4 Things You Should Consider Before Moving Abroad to Study

Moving abroad to study can be one of the most eye-opening experiences of your life. Meeting new people, learning new languages, and discovering cultures worlds apart from your own are invaluable opportunities that will expand your heart and mind. Before you move abroad to study, there are four important things you should consider in order to ensure your safety, happiness, and financial security while you are out exploring the world.

Consider How You Will Make Money

If you are studying abroad with your university, you may stay with a host family or in student housing covered by your school. If you are moving abroad on your own, you will need to find a way to support yourself while you are living in the country. Knowing a skill like writing or graphic design will allow you to support yourself with an online freelance business. Some people are able to secure an office job abroad to support their travels and living expenses, while others become au pairs or housekeepers.

Consider What You Will Bring

Unless you’ve been living as a minimalist, chances are you have amassed quite a bit of stuff over the years. Figuring out what to bring with you and what to do with the things you leave behind can be a daunting task. If you can’t leave your belongings at your parents’ house, you may have to rent a storage unit to accommodate your things while you are gone. International moving is expensive; the less you bring, the less you will spend. If you can’t afford a storage unit, selling things you don’t want is a great way to make some extra cash to support your study abroad.

Consider Your Bank Account

Depending on how long you will be out of the country, you may need to open a foreign bank account. If you aren’t fluent in the language and have a hard time converting currency, filling out the paperwork can be overwhelming. There are many requirements for opening a foreign bank account which vary by country, but having a bank account with your foreign address listed can help you establish residency. Opening a bank account may save you from pesky ATM fees that come with international withdrawals and it will make banking more convenient if you are working abroad.

Consider Your Life Back Home

If you have no connections in your home country, you may be able to hop on a plane and never look back. However, if you have family and friends, you will need to budget time and money to come back and visit them. Weddings, funerals, and holidays are times when you may miss seeing your loved ones, so be sure to plan for these events if you wish to attend. Having friends at home will give you a sense of security and they can help you if you have an emergency.

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