Sunday, December 14, 2008
10 Tips for Studying Overseas
Though studying abroad can be an incredible experience, it is important to be aware of the potential risks students can encounter overseas. Read on for 10 study abroad tips.
Shawny Yoon discusses his experience with the visa application process:
1. Learn from Shawny’s experience -- apply early for your passport and visa. Check with the embassy of your study abroad location for up-to-date visa information and other entry requirements. (Passport and visa information is available here.
2. Learn about the countries that you plan to visit. Make sure to research any problems the country is experiencing that may affect your travel plans.
3. Check for Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, which recommend that U.S. citizens defer travel to a country because of dangerous conditions – safety is always most important.
4. Register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, which will make your whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency.
5. Avoid high-risk activities such as bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, and shark diving excursions that may put you in danger. If you choose to participate in such activities, make sure that you have adequate support and insurance.
6. Be aware of the safe and unsafe areas of where you are living and traveling – don’t go into bad neighborhoods and always be more careful at night.
7. Be reachable at all times via cell phone, regular phone or e-mail.
8. Before going abroad, get a physical, complete any foreseeable dental work, and assess your psychological stability. Prepare yourself for the physical and mental challenges abroad.
9. Set a weekly budget and only withdraw that amount of money each week to avoid running out of funds while overseas.
10. Familiarize yourself with the local laws of the countries you will be traveling in. Remember that while you are in a foreign country you are subject to its laws.
(List derived from the State Department, Center for Global Education, STA Travel, and International Student Loans)
Shawny Yoon discusses his experience with the visa application process:
1. Learn from Shawny’s experience -- apply early for your passport and visa. Check with the embassy of your study abroad location for up-to-date visa information and other entry requirements. (Passport and visa information is available here.
2. Learn about the countries that you plan to visit. Make sure to research any problems the country is experiencing that may affect your travel plans.
3. Check for Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, which recommend that U.S. citizens defer travel to a country because of dangerous conditions – safety is always most important.
4. Register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, which will make your whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency.
5. Avoid high-risk activities such as bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, and shark diving excursions that may put you in danger. If you choose to participate in such activities, make sure that you have adequate support and insurance.
6. Be aware of the safe and unsafe areas of where you are living and traveling – don’t go into bad neighborhoods and always be more careful at night.
7. Be reachable at all times via cell phone, regular phone or e-mail.
8. Before going abroad, get a physical, complete any foreseeable dental work, and assess your psychological stability. Prepare yourself for the physical and mental challenges abroad.
9. Set a weekly budget and only withdraw that amount of money each week to avoid running out of funds while overseas.
10. Familiarize yourself with the local laws of the countries you will be traveling in. Remember that while you are in a foreign country you are subject to its laws.
(List derived from the State Department, Center for Global Education, STA Travel, and International Student Loans)