Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Ways On How To Complete Your Studies Abroad

By Anne Harvester


There is a lot to keep in mind when you start planning a trip. Here are a few tips on how to complete your studies abroad from meeting deadlines to what you should pack.

One of the first things you need to consider is how you are going to pay for this time overseas. Many programs offer financial aid packages. If studying in another country is something you know you want to do, you might want to start saving for it in advance. Working in the summers, or taking on a part time job, are good ways to begin making and saving money for the trip.

Before you sign up to study in another country, make sure the class credits will transfer back to the original school. Some credits will carry over, while others may not. If they do not, you may have to take on an extra workload when you return, or have to stay for summer courses to make up the difference. Work with a school counselor and the admissions personnel of both schools to determine if credits will transfer correctly.

When planning your trip, make sure you know of any major deadlines that you need to meet. The home school and the one you plan to attend overseas will have an application. Make sure you get a copy of both so you can plan how much time they will take. If you miss the deadlines, you may not be able to study abroad until the following year.

After finances, credits, and applications have been taken care of, you need to book the flights. It is a good idea to arrive in the country a few days before classes. This is so you can become familiar with the surroundings before you are bombarded with homework. When planning a return flight, you may want to stay in the country a bit longer to enjoy the location without the hassle of classes.

Once you arrive, you need to find a place to live. Some schools may make you live with a host family. Others may have housing already set up for you. If they do not have apartments put aside, you will have to find some. The best way to go about this is by looking through the papers for available places, finding a friend in your program to be a roommate, and talking with your host school to find out where the best areas are to live.

While packing to leave, be sure to consider what is culturally appropriate dress. Many countries have certain rules and regulations for what males and females are allowed to wear in public. You want to have the right clothes with you so you are not seen as rude or disrespectful.

Figuring out how to complete your studies abroad can be stressful. From application deadlines to clothing, you need to stay organized in your planning. Be sure to keep these major things in mind and you should be good to go.




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