Normally when people think of students studying abroad, they think it will be all sunshine and rainbows. That's because unless you have gone abroad, you have no idea how much goes into it. I have quickly learned there are so many little things you have to consider and plan for when deciding to go abroad. This article is not me complaining, and please do not think that I am not so thankful for this opportunity. Rather, I just want to warn anyone considering studying abroad so they are aware of what they are getting themselves into.
In about a month I am heading off to study for five months in Sydney, Australia. Your school, like mine, will likely advertise studying abroad as an equivalent cost to your current expenses, which is simply not true. Sure, you may end up paying a similar tuition, and in some cases maybe even less on housing. However, there are endless extra costs that you need to consider and plan for.
Here are some of the biggies:
1. Plane tickets
I know you're thinking, "duh, Hannah, of course the plane ticket will be expensive." But hey, that is an added expense that you wouldn't be paying if you were still in the U.S. You should plan to spend anywhere from $800 to $1,500 on a round trip plane ticket.
2. Visa
If you don't know, a visa is basically a document that states you are allowed to be in your chosen country for an extended period of time to attend school. If you are going for an entire semester, you will need one, and they are not cheap. The cost of a visa varies greatly between countries, so do your research prior to choosing a destination. They can cost about $50 to upwards of $500 depending on where you go. Not to mention visas take a lot of time and planning to receive. Majority of visas require an in-person interview, meaning you will likely have to travel to Chicago or one of the other offices to receive yours. So even if your visa will only cost $50, it will cost much more to travel to Chicago or another location.
3. Travel expenses
Odds are you will want to travel to other countries or cities while studying abroad. While some transportation options can seem inexpensive, they will eventually add up. Plus, you will have to pay for a hostel or hotel, food, and any other fun activities while there.
4. Things you can't pack
Packing your whole life into a few bags to last you upwards of five months in another country is a very daunting task. There will be so many items you simply cannot fit. You likely don't have space to pack all of your bedding, towels, and a million other miscellaneous items. Expect to buy a handful of items you already have back in the states once you land, simply because you don't have room to pack them.
5. Adapters
Majority of countries have different outlets than the ones we have here. This means you will need an adapter for every outlet you use so that you can plug in your electronics. It can end up being more productive to simply buy versions of items you use, such as a hairdryer, in your new country so that you do not have to use an adapter for it, nor do you need to worry about packing it.
6. Phone plan
There are a million different ways that you can go about using your phone while abroad. You can buy a new phone there, a different sim card there, an international plan here… the list goes on. Regardless of which one you choose, you will have to pay for it, and it will likely be pricey.
7. Medication
Most countries will only let you bring in a certain amount of medication when entering the country. For example, Australia allows a three month supply. This means you will likely have to find an equivalent prescription and a doctor while abroad to fill your needs. This is extremely important for students with ADHD and similar conditions, as many of the medicines they potentially use will likely not be available in their new country. Regardless, if you take any prescription medicine you need to do research into how much you can bring and how to obtain it while in your new home. Your home insurance coverage will likely not apply abroad, and therefore medication can become very expensive.
8. Debit card fees
Majority, if not all, debit and credit cards have fees associated with their use in other countries. This means every time you use your card while abroad you will be incurring an extra cost of around 3%. Talk to your bank to figure out the best option for you while abroad, because it may be worthwhile to get a new card that has no fees attached.
9. Passport renewal
You are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you are supposed to return to America. If your passport doesn't meet this requirement, which is likely due to the age most students go abroad, you will need to get it renewed. This takes a long time to do, so check on this many months prior to leaving. You will need a valid passport to apply for your visa as well, so plan to do this way sooner than you actually think you need to.
This list only skims the surface of all the things you will need to do to prepare for departure. Going abroad takes so much more planning, time and money than initially meets the eye. I haven't even left yet and I've spent way more than I was planning to just in preparation. I wish I had known all of this when I was initially applying, so I hope it can help others that hope to travel abroad. Now that I've done everything on this list, it's time to practice my slang and Aussie accent. Til next week, mates!
