How to prepare a student for a move to another country
So, you have received a coveted invitation to the university.Now the next equally exciting stage awaits you - preparation for the move.To stay in another country at first was not difficult, you need to think about some important things for life in a new place and thoroughly prepare.
Start early
The most important advice is to get ready to move as soon as you receive an invitation and agree to study at the university.This way you can plan everything down to the smallest detail and be much calmer.In addition to the usual preparation of things for the move, you will receive a student visa and other necessary documents.
Also, during the admission process, you could read a lot about student life in the country, but before moving, you should refresh this knowledge and find out more information on the university website or from other students.
Starting preparation immediately is especially important for students for whom the university does not provide a place in a hostel.The search for housing suitable for finance and location can take a long time, therefore, it is worth solving this issue in advance.
Prepare documents
Visa and other required documents may take a long time depending on the country.This applies not only to collecting documents, translating them into another language, but also terms of consideration, which do not depend on you.Moreover, in order to obtain a visa to some countries, after submitting the documents, you need to go through an interview, which delays the process.
Learn more about the new location
It takes some time to adapt to new conditions.So that the nuances do not confuse you, learn as much as possible about the country, city and university in advance.
First, chat with those who are already studying at your university.Find out what problems they faced when moving and howavoid them.If there is an opportunity to talk with people who study on your program, ask about the educational process itself: how classes are assessed, what is the schedule, whether the hostel is far away and other nuances that will be useful for you as a future student.
Secondly, a great way to learn more is by reading blogs.Nowadays, you can find both those led by local residents and those written by people who have moved to this country.Here you will find useful information about culture, interesting places and useful life hacks that can be valuable after moving.
Prepare the necessary things
One of the most difficult questions - what should you take with you?Think about the things you need first.Immediately after moving, there may not be enough time to make important purchases.Find out in advance if it is possible to transfer them on board the aircraft, and take with you enough to be enough for the first time.
Also familiarize yourself with the climate in the country and, in accordance with it, choose a wardrobe for the move.Of course, finding and buying suitable clothes will not be a problem, but large financial spending at first is hardly desirable, and will you have time to search and choose?
Practice a foreign language
For admission, you have already passed the foreign language in which the program is taught, and you know it at the proper level.However, when moving, many students face a language barrier and fear of misunderstanding when communicating or during the educational process.To make it easier for you to adapt to the new conditions, try to devote time to a foreign language before moving.Listen to books, watch movies or go to conversation clubs, many of which are completely free to join.If you are not confident in your knowledge and feel that you understand some topics a little worse, it is worthwhile to separately devote time to them,to feel more confident when communicating or listening to lectures.
Plan your budget
It is quite difficult to plan financial expenses before moving, as in a new country you will have to pay in a different currency.Try to roughly calculate how much money you will have on hand for a month and how much of it you will spend on food, set aside, or use it for other purposes.It will take time to get used to the new currency and local prices, but if you have at least a rough understanding of the upcoming costs, it will be easier not to spend more than planned.
Do not worry
Moving to another country is not only a difficult period due to new tasks and an unusual environment, but also a psychologically difficult time...Many students are tormented by feelings of homesickness and loneliness, as it is difficult to make new friends in such a short time.However, remember that there will be people around you who will face the same problem, so don't be afraid to chat with other students and look for friends.
The advice “not to worry” sounds simple, but it is not always easy to implement.Remember that the problems that accompany the move are terrible only at first glance.Despite the difficulties that appear at first, you will adapt to new conditions, be able to lead an active social life and significantly improve your foreign language.All problems arising in another country can be solved, so try not to worry and be confident in your abilities.