If you are thinking about going to a foreign country to study for a semester, you should talk to other students to get their personal perspective. Nothing is better than learning from students who have experienced the dos and don’ts of studying in another country. Kristin Weinstein, a recent graduate of William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, studied abroad in Spain in the summer of 2008. She shares her experience and advice for anyone considering studying abroad.
What concerns did you and/or your parents might have had prior to you going abroad?
Kristin: Mostly figuring out the exchange rate and figuring out the best way to bring my money with me. Other concerns were cell phones, whether I should bring my own and get an international plan, or get calling cards and an international phone to call from.
What kinds of documents are necessary in order to study in another country? Was it mandatory to purchase international student health insurance or international student travel insurance?
Kristin: It's necessary to have your passport and a copy of your birth certificate. The travel and health insurance was included in the study abroad costs.
What was your favorite part of being abroad?
Kristin: My favorite part was all of the side trips we took. I got to see so many parts of Spain, and experience old culture versus modern culture. Having a guide who helped us around was extremely helpful.
What advice do you have for students who are interested in studying abroad?
Kristin: Definitely do it! You'll experience things you never thought possible. Be totally open minded and love every second of it. I wanted to move to Spain by the time my trip was over.
Kristin’s parents had the typical concerns of any parent whose child wants to study in a foreign country. Money and currency exchange rates, and how to keep in contact while away should be discussed and planned out in advance. Before Kristin went to Spain, she and her parents decided that she would bring her wireless cell phone and set up an international plan. However, Kristin realized that it was not the best idea. "I should have bought an international phone and used a calling card, she says, "[because] it was very expensive!"
Plan out your budget before you go. Save money or work to earn cash you could use for trips on the side that are not included in your study abroad program. Even though programs may include trips, you might want to travel to other places. Make sure you have enough money to do as much as possible because your opportunity to go abroad may be once in a lifetime.
Study abroad programs vary depending on the program you choose. International student health insurance or international travel insurance may not be included in your program costs the way they were included in Kristin’s. Even if they are not included, most programs require students to have one or the other, possibly both. Do research in advance. Read any pamphlets or letters regarding the details of your program. Ask questions. Organize important documents such as your passport and a copy of your birth certificate. Find out the deadlines for certain documents to be turned in so that there are no delays or problems during the application process. And, remember what Kristin said: when you finally reach your destination abroad, be totally open minded and love every second of it!
What concerns did you and/or your parents might have had prior to you going abroad?
Kristin: Mostly figuring out the exchange rate and figuring out the best way to bring my money with me. Other concerns were cell phones, whether I should bring my own and get an international plan, or get calling cards and an international phone to call from.
What kinds of documents are necessary in order to study in another country? Was it mandatory to purchase international student health insurance or international student travel insurance?
Kristin: It's necessary to have your passport and a copy of your birth certificate. The travel and health insurance was included in the study abroad costs.
What was your favorite part of being abroad?
Kristin: My favorite part was all of the side trips we took. I got to see so many parts of Spain, and experience old culture versus modern culture. Having a guide who helped us around was extremely helpful.
What advice do you have for students who are interested in studying abroad?
Kristin: Definitely do it! You'll experience things you never thought possible. Be totally open minded and love every second of it. I wanted to move to Spain by the time my trip was over.
Kristin’s parents had the typical concerns of any parent whose child wants to study in a foreign country. Money and currency exchange rates, and how to keep in contact while away should be discussed and planned out in advance. Before Kristin went to Spain, she and her parents decided that she would bring her wireless cell phone and set up an international plan. However, Kristin realized that it was not the best idea. "I should have bought an international phone and used a calling card, she says, "[because] it was very expensive!"
Plan out your budget before you go. Save money or work to earn cash you could use for trips on the side that are not included in your study abroad program. Even though programs may include trips, you might want to travel to other places. Make sure you have enough money to do as much as possible because your opportunity to go abroad may be once in a lifetime.
Study abroad programs vary depending on the program you choose. International student health insurance or international travel insurance may not be included in your program costs the way they were included in Kristin’s. Even if they are not included, most programs require students to have one or the other, possibly both. Do research in advance. Read any pamphlets or letters regarding the details of your program. Ask questions. Organize important documents such as your passport and a copy of your birth certificate. Find out the deadlines for certain documents to be turned in so that there are no delays or problems during the application process. And, remember what Kristin said: when you finally reach your destination abroad, be totally open minded and love every second of it!
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