What To Prepare for Studying Abroad?

Congratulations on deciding to study abroad! I’m glad to announce that you are headed for a journey of excitement, valuable experiences and adventure! However, you might be wondering, what are some things you will need to prepare before you travel to your home away from home? Well, fret not, because we’ve got you covered with this list of essentials for studying abroad!

Passport & Visa

Probably the most obvious thing on this list would be your passport and visa. Ensure that your passport is not expired and will not expire while you are abroad. For passport newbies, make sure you apply for your passport at least 6 months in advance, as it can take anywhere between 3-5 months for your passport to be approved in Malaysia.

In addition to a passport, you will need to apply for a student visa. There are different visa requirements depending on the country you are traveling to and the duration you will be there. Thus, ensure that you have all the correct information before applying for one. Visas can also take several months to be approved so make sure you apply for one early on! If you need guidance on how to apply for one, feel free to contact us. Applying for a student visa is one of the services we provide!

Accommodation

The next step is finding your home away from home. Many universities have on-campus accommodation which you can apply for during your application process. However, we also have a list of accommodation partners who can assist you in finding an accommodation that is best suited to your budget and needs.

Debit/credit cards & bank account

One thing that many students miss out has got to do with your finance while you’re abroad: debit/credit cards and a bank account. It is recommended for you to open up a foreign bank account in the country you will be studying in. This can either be done online or once you arrive at your study destination.

Furthermore, in relation to finance, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the payment process of your tuition fees and rent. This enables you to become more independent and to prepare yourself for adult life in the future.

Phone number & data plan

You will need to set up a foreign phone number once you’re overseas. However, when you’ve arrived at your study destination, hands full of luggage, jetlagged and overwhelmed in an airport full of foreigners, it will be stressful to get that done on the spot. Thus, it is better to prepare a foreign sim card and data plan in Malaysia itself before you travel. When you apply to study abroad through us at JM, we will provide you with a free sim card! This will save you a lot of stress once you arrive at your study destination.

Travel insurance

Lastly, you will need to apply for travel insurance. Travel insurance has a range of benefits and protections, some of which include: tuition fee reimbursement for study interruption, medical and personal accident coverage, sponsor protection, lost luggage, coverage if your flight is delayed, stolen personal belongings and more! However, it depends on the terms and conditions of the type of insurance you are going for. You can apply for travel insurance at almost any insurance agency in Malaysia. Be sure to do your research before applying for one!

Conclusion

Once all these have been prepared, all that’s left for you to do is to pack your bags and feel excited about your journey ahead! Although you may feel a bit nervous, we can assure you that studying abroad is one of the best experiences a student can have. We wish all you the best in your studies abroad! Adventure awaits!

If you have any questions regarding your tertiary education, feel free to contact us. Our services include career & study counselling, university applications, visa application, accommodation arrangement and more!