As someone who studied abroad in two different countries on two different continents with a distinct way of life, I feel you need to know these things so that your study abroad experience can be much better.
First off, you have to start planning as far in advance as possible. I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. But early planning is major key. Make a study abroad checklist to keep track of tasks you need to complete.
Have fewer expectations
It’s advisable to research your destination in advance to feel more prepared. However, try not to have so many expectations from the country, university or cities. I’ve found that having only the basic expectations will enrich your experience, reduce the shocks and chances of being disappointed. So, be cautious about whatever preconceived notions you have about studying abroad in that country. The location may not be as superb as they make it seem, or it may be way better than it is portrayed.
Country (and city) of study
In my post on Institutions and Programme of study, you might have seen the importance of carefully selecting your course and university. This will only be possible if you take out time to research and choose the country to study in.
The right country will depend on factors like language, living conditions, healthcare, accommodation, cultural differences, religion, tuition fees, climatic conditions, distance to your home country and post-study work opportunities. If you have intentions to drive, it’ll be a good idea to understand the road rules and what it’ll require to drive with an international driving license.
It’s good practice to get an idea of what you’ll be dealing with early on to avoid regretting your decisions later. Use social media, internet forums, e.g. nairaland.com; contact the university for tips and advice.
Tuition fees really stood out for me because of how low Nigerian naira was and still is compared to currencies of the countries that were on my list. Then, living conditions and cost of living in that country. The preference will vary from person to person.
UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are common locations that feature in top study abroad countries for international students. I think this may be ‘cos you get a combo deal of holiday destinations and highly-ranked universities. If you’re targeting New Zealand, then Immigration New Zealand (INZ) usually sends helpful pre-departure information.
You may need to write exams.
Check if the university or the institution requires any specific as a prerequisite to be accepted. Standard exams required are:
- English proficiency exams, IELTS, TOEFL.
- GRE and GMAT.
- Medical college admission tests for medical education in countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA.
- Law school admission test for legal education in Canada.
- SAT test for an undergraduate degree in most universities in the USA.
Learn how to apply for admission to study in New Zealand.
Weather, Seasons, Climates, and clothes
The weather deserves its own section because of how vital it is. It can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing. If you didn’t know this, now you know.
Check your mood during the winter season compared to summer, then come back and tell me your observations.
Seasons in the northern hemisphere are directly opposite to those in the southern hemisphere. When it is winter in Canada or Germany, countries like Australia or New Zealand will be in summer. So, check the weather so that you pack the appropriate clothes. Moreover, understand the country’s climatic conditions, so you’re mentally prepared for whatever natural occurrence, like wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.
That being said, no need to carry your whole existence from your home country abroad. Pack light. Luckily for us from Nigeria, we have the luxury of two checked bags, one carry one and one personal item. Try pack within that limit, you go still buy tinz when you show that side. Carry food tinz instead.
Watch these videos –Part 1 and Part 2 for tips and detailed description of what you should add to your study abroad checklist. If you need more instructions, then continue reading.
Phones and internet plans
Another major key except you intend to communicate using pigeons.
Your mobile provider may have international plans, but I wouldn’t advise you to take this plan, especially since you will be away for more than a week. But you may need to make a call or send a text or search the internet while on transit to your destination. That’s the only time I feel it is beneficial.
So, for peace of mind, ask about its affordability, also ask about their roaming charges. You’ll find that these plans are always so overpriced anyway.
Once in the country, get a local sim card. You can get this at the airport, or your international department can give you one (varies by the university). Otherwise, you should find them in local diaries and phone shops. Buy a prepay plan (several plans are available), you can switch to postpaid later if you feel you need to. Compare providers and choose wisely.
Making international phone calls can be pricey, so consider buying plans that include calls to international destinations (known as calling cards in some countries). But the genie in the lamp is internet call because they’ll save you from billings. All you need is to have data and good network connections (on both ends). So, apps like Whatsapp (Wazzup!!), messenger, etc., to keep in touch with family and friends. Make sure you get your parents set up before you leave if they ain’t internet savvy.
There are also internet phone call apps like mobileVoIP. Those are lifesavers; it requires just you to have data to work. Your family and friends will receive the calls like a regular phone call.
Visas and other travel documents
Most students who move abroad to study do so through university-planned programs or student programs. In that case, your first point of call for visa requirements should be with the program coordinator or university. But if you’re like me that studied abroad independently, then your initial research should be to visit that country’s immigration website to know more about the criteria for a student visa.
The things to consider here are: travel insurance (mandatory for some countries), travel ticket, proof of funds, medical certificate, tuition fees payment (at least one-year fee payment for NZ, if not on scholarship). Check out apply for visa for anyone looking to study in NZ.
Money matters
Money, money, money
Must be funny
In the rich man’s world
Money, money, money
Always sunny
In the rich man’s world
Aha
All the things I could do
If I had a little money
It’s a rich man’s world
Song by ABBA
International education can be expensive, but you could save a lot of money if you plan carefully. The country, more so the city you choose to move to, influences the living and studying costs. You can work part-time while studying as an international student. For New Zealand, check-out financial planning to know more.
The focus here will be on some steps you should take before you travel.
Do you know why this is important? I’ll give you one reason; they might flag it as fraud then block your card, locking you out of your account. Locked out means declined transactions. Declined payments means OYO will be your case. Cost of living as an international student is already on the high end; you no go wan strand join.
Activate your online banking to make managing your money abroad easier. Switch from SMS notification to email notifications. It also saves you from the unnecessary “stamp duty” charges and hopefully from “card maintenance” charges too.
Additionally, you can open a bank account in the country you’re moving to without even being in the country. It’s called migrant banking in New Zealand. Check if your country of study has it.
Perhaps you’re wondering, “what’s the need?”. Well, it’s helpful if you have scholarships or sponsors who want to make payment early. That way you have money waiting for you when you arrive. The only thing is you won’t have access to that money until you arrive in the country and activate it at the bank (good cos it prevents fraud; not-so-good if you need “urgent 2k”). I believe you can use it as proof of funds too. Check if the country of interest has such programs.
Preferably in universal currency, e.g. US dollars. You could also withdraw when you arrive, if possible. It’s recommended especially for those first few days in the country. Remember there is a limit to how much you should have on your person when travelling. I’ll say you don’t go above $500 in cash.
no go do lau lau forget yourself mek motor no jam Egungun for express. Stay on top of your finances. Keep a record.
- Know your bank’s international charging fee
- Stay up to date with the exchange rate between your home country and your study country
- Understand the monetary systems, e.g. some countries still use coins. Get to know their shapes and colour so that you won’t be “that person.”
For scholarships, click here.
Emergency numbers
Of your country, the university and for yourself
You probably know the emergency contact for that country from watching movies or news; if you don’t, then find out. The next and most important number is the emergency hot hotline of the university/school/college. They are your host, so they know you’ll come to study, and they have their record. Should something happen on your way to the country or upon landing at the airport, you can call them. Lastly, your own emergency contact. Choose someone reliable, and you trust to act, e.g. your parents.
Have these contacts written down on paper and in all your luggage, including your carry one, in case anything happens to your phone.
Culture shock and homesickness
These are two feelings that you’ll undoubtedly experience while living abroad for your studies. You can never be fully prepared for when you’ll experience it, but there are several ways to manage these emotions.
Culture Shock
noun
the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.
Definition from oxford languages
People who experience culture shock are often in an emotional state of confusion, uncertainty, disbelief, anger, and any symptom associated with shock. So, you see, it goes beyond that initial feeling of confusion.
The experts have grouped it into 5 phases: from the honeymoon phase to adaptation. The last phase is reverse culture shock (or re-entry shock). The latter is what you experience when you finish and move back home.
The uncertainty of this is what makes the experience very exciting. My advice is to have an open mind and a positive mindset. If you don’t understand anything, ask questions. Ask for help too.
One of my culture shocks in NZ was when I saw people walk barefoot on the road, to malls, at cafes. Man, was I surprised?! In Naija, people will think that you’re moving mad or something terrible just happened to you, and you need help.
You’ll feel homesick, that’s for sure, especially now with covid-19 restrictions everywhere, which makes travelling pretty hectic. Some of us are yet to see and hug our families for two years now and counting. So, you’ll def miss home. You can also develop homesickness as a result of culture shock.
Thankfully, regardless of the cause of your homesickness, there are several means to manage the feeling. One prevalent way is using social media to keep in contact with family. Plan to join clubs and associations, attend their events, volunteer, get a hobby. Just DO NOT ISOLATE YOURSELF. Take some local food ingredients, snacks etc., from your home country with you.
Learn how myself and many other international students overcome homesickness in the blog post Study abroad experience: Missing home.
You must study
That’s why you went there in the first place, abi? Agreed the location is exciting, but it doesn’t mean you won’t have to spend hours in front of your screens, cramming reading for tests and exams, working in the laboratory, writing that paper, finishing up group projects, scrolling through journal databases, having meetings with your supervisor, presenting your research, pouring your heart out into that journal article that has just refused to meet your perfectionistic expectations.
Phew!! That was relieving to let out. In summary, you will still be required to put in the work. No go groove forget yourself.
Post study
You need to plan your career before you start studying. If staying back after studies and looking for a job, maybe the high-paying ones, is on your horizon. Then, plan to join social and professional networks, attend career fairs, take advantage of internship opportunities, partake in industry-related projects, doctoral research in conjunction with employers for great chances.
As closing notes:
- You can’t be fully prepared: know this and know peace
- You’ll hear stereotypes about you, just like you have about others. Know that we can’t all be the same. If these are hurting stereotypes, be bold enough to correct them. Sometimes they are ignorant and need to be shown the right way.
- Be prepared to learn and unlearn things, including ideologies, habits, and stereotypes.
- The best experience is often unexpected: try not to be over-controlling
You are in control of how your experience turns out. Make the most of it. My job is to share my mind so yours can be even better.
