Last-minute checklist for overseas students

Last-Minute Checklist for Overseas Students

So you’ve made the all-important decision to study abroad, and have secured admission into your dream study abroad program in your chosen country. Congratulations! This is a life-transforming moment, indeed. By choosing to get an overseas education you are sure to broaden your horizons and get amazing career opportunities that help you to travel and see the world.

There are a lot of formalities that you must take care of before you leave your home country to follow your dreams abroad. Here’s a last-minute checklist, to ensure that you are prepared with all the essentials before you embark on this exciting adventure.

Doublecheck the documentation

Without the right documents in hand, you might be denied entry. Ensure that you have all your documentation in place, and keep it in an easily accessible folder. These can include (this is not an exhaustive list):

• A valid passport
• Visa
• Letter of admission
• Health insurance papers
• Pay slips and fee receipts
• Student ID card if any
• A Statement of Purpose
• CV or Résume
• Academic references
• Medical reports and history
• Certificate of your Secondary Education
• Financial statements to show that you can support yourself while abroad
• Forex card
• Scholarship Report
• IELTS/TOEFL Score Sheets and GMAT/GRE Score Reports, if applicable
• Sponsor Letter
• Driver’s licence and other identification papers
• Vaccination certificate
• Extra passport-size photograph copies

Your study overseas consultants can help to check whether all your documents are valid and in order.

Buy plane tickets well ahead of time

Never leave your ticket purchase till the last minute. Once your travel plans are finalised, block your tickets so that you can avail of the best offers and save some money. Also, once your travel dates are finalised, it will help you get the required momentum and get everything else in order for your departure.

Keep all your passwords in order

Most students prefer to carry a forex card as the amount of cash you can carry is limited. While you can open a bank account after you land abroad, you will need some money upfront for exigencies. Keep track of all your online banking passwords and your student account passwords, so that you do not get hassled unnecessarily as soon as you arrive in a foreign country.

Stock essential medicines

Are you diabetic, or do you get migraine headaches when stressed? You might require daily medication and will need to carry the same in your carry-on luggage. Do keep a medical certificate from the doctor ready to show the authorities while you travel, in case you are questioned about the need to carry such medication on the flight.

Get travel insurance

Your college will have a student insurance plan available, which you must subscribe to as medical costs are very high, and any medical emergency will put you out of pocket. But this student insurance will kick in only once you have joined the college, so take any reasonable travel insurance to cover you till that time. Your study abroad consultants can help you with all the finer details.

Be sensitive to culture

As an overseas student, you should respect the social norms and culture of the place you are travelling to. The way you dress, speak and interact should be appropriate to the rules of your destination country. Always be polite; saying please and thank you is a must, not only when you are travelling but even in your own country! Never leave a mess behind you and be kind to others. Learn about the culture of the country you are going to, and follow it as best as you can so that you can also give others a good impression about your own country.

Keep emergency numbers handy

In case of an unforeseen emergency situation, keep your wits about you and have the presence of mind to do what is needed. Make sure you know how to contact the police and keep a copy of all the numbers of people you know in that country.

Know how to contact the Indian Embassy

Be aware of all the important places where you can seek help, especially the Indian Embassy. You can request help from the Consulate staff who will be available around the clock to help. Do not contact them for trivial matters, however, as they are there only to support you only if you are in genuine need of their guidance.

Stick to the rules

Different countries follow different rules and regulations. When in Rome, you must do as the Romans do! Stick to the rules and do not try to flaunt or violate any compliances, whether big or small.

Be mindful of the weather

Even if it is the height of sweltering summer in your native country, if you are crossing to the other hemisphere, you might find that it is freezing cold when you land. For instance, Australia has winter when India has summer. Be aware of the climate difference and carry warm clothing for immediate use upon arrival, if so required!

Toiletries and immediate clothing essentials

Carry a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on luggage. Even if, in the worst scenario, your luggage is lost or delayed in transit, you should be able to manage for at least two days without it. Some items you might want to carry are toothbrush and paste, brush and comb, one month’s supply of feminine hygiene products, medication as required, glasses, soaps and shampoos and makeup.

Need support with completing all or any of these formalities? Do come to the most reputed study abroad consultants, MWT Education Consultancy, and get the help you need! Whether you’re looking for visa consultancy, nursing registration support or job placements abroad, MWT is your one-stop support centre. We’ll help you tie all the loose ends together and get set for your education abroad!