DISCLAMER: This article is equally applyable to any kind of a professional or academic stay in another country!
When I started thinking about my semester abroad in the United States back in 2013, I wished someone would have told me what I am about to share with you. Back then, I had no clue where to begin to be honest. I spend hours and hours on the computer looking for different programs, Universities and scholarships just to find myself being completely annoyed and frustrated. Eventually, I got to live my dream after lots of detours and struggles. In order to make use of all the mistakes that drove me crazy, I promised myself to help everyone who was coming after me to achieve their dream without having to go through all this.
This article helps you to attack your adventure and gives you confidence to pursue your dream of going abroad.
1. Research the right way
It is as obvious as it sounds. Before you plan any kind of stay abroad, you need to do your research on which you can mount your plans. Research sounds like a nasty thing to many but it doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you spend hours and hours in front of Google like me, roaming through packed Websites without any specific structure. The trick is to know where to look for information that is valuable to you and your adventure. The first place to go to should be your own University or institution of education.
Usually they have an International Office or events on Campus for raising awareness for international programs. Also your respective Departement of your Major often keeps information for those kind of programs handy on their website. Anyhow, I highly recommend giving those bureaus a call, or even better, you drop by.
Last but not least, it is as simple as going to your professors. Mostly they are happy to help and it is a good chance to stand out in a positive way too. They know you better than any stranger on the phone, since, at least, they know your field of study so they can send you to the right people or give you adequate information fitting your specific needs.
After identifying smart sources, focus your hunt for information on the following:
existing programs for your dream destination, ways to finance upcoming costs (flight, visa, costs of living, resources, …), and deadlines!!! regarding applications of all institutions involved.
One extra tip from personal experience: go buy a folder! I know it sounds ridiculous but you will face tons of documents that can make your life a lot easier at some point and you don’t want to pay a fee or get completely lost looking for some phone number.
2. Get in Contact
You know where you want to go and you also know how you could make it work? Good! Now it is the time to get in contact with your respective employer or University if you haven’t done it already throughout the process of your research. They can provide you with valuable information at sight, that can have serious impact on the way you prepare for your trip. If you are looking for a place to stay, for important documents you need or a pick-up from the airport, they will know how to help you since they are already there and know the environment. Bonus fact, you will also know the first person/s, which will be valuable in case of any emergencies and make the beginning way smoother.
3. Letter of authorization
Some think of it, some don’t. When you are abroad it means that you can’t be home in person to handle bank issues, go to some Department or Embassy or sign the cancellation letter of your phone contract (if you don’t have some change for buying a flight home&back). Avoid any inconveniences by choosing a friend or a relative and write them a letter of authorization and, of course, sign it. Banks in particular require formal letters they provide on request.
4. Start planning early
Everyone keeps saying that you should start at least one year before your planned date of departure. I heard this so often here in Germany that I didn’t even listen anymore to the fifth person, who told me this. The thing is that it is not your planning that takes up that much time (this can actually be done in 2 days if you are very ambitious). The reason why you should calculate approximately 12 month for planning everything out is that you will have to wait for a lot of people to answer you calls or Emails. Processes like applying for a Visa, applying for a scholarship or simply getting an official Transcript of Records of your University might take weeks.
5. Only rely on yourself
You are not special in any way to most of the people you need to contact for formal requests. Therefore, you need to make sure to keep track of when you asked who for what. Don’t hesitate to call or show up three or four times. Ask questions as often as possible (intelligent ones, that show that you did your homework, don't bite the hand that feeds you). That way people remember your name and you make sure that they know that your case is urgent. Of course, you should be always super friendly because you are the one who wants something (again...the hand that feeds you).
Throughout the process I experienced moments where I was wondering if this was really worth all the hustle. But as soon as you drive to the airport, put foot on the ground of the country you prepared to go to for such a long time, you’ll know.
Following these tips helps you staying on the top of things and enjoying the thrill of anticipation.
So….what are you waiting for?
(pictures: unsplash.com, google.com)