Aaah! The semester(s) abroad. The Spring semester has just started in Europe and we thought it a good idea to scope out some tips for our student friends who planning their own adventure.
- Money!
Make sure your finances are in order before you jump on that plane. Ask your local bank to to check the international fees for you. It is also a good idea to look into special travel (or student) debit and credit cards to help you on your way. Most banks have international affiliates so aks them who to call when you get there should the need arise.
- Plan!
Passport in order? Boarding passes? Visas? Place to stay? Bureaucracy is the same everywhere. Have your paperwork filled out to a T. Do some research on the place you will be staying and how to get from there to your school. Acquaint yourself with the public transport and make sure you know where to go when you need a doctor, a hospital or any other type of healthcare. You can use www.medihoo.com for that. We’re still a free service! 🙂
- Culture!
English has become a Lingua Franca when travelling abroad but there are still places (like France) where English is not really that well known. Invest in a simple translation booklet to help you get around. Getting around is the most important part. Getting around gets you friends and friends gets you fun. And isn’t fun the most important part of experiencing new places and cultures?
Tell us what you think!