Assuming that you have already done your research, applied to the program of your interest, and have been accepted to that school, the next big thing is to figure out how you will travel and navigate living in a foreign country as a student. In this blog, I will outline a few important things that you must familiarize yourself with.
Visa Processing:
it is crucial to know the documentation involved in F-1 student visa processing. Every country might have varied timelines, requirements, and limitations for this process so be sure to check with your embassy. The most basic requirement is a passport (as already mentioned in my previous blog) DS-160 Form, visa application fee receipt, SEVIS fee payment receipt, Passport-sized photo, Transcripts, Standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, and SAT), and most importantly Financial documents.
Familiarize yourself with the Education System
Moving to a foreign country can be stressful, and we all know how academics can be demanding. As an F-1 student, you want to understand the dynamics of the education system be it the US, UK, or Australia, just to mention a few. Just as there’s a difference in the way things are done back home, you want to establish a strong foundation the minute you step into that foreign country. Speaking from experience, you must be familiar with how the school system is set up, the mandatory courses for your program, the grading system, the professors’ performance, and the reviews they get from students. All these might seem petty yet significant in helping you settle in smoothly and transition with much less stress. You must anticipate the differences and be well prepared to avoid being caught off-guard as some of us were!
Side note: Feel free to reach out to the school administration about specific questions you might have. They are always ready to help and have prompt responses.
Healthcare Options
As an Exchange student, you need to be aware of the healthcare system and what is expected of you in terms of payments. Every institution has a payment plan for the students and this is normally indicated in your I-20 form. Have a financial plan for the same. The amount might vary from institution to institution depending on where the school is located. Purchasing healthcare plans is mandatory for F-1 students.
Culture shock and Cost of living
You will experience new things that might surprise, intimidate, and or impress you. You are sure to experience a different way of life, meet new people from various parts of the world, food, and lifestyle, and share the experience of a lifetime. At first, it might be a little overwhelming but then you get used to it and start liking these differences, which I find interesting and intriguing. This is the best part of studying abroad since it broadens your mindset and helps you see the world from a different perspective outside your norm. I find this to be mind-blowing. However, you must be sure to experience a different economy and high costs of living. This is why in my previous post I mentioned that you need to research the school’s location to figure out the most affordable schools and regions that would ease your costs as a student. https://phoenixtalks.co.uk/academic-excellence/
Also, check out the various student-friendly credit cards if you are coming from a region that primarily operates on debit or cash transactions.
NOTE: Check out my step-by-step guide to F-1 Visa Processing and preparation in my next post.
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