Basic things to Check before going to study Abroad!

Going to study abroad – this is what you have been waiting for and now that you have been accepted and clarified for the program, what comes into your mind is – what do I need to travel with to

abroad? Of course it feels excited going to study abroad after you have found the program you want to study. But a lot of preparations has to be done.

Here, I have compiled some basic tips that will help you hit the ground running!

1. Passport.

You must apply for a passport to study abroad. Nigerian citizens can apply either at the physical location of the Nigeria Immigration Services or by making submission through its website. If you already have one, make sure it has not expired or you can contact the nearest embassy for guidelines on how to renew it.  U.S. citizens can directly apply for a new passport at selected post offices, federal or state courts of records, or at a State Department passport agency, this can take up to 6 to 12 months, so make sure you prepare on time.

2. Visa.

Depending on your course duration, you may need a visa to study abroad, this can take some months to process as you need to step it up on time. Although different countries have different visa requirements so make sure to contact the nearest embassy of the country you intend to go in order to put you through about their requirements on what kind of visa you may need.

3. Visit a Doctor.

You need to consult your doctor to check your health status to ensure you are in good condition to travel and ensure to take along your medical reports in case of an emergency.

4. Travel insurance.

You might ask if you need a travel insurance, of course it’s important to get one while going abroad as it covers more than health insurance. Travel insurance can give you extra protection if your holiday doesn't go as planned plus to stop a medical emergency turning into a financial disaster.

5. Flight Ticket.

Check for an affordable flight ticket, ticket fares can vary greatly depending on the time of your departure and the location. Make some inquiries on various airport terminals and compare their prices before purchasing your flight ticket.

6. Check your finances.

Before heading off abroad make sure you have an online account, if you don’t you can set up an online account, it’s the easiest way to manage your money while abroad. Also let your bank and credit card companies about your plans to travel abroad to avoid getting locked out of your account while abroad. Banks can detect the locations of their customer’s transaction and might flag it as a fraud. Also carry an extra cash in the currency of the country you are going for the first few days.

8. Get prepared.

Get your luggage set, pack light and be sure to double check with your airline to learn their luggage allowances to avoid extra charges. Prepare yourself mentally even though you can never expect to be fully prepared upon arrival.

9. Cell phones.

Of course, those loved ones you left behind, you may wish to share your wonderful moment and how you arrived the location. On your arrival to the airport you can request for a local SIM card which is more preferable since you are staying for more than a week. While good bye’s can be tough, they’re a necessary part of this journey. Connect with friends abroad to also guide you more.

Goodluck!