For many people, the opportunity to travel abroad is a once in a lifetime experience, but the chance to study-abroad is even more rewarding! The concept of traveling to an unknown area for an extended period of time can also be stressful, which is why it’s so important to devote a fair amount of time upfront to planning and conducting research.
Millions of students successfully study abroad each year, and finding the right program is easier today than ever in the past.
Looking to get the most out of studying abroad? WU has a few tips to help you on your journey.
Choose Your Program Carefully
One of the most difficult parts of kicking-off the study abroad process is finding a program that fits your needs and expectations. Many students make the mistake of ignoring the fine print details of a program, only to get there and find out that it’s not for them.
It’s helpful to start with a clearly defined list of what you’re looking for in a program, which will serve as a compass for navigating the endless amount of programs available. Studyabroad.com is an excellent resource for finding specialized study abroad programs and is a great starting point if you’re looking to hone-in on the right program for you.
Stay Mindful of Your Surroundings
Once you’ve finally set foot in your new locale, it’s time to sink into your study abroad experience and assimilate into your surroundings. No matter what part of the world you happen to be studying in, however, it’s essential to stay as mindful as possible and keep a close eye on what’s happening around you at all times.
Remember that just because you might identify a particular area as “safe” doesn’t mean problems cannot occur. If you remain mindful of your surroundings and travel in groups to help keep yourself safe.
Pay Close Attention to Your Budget/Spending
Everyone wants to get the most out of what the area they’re studying in has to offer, such as dining, art, nightlife and everything in-between. It’s important to remember that budgeting is an essential part of the study abroad experience, though—being on the other side of the world isn’t an excuse to spend like crazy.
Sticking to a budget will help to ensure that you don’t run low on funds towards the end of your stay abroad and will help with a much smoother experience than if you were to spend everything you’ve got within the first week. If you run into trouble and need money, don’t forget about Western Union! Your family members and loved ones can easily send you money to over 200 countries and territories worldwide! In a bind, you can always count on us to move money for better!
So don’t let anxiety or indecisiveness keep you from studying abroad. Take the above tips into consideration, and you’ll have a strong chance of getting what you’re looking for out of the experience.
