Get tips about studying and learn more about international visas, scholarships and accommodations on the following external sites.
Before you go to your first lecture or set up your student email, there are many things you need to do — both before you leave for school and once you’re there — to prepare you for life in your host country. Here’s how we make planning for your education abroad a little easier.
What can you afford? How would you like to spend your free time? Do you love warm weather, or are you a fan of changing seasons?
A diverse world is at your fingertips, and if you’re still figuring out where you want to go, there are plenty of things to take into consideration:
If you’re independent, love to try new things and seem to make friends everywhere you go, then living on your own will suit you just fine. On the other hand, if you need a familiar face and ties from home to keep you balanced, then consider living in a country or city where you have extended family or close friends. That extra support and guidance can be just what you need to embrace your new surroundings and do well in school.
It’s important that you feel comfortable in your new environment, so make sure you consider the culture you’ll live in when choosing a host country. Take your time, do your research and we’ll do our part to guide you in the right direction. Here are links that provide some resources that may help in your decision:
Today, more than ever before, students are leaving home to study in the most popular study abroad locations: Australia, Canada, the UK and the US. If you plan to study in one of these countries, explore the sites below to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of each:
Australia
Living in Australia
Australian Culture
Canada
Canadian Culture
Canadian Lifestyle
United Kingdom
UK Culture
Life in the UK
United States of America
US Culture
American Values
Weather can play a big role in how you feel about your stay, so do your homework. Choose a location to see what the local weather is like.
Weather in Australia
Weather in Canada
Weather in the UK
Weather in the US
The cost of living for Australia, Canada, the UK and the US varies considerably. There are even significant differences between cities or regions within a country. That’s why it’s so important to research the area you’re planning to go to and find out the cost of everyday items such as food, rent, school materials and clothes. Then create a monthly budget to keep from overspending. Learn more about the cost of living in the following countries:
Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in Canada
Cost of Living in the UK
Cost of Living in the US
Deciding which college or university to attend is very exciting and, for some, a bit overwhelming. After all, where you go to get your education impacts your future profession, the connections you’ll make and what country and city you’ll call home for the next several years. You’ll get a lot of advice from family and friends. Listen to it all. Just remember, in the end you have to be happy with your choice. Here are suggestions on how to evaluate which school is best for you:
College Board
US News & World Report America’s Best Colleges
The Complete University Guide
Australia Education Network
If you're planning to get a postgraduate degree, here are some things you should consider:
Here are sites to help you search for a school in the country where you want to study:
US News & World Report
Worldwide University Rankings & Guides
Australia School Search
Canada School Search
Undergraduate Programs in Canada
UK School Search
University Finder – UK
Study in the US
Peterson’s School Finder – US
US School Search
Living on campus gives you an opportunity to make friends more easily, get to class on time and experience school from a similar perspective as your peers. Being right in the center of things, you’re more likely to get involved with school activities. If you do decide that campus life is for you, most schools offer different types of housing options including co-ed and single-sex residence halls, so you can find one that fits your style.
Living off campus gives you more independence and flexibility. You’ll get a chance to experience what life is really like in your host country, outside school walls. Plus, you can often find rooms that are more spacious than the ones on campus. Remember to weigh all factors before making a final decision. Find out more about student housing options:
Accommodations in Australia
Student Accommodations in the UK
Peterson's School Finder – US
Study USA
You have so much to look forward to as you continue your education on the international stage. Keep this advice in mind as you research colleges and universities, searching for the destination that suits your individual requirements. If possible, visit the school to make sure you feel comfortable on the campus and in the surrounding area.
Just the idea of studying abroad brings to mind images of hailing a cab in New York City, going with friends to a pub in London or surfing before noon in Sydney. As exciting as these things are, they’re only a small part of your experience in your new surroundings.
Before you say "au revoir," "adios," "alavidha" or "farewell," here are some interesting things you may want to know about where you’re going:
Studying in your host country may be very different from what you’ve experienced. Every culture has its own style of teaching and learning. To make sure you do your best, visit the sites below for tips on how to succeed in your host country.
Australia Academic Life
Student Life — Canada
Academics in the UK
Academics in the US
Your social life is just as important to your international experience as your education. A good way to make friends is by introducing yourself to classmates in your dorm or residence hall. And go out and explore all that your city has to offer. Start learning about things you can do in the country you’re going to:
Social Life — Australia
Canadian Lifestyle
Life in the UK
Social Life — US
No matter how independent and sociable you are, at one time or another you’ll miss being at home. Here are a few tips to make sure those feelings don’t linger too long:
Read more here: Reduce Homesickness Abroad
One of the first things you should do when you arrive is set up a bank account. Your resident assistant or student advisor can help you find a bank close to campus. When deciding which bank to choose, consider what services you need. Some banks may charge a fee for services that are free at others. Shop around. And if you plan to wire money from your bank back home to your new bank, choose a bank that charges little or no fee for transfers.
No matter which bank you choose, try to limit the amount of cash you carry. It’s safer to use a bank card that allows you to withdraw money as you need it. Learn more about banking and other financial matters where you plan to study.
Student Banking in Australia
Student Banking in Canada
Student Banking in the UK
Student Banking in the US
Once you’re all settled in, ask around or go online to find a doctor and a dentist in your area that accepts your insurance. If you wait until you get sick to start your search, you may not be able to get an appointment or have trouble locating someone.
Most colleges and universities offer their own healthcare facilities. Check with your institution to see if it offers basic services or more extensive care.
Every country’s healthcare system has its own rules and regulations. To find out more about health care in the country where you’ll be studying, see the links below:
Student Health in Australia
Student Health in Canada
Student Health in the UK
Student Health in the US
Graduate-level study is totally different than what you experienced at the undergraduate level. You will work closely with advisors or professors, who take on more of a mentor role. The course work is more difficult. And there’s more competition among students.
Postgraduate students are expected to have better research skills and more in-depth and applied knowledge. In the beginning, your course work may feel overwhelming. Once you begin learning to balance your schoolwork with your other responsibilities, it will get easier. Don’t try to do everything at once. Maximize your time and energy by prioritizing your workload and completing assignments as needed.
For more on preparing, finding living arrangements, how to succeed in graduate or business school and other useful advice, visit GradSchools.com.
Here are other helpful links:
International Graduate
After Your Studies — Australia
Post Grad — UK
International Student — US Graduate
Study Abroad — Graduate
Get tips about studying and learn more about international visas, scholarships and accommodations on the following external sites.