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© Shutterstock
0 / 28 Fotos
Steps to take
- Before you study abroad, there are at least five steps you should take. The following slides will list and dicuss those.
© Shutterstock
1 / 28 Fotos
Decide on the experience you want
- Your study abroad experience should be decided well in advance of ever setting foot on a plane. You should consider things like location, cost, opportunities for travel, and even program length.
© Shutterstock
2 / 28 Fotos
Meet with academic advisers and study abroad office
- An academic advisor can help you map out exactly when a study abroad experience fits into your scholastic program and journey. They can also assist you in ensuring credits will be transferred correctly an count towards your degree.
© Shutterstock
3 / 28 Fotos
Calculate the cost
- There is a lot that goes into studying abroad, so be sure to take time and estimate not only what it will likely cost but also how much you can afford and what the difference is. The remaining amount can be earned through scholarships or perhaps by getting a part-time job.
© Shutterstock
4 / 28 Fotos
Research the location and language
- With any international move, there is bound to be some cultural shock. It's important to research the country, customs, and language in advance to minimize the negative impact. Try to learn even a few words of the native language to help you get around.
© Shutterstock
5 / 28 Fotos
Get domestic affairs in order
- If you'll be gone for a few months, be sure to get domestic affairs in order. For example, find someone to sublet your apartment, make sure the electricity and other bills are planned for, and alert your credit card company you'll be away.
© Shutterstock
6 / 28 Fotos
Documentation you will need
- Now that you've tackled the to-do items, it's important to ensure you have the right documentation. The following slides will lay out what you need to gather.
© Shutterstock
7 / 28 Fotos
Passport
- A valid passport or one with at least six months remaining on it (from the dates you're booking) is needed to go abroad. Be sure to make copies of this essential document in case it's lost or stolen.
© Shutterstock
8 / 28 Fotos
Transcripts from previous degrees
- You will need to prove to some schools the credits or previous degrees you've earned, whether in your home country or abroad. It's best to have these printed just in case.
© Shutterstock
9 / 28 Fotos
Diplomas from previous degrees
- If you're pursuing higher level degrees like a master's degree or PhD abroad, it can also be important to show your diploma of actual graduation. The schools abroad want to confirm you are eligible to attend.
© Shutterstock
10 / 28 Fotos
Personal statement essay
- Many schools will require you to write a personal statement essay explaining your motivations for wanting to not only study abroad but specifically why study at their university.
© Shutterstock
11 / 28 Fotos
Application form for the university
- Paperwork isn't in short supply when it comes to going abroad to study. It's usually required that you fill out an application form for the university abroad in addition to paperwork your home school will have you fill out.
© Shutterstock
12 / 28 Fotos
Language proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS for English, or your target country’s language exam)
- In some locations and depending on your level of education, a school might require you to prove your language abilities via a language proficiency exam and certification.
© Shutterstock
13 / 28 Fotos
Resume/CV
- A resume with your top professional and academic accomplishments is often required when you apply to a program or school abroad. They want to see how your experience aligns with their school and mission statement.
© Shutterstock
14 / 28 Fotos
National test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, A-Levels, IB diploma, etc.)
- Some programs will require you to have taken a national test and scored at a certain level. Check your specific program if this is a requirement.
© Shutterstock
15 / 28 Fotos
Letters of recommendation
- Schools abroad are taking a risk in letting a foreign student in, so letters of recommendation are often required to help support your case for admission. Consider asking current or previous professors, community leaders, or mentors for a letter.
© Shutterstock
16 / 28 Fotos
Entrance exams for your university
- Entrance to the university abroad may require you to pass an exam to attend their school. It could be anything from a general knowledge exam to something more specific to your area of study.
© Shutterstock
17 / 28 Fotos
Bank statement
- Universities and governments abroad often need proof of finances in the form of bank statements to ensure you won't arrive broke in the new country and cause problems or be unable to get back home when your time there expires.
© Shutterstock
18 / 28 Fotos
Invitation letter from the university
- Once you apply and are accepted, the university abroad will usually present you with an invitation letter. This is needed to fill out other study abroad-related documents and might even be needed if applying for financial aid.
© Shutterstock
19 / 28 Fotos
Non-criminal record
- Other countries want to ensure they aren't signing themselves up for trouble. Thus, before they accept a foreign citizen to live there, they will often require a clean, FBI-approved criminal background check.
© Shutterstock
20 / 28 Fotos
Additional essays required by the university
- When it gets into the final rounds, sometimes universities will require an additional letter or essay to be submitted by the applicant. It usually asks individuals to further explain why they're the best fit or should be considered.
© Shutterstock
21 / 28 Fotos
Vaccination certificate
- It can be very easy for someone to bring a disease from one country to another. Universities and the respective countries will likely require you to have certain vaccinations (and proof of receiving them) before they'll allow you to travel or live there.
© Shutterstock
22 / 28 Fotos
Additional passport photos
- It's always a good idea to carry extra passport-size photos with you when you go to study abroad. You never know when you'll need one to include on an application somewhere.
© Shutterstock
23 / 28 Fotos
Employer references
- If you are an older applicant and already have a job, the university may want employer references. These are usually just another way to learn more about you and can tell whether you'll be successful or not.
© Shutterstock
24 / 28 Fotos
Health check
- Just like with the vaccinations, other countries and schools in those countries will want to ensure you're healthy before you travel and live there.
© Shutterstock
25 / 28 Fotos
Extracurricular award certificates
- If you've been a part of extracurricular activities, sending along certificates of competition or any awards won while doing it can show that you're an ambitious person who's likely to succeed.
© Shutterstock
26 / 28 Fotos
FAQ: Why should I study abroad?
- Studying abroad can be a completely life-changing event. It will teach you to be adaptable and how to be a creative problem solver. It also can help you learn new language skills and be a more well-rounded professional and scholar.
Sources: (U.S. News & World Report) (Global Admissions)
See also: The pros and cons of living abroad
© Shutterstock
27 / 28 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 28 Fotos
Steps to take
- Before you study abroad, there are at least five steps you should take. The following slides will list and dicuss those.
© Shutterstock
1 / 28 Fotos
Decide on the experience you want
- Your study abroad experience should be decided well in advance of ever setting foot on a plane. You should consider things like location, cost, opportunities for travel, and even program length.
© Shutterstock
2 / 28 Fotos
Meet with academic advisers and study abroad office
- An academic advisor can help you map out exactly when a study abroad experience fits into your scholastic program and journey. They can also assist you in ensuring credits will be transferred correctly an count towards your degree.
© Shutterstock
3 / 28 Fotos
Calculate the cost
- There is a lot that goes into studying abroad, so be sure to take time and estimate not only what it will likely cost but also how much you can afford and what the difference is. The remaining amount can be earned through scholarships or perhaps by getting a part-time job.
© Shutterstock
4 / 28 Fotos
Research the location and language
- With any international move, there is bound to be some cultural shock. It's important to research the country, customs, and language in advance to minimize the negative impact. Try to learn even a few words of the native language to help you get around.
© Shutterstock
5 / 28 Fotos
Get domestic affairs in order
- If you'll be gone for a few months, be sure to get domestic affairs in order. For example, find someone to sublet your apartment, make sure the electricity and other bills are planned for, and alert your credit card company you'll be away.
© Shutterstock
6 / 28 Fotos
Documentation you will need
- Now that you've tackled the to-do items, it's important to ensure you have the right documentation. The following slides will lay out what you need to gather.
© Shutterstock
7 / 28 Fotos
Passport
- A valid passport or one with at least six months remaining on it (from the dates you're booking) is needed to go abroad. Be sure to make copies of this essential document in case it's lost or stolen.
© Shutterstock
8 / 28 Fotos
Transcripts from previous degrees
- You will need to prove to some schools the credits or previous degrees you've earned, whether in your home country or abroad. It's best to have these printed just in case.
© Shutterstock
9 / 28 Fotos
Diplomas from previous degrees
- If you're pursuing higher level degrees like a master's degree or PhD abroad, it can also be important to show your diploma of actual graduation. The schools abroad want to confirm you are eligible to attend.
© Shutterstock
10 / 28 Fotos
Personal statement essay
- Many schools will require you to write a personal statement essay explaining your motivations for wanting to not only study abroad but specifically why study at their university.
© Shutterstock
11 / 28 Fotos
Application form for the university
- Paperwork isn't in short supply when it comes to going abroad to study. It's usually required that you fill out an application form for the university abroad in addition to paperwork your home school will have you fill out.
© Shutterstock
12 / 28 Fotos
Language proficiency certification (TOEFL or IELTS for English, or your target country’s language exam)
- In some locations and depending on your level of education, a school might require you to prove your language abilities via a language proficiency exam and certification.
© Shutterstock
13 / 28 Fotos
Resume/CV
- A resume with your top professional and academic accomplishments is often required when you apply to a program or school abroad. They want to see how your experience aligns with their school and mission statement.
© Shutterstock
14 / 28 Fotos
National test scores (SAT, AP, ACT, GRE, A-Levels, IB diploma, etc.)
- Some programs will require you to have taken a national test and scored at a certain level. Check your specific program if this is a requirement.
© Shutterstock
15 / 28 Fotos
Letters of recommendation
- Schools abroad are taking a risk in letting a foreign student in, so letters of recommendation are often required to help support your case for admission. Consider asking current or previous professors, community leaders, or mentors for a letter.
© Shutterstock
16 / 28 Fotos
Entrance exams for your university
- Entrance to the university abroad may require you to pass an exam to attend their school. It could be anything from a general knowledge exam to something more specific to your area of study.
© Shutterstock
17 / 28 Fotos
Bank statement
- Universities and governments abroad often need proof of finances in the form of bank statements to ensure you won't arrive broke in the new country and cause problems or be unable to get back home when your time there expires.
© Shutterstock
18 / 28 Fotos
Invitation letter from the university
- Once you apply and are accepted, the university abroad will usually present you with an invitation letter. This is needed to fill out other study abroad-related documents and might even be needed if applying for financial aid.
© Shutterstock
19 / 28 Fotos
Non-criminal record
- Other countries want to ensure they aren't signing themselves up for trouble. Thus, before they accept a foreign citizen to live there, they will often require a clean, FBI-approved criminal background check.
© Shutterstock
20 / 28 Fotos
Additional essays required by the university
- When it gets into the final rounds, sometimes universities will require an additional letter or essay to be submitted by the applicant. It usually asks individuals to further explain why they're the best fit or should be considered.
© Shutterstock
21 / 28 Fotos
Vaccination certificate
- It can be very easy for someone to bring a disease from one country to another. Universities and the respective countries will likely require you to have certain vaccinations (and proof of receiving them) before they'll allow you to travel or live there.
© Shutterstock
22 / 28 Fotos
Additional passport photos
- It's always a good idea to carry extra passport-size photos with you when you go to study abroad. You never know when you'll need one to include on an application somewhere.
© Shutterstock
23 / 28 Fotos
Employer references
- If you are an older applicant and already have a job, the university may want employer references. These are usually just another way to learn more about you and can tell whether you'll be successful or not.
© Shutterstock
24 / 28 Fotos
Health check
- Just like with the vaccinations, other countries and schools in those countries will want to ensure you're healthy before you travel and live there.
© Shutterstock
25 / 28 Fotos
Extracurricular award certificates
- If you've been a part of extracurricular activities, sending along certificates of competition or any awards won while doing it can show that you're an ambitious person who's likely to succeed.
© Shutterstock
26 / 28 Fotos
FAQ: Why should I study abroad?
- Studying abroad can be a completely life-changing event. It will teach you to be adaptable and how to be a creative problem solver. It also can help you learn new language skills and be a more well-rounded professional and scholar.
Sources: (U.S. News & World Report) (Global Admissions)
See also: The pros and cons of living abroad
© Shutterstock
27 / 28 Fotos
Everything you need to study abroad successfully
The ultimate checklist for learning overseas
© Shutterstock
Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity that offers students and professionals the chance to immerse themselves in new cultures, gain unique educational experiences, and develop global perspectives. Before you jump in head first, though, be sure to read through this all-inclusive guide. Here, you'll find steps to take before studying abroad, as well as the documents and information you’ll need to have readily available.
Curious about what you'll need to study abroad? Click through now.
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