport has blank pages or not and if you are planning to apply for a passport, then don’t forget to include important documents like birth certificate, passport size photo, passport application etc.
After getting the passport, you need to apply for the visa. Make sure to know the rules and regulations of visa in the country where you are going to study. Different countries have different terms and conditions for a valid visa. You can contact the nearest embassy of the country or check on their government’s site for the rule and regulation.
3. Get a Certificate from Your Doctor
Having a certificate from a doctor stating that you are physically fit is very much important before going to abroad for studies. That’s why you must visit your doctor and get the required medical certificate. You should also carry a copy of your medical certificate which could prove to be very useful in a medical emergency in abroad.
You also need to keep necessary medicines categorized with proper label if you want to carry them abroad.
4. Get to know Your Destination
Adjusting according to the changes in life is the key to success and happiness, and the same goes with studying abroad. You must research about the culture, tradition, people, laws, political situation, economy, etc. of the country where you are going to study. Understanding these important factors will allow you to adjust into the drastically changed situation of abroad without any hassle.
5. Cash Management
Cash management is an important part of planning if you are going to study abroad. Following are the important points which you need to keep in mind regarding cash management
5.1 Open a Bank Account Abroad
You must try to open a bank account abroad by submitting important documents like passport, visa, college admission proof, etc. And if you don’t have an online account then you should apply for it as soon as possible. It will allow you to manage your cash easily while living in abroad.
5.2 Receiving Money from India
If you are studying abroad, then, according to Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) you will be considered as a Non Resident Indian from the day you leave India. It means that you will be able to avail various benefits which are given to an NRI.
5.3 Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Company
If you want to do transaction from abroad with your current account and credit card then it is very much important to notify your bank and credit card companies.
So consider the above mentioned tips before going to abroad for studies and enjoy your stay and education. Studying abroad might entail risk but it also gives you a lot of opportunity and scope if utilized with proper planning and focused mindset.
