Things to know before studying abroad

Many students in the current era are looking forward to studying abroad, as many countries open their doors to international students, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Türkiye, Canada, Australasia, and others.

Studying abroad will make you undergo many changes, and you may ask yourself some questions, such as: What papers and items will I need during my trip? Will I need travel insurance or just health insurance? How much money do I need? What is needed to study abroad? 

How to prepare for studying abroad? If I want to study abroad, what should I do? and other questions you will find answers to through our article about things to know before studying abroad and tips that will help you prepare well for your study trip abroad.

What to expect when studying abroad

Things to know before studying abroad help you to overcome all obstacles in your educational journey whether in Türkiye or other countries which include:

1. Cultural adaptation: Moving to a new country means that you are dealing with different customs, traditions, and behaviors, and you are likely to be shocked when dealing with behaviors that are unfamiliar to you. Give yourself the opportunity to adapt to these new customs and traditions so that you can live among the new society and form social relationships between you and the local population.
2.  Language barriers: If the country in which you have chosen to study is different from your mother tongue, be sure that there may be some barriers in daily interactions. Some universities offer free courses to learn the language, so be patient when learning the new language and practicing it in your daily dealings.
3. Homesickness: Being in a new country, far from your family, friends, and the comforts that you used to feel in your country, may cause you to feel homesick. You must constantly communicate with your friends and family through video calls and messages, and work to form new friendships to feel a sense of belonging in the new environment surrounding you.
4. Different educational systems:Every country has a different educational system. You may encounter differences in education methods, teaching methods, academic evaluations, etc. Learn the educational system in the new country quickly to adapt and perform well academically.
5. Financial considerations: Traveling abroad makes you bear your financial responsibility, so you must plan your budget well, taking into account tuition fees, meals, transportation, accommodation, personal expenses, and work opportunities to earn money.
6. Travel and exploration:Traveling to study abroad gives you the opportunity to explore new cities and new tourist attractions. Organize your trips while taking into account your budget.
7. Educational opportunities:One of the most important benefits of studying abroad is exposure to new educational opportunities in ways and methods different from those you used to study. Benefit from this experience and expand the horizons of your knowledge and abilities.
8. Friendships and cultural exchange: Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to explore and learn about new cities and different archaeological sites. Organize your trips to learn about these new landmarks. 
9. Independence and personal growth: Travel enhances your independence and personal growth as you take responsibility for yourself in all daily aspects.

Read also: Altınbaş University

Possible drawbacks of going abroad

1. Cultural shock and isolation: Being in a new society that differs from you in customs, traditions, behavior and language may make you feel alone and make you withdraw into yourself.

2. Loss of Arab identity and being influenced by new cultures: New cultures can affect you to the point that you forget your original customs and traditions, so you must be careful when immersing yourself in the new society.

3. High costs: Study and residence costs are usually high in the new country, so some students are forced to work alongside their studies.

4. Forgetting the goal: Some students may be distracted from their main goal, which is studying, and busy with anything else that attracts their attention in the new country.

Things to do before studying abroad |The most important things that you should plan before starting to study abroad?

There are five things to know before studying abroad that must be planned before traveling to study abroad:

1. Budget for studying abroad

There is no doubt that studying abroad is very expensive, so you must think carefully before choosing the country in which you want to study and which suits your financial ability. 

There are some things that reduce the budget for studying abroad:

• Choose the country with reasonable tuition fees. 

• Search for scholarships in the country you have chosen. In some countries, the scholarship is completely free, while others exempt you from half the expenses. 

• Research the working conditions in the country you have chosen. Some countries allow the student to work part-time while studying.

2. Choosing the country and university

The most important item in the list of things to know before studying abroad is that you must choose the right country and the right university. 

Choosing the appropriate country depends on several factors, including 

• Living conditions

• Its geographical location

• Its distance from the nation country

• The difference in customs, traditions, language, climatic conditions, accommodation expenses and academic expenses

• The job opportunities available there after graduation.

3. Preparing for the exams required for university admission 

After choosing the country and university in which you wish to study, you must search for all the university admission requirements, including the exams required as a basic condition for admission, and the most famous of these exams is the IELTS test for the English language.

4. Job opportunities while studying abroad

Some countries allow the student to work part-time while studying, which helps the student gain some practical experience, direct contact with the public, and earn some money. It is worth noting that some countries allow the student to work on campus, while others allow him to work outside the campus. 

These jobs include a waiter, a retail sales employee, a telephone operator in a call center, and a babysitter.

5. Planning your career after graduation

You should think about your career even before traveling to study abroad. Many students seek jobs with high salaries so they are striving to achieve a network of social relationships and participating in university projects and training opportunities that take place with the participation of major companies to achieve their goals.

Read also: Istanbul Aydin university

Tips for international students in Türkiye

Why is Turkey a good choice for studying abroad?

After knowing all things to know before studying abroad, we should offer one of the most preferred destinations for all international students which is Türkiye. Turkey is a very good choice for studying abroad due to the following reasons:

1. Türkiye is considered a major educational beacon that is visited by many students wishing to study abroad, as it relies on faculty members with great international experience.

2. The student obtains accredited and internationally recognized certificates among Arab and European countries, which increases job opportunities after graduation.

3. Türkiye seeks to reduce educational and living costs to make it easier for the students.

4. The ease of obtaining a Turkish visa is considered one of the most important advantages of studying in Türkiye, as the student, once he obtains university admission, can submit a visa application at the Turkish embassy in his country.

5. Turkish universities provide specialized medical centers on campus to take care of the health of international students.

6. Turkish universities do not require that studies be in the Turkish language, but rather rely on the English language to facilitate students from all over the world.

7. Turkey is very interested in scientific research, as it occupies seventh place in scientific output among OECD countries. It also occupies first place among European countries in producing the largest number of science, technology and engineering graduates annually and it has about 70,000 specialists working in the field of scientific research.

8. Türkiye is considered one of the countries that attracts international students from all over the world, as it is considered a multicultural environment, which allows the student to learn about different and new cultures.

9. The Turkish people are very friendly, you will never feel lonely, as they treat you as if you were a member of the community.

Read Also: Advantages of studying in Turkey

How New Horizons help you to study in Turkey?

• Providing advice on studying in Türkiye and choosing the appropriate major and inform you about all things to know before studying abroad.

• Helping students apply to Turkish universities for free.

• Ensuring admission to the appropriate university according to the student’s qualifications.

• Helping students apply for university scholarships and discounts.

• Guiding the student through the process of obtaining a student visa.

• Providing suitable housing options according to the student’s budget.

• Organizing a reception service upon arrival in Türkiye.

• Providing support in obtaining student residency and health insurance.

• Helping you register in courses to learn the Turkish or English language that are appropriate for you.

• Continuous follow-up of the student throughout the study period and providing continuous educational consultations.

Contact us now for more information about studying in Turkey.

Conclusion

After we have reached the end of the article about things to know before studying abroad, you should know that studying abroad has many advantages and is not without disadvantages Therefore, you should think carefully before taking this step.

Frequently asked questions about things to know before studying abroad

What is required of you if you travel abroad?

Travelers are required to have a set of papers, such as a passport Valid for a period of no less than six months In addition to a visa if required for the intended destination.You may also need a valid ID card and flight tickets.

What should I do if I travel for the first time?

Book tickets, Preparing luggage, Completing travel procedures, Boarding the plane, The flight and Arrival.

What does a traveler need when he wants to travel?

Passport and travel documents, Vaccinations and health precautions, Global health insurance card, Travel insurance and Emergency contact details.