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Tips for Before Your Trip

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If you're thinking or planning a study abroad trip for your educational journey, It can feel very stressful to plan before you go. To take some of the pressure off, this comprehensive list will guide you through the steps before you take flight. 

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Picking a Program

Choosing which program best suits your academic and personal needs are very important for the success of your journey. This is an exciting experience, however remain focused on how it can impact your academic experience and learning goals. Next consider the duration of your trip, how long can you be away? Will you be comfortable? Understand yourself and your needs because you aren't going to be close to home. Lastly, location! Is this a place you're interested in? Culture? Language? Sites? You will have some leisure time to explore, so make it good!

  1. Research topic of program

  2. Choose a length of program that works for you 

  3. Research the location of program and the culture, language, traditions or customs before hand. 

  4. Any interesting sites to visit on your days off?

  5. Understand why you want to go. How will it impact you?

  6. Get excited!

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Depending on the length of your abroad trip and what is offered through the program itself, beyond tuition you may be expected to have extra money for food or travel expenses. Of course you're also going to need money for extra goodies to remember your time as well. Before you budget see what your program covers and what you'll need to acquire yourself. (ie: International phone plan, international health insurance, transportation, meal plans, souvineers, etc). 

Finances 

  • Research what does your program is already offering within its tuition 

  • Meals

  • Transportation 

  • International Health Insurance 

  • International Phone Plan 

  • Spending Money 

02

If you are worried about how you are going to afford studying abroad, don't let it discourage your choice. They are many scholarships that will help you achieve this goal. The Benjamin A. Scholarship helps thousands of student with limited financial means meet this educational goal. 

03

Preparations

Preparing can be more than what to pack, somethings you may need to prepare earlier on before you head out! Take this time to get your passports, student visas, banking and phone plan arrangements done ahead of time so you're not scrambling to acquire these before you leave. Additionally you may need to purchase or order things such as outlet adapters, and even currency from the bank. Doing this ahead will relive stress as your departure date arrives!

  • Student Visa 

  • Passport 

  • Ordering currency 

  • Outlet converter 

  • Insurances (ie, health or travel)

  • Medication

  • Travel needs :

  • Neck Pillow

  • Suitcases

  • Passport holder

  • Finalize your budget!

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This list is customizable to your personal needs, you may not need all things. Note what you need, and plan accordingly. 

Reach out to your peers! You'll be making many friends and bonds with them, don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know one another!

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  • Consider the weather 

  • Don't overpack, try to find pieces that you can rewear and to make new outfits

  • Bring appropriate dress for traditional, cultural or religious places you want to visit

  • Bring comfortable shoes! You'll be doing a lot of walking 

  • Bring a water bottle so you can always be hydrated

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04

What to Pack

The fun part, packing! This is where it all starts to feel real. Make your list of necessities including comfort items, medications, and obviously clothes. Keep in mind the weather of where you're going, as well as cultural dress codes especially if seeing religious sights! Leave room for souvenirs to bring home as well!

Now You're Ready!

Now you’re planned, prepared and packed for your study abroad experience! Some important things to note on this stage of your trip is to always remember to do what works for you to make yourself to be the most successful and comfortable. This is a new journey for many, so be confident and reach out to peers or advisors if you have questions or need guidance in all stages of this experience!

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