Study Abroad: Starting off on the right foot!

Foreign universities are advertising bigtime for admissions from India, and students are answering the call.

In fact, the Indian student population abroad is expected to increase dramatically over the next several years, so the time to act is now.  

If you'd like to be part of this trend, or have already earned admissions abroad, here are some tips on how to make your international voyage a smooth one.

• MBA programmes in the US and UK

Health and insurance

US/ Canada: Most US universities require applicants to have taken the MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella) vaccination. Tuberculosis skin test results may also be necesary.

For Canadian schools, you generally need to clear medical requirements before you are granted a student visa. This includes a chest x-ray and somtimes a blood test as well.

Students studying in the US and Canada can also buy health insurance from the university they are studying in, or from an independent insurance provider (provided the university approves the external insurance provider).

UK: Universities in the UK generally do not require applicants to have taken prior vaccinations. But it's always better to be prepared.

If their course duration is longer than 6 months, students qualify to receive subsidised treatment, and hence do not need to purchase any additional insurance (if you are studying in Scotland, you do not even need to take a course longer than 6 months to avail of insurance benefits, you just need to be a student).

Australia and New Zealand: You need to clear a routine medical before you are granted a student visa. This includes a chest x-ray, and at times, a blood test.

When you apply for a student visa to Australia, one of the requirements is that you register for the Overseas Student Health Cover programme before you actually arrive in Australia.

Universities in New Zealand require applicants to have a comprehensive travel and medical policy, which is generally purchased from the university. In rare circumstances, this policy can be bought from an external company and the university evaluates the external insurance policy.

It's always best to buy insurance from your university. This is the safest bet and generally involves cashless settlements in case of an illness or an accident.

Foreign exchange

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allows you to take up to $100,000 for your education abroad. If your I-20 or admission letter states a higher amount, the RBI might make an exception (please consult the RBI directly for your specific case).
  
• Always carry your money in sensible denominations: traveller's cheques, cash (small and large bills), and demand drafts.
  
• You can also wire transfer your money to your university's account before you arrive. Wire transfer is safe, cheap and fast, and many Indian banks charge as little as Rs 250 for a wire transfer.
  
• If you prefer, you can load up a visa electron card and use it as a debit or ATM card.

Ticketing

• Some airlines such as Air India and British Airways may concede an extra baggage allowance for students.

• Remember to fly on a reputed airline, which will not unnecessarily delay flights or cancel your bookings.

• Remember to reconfirm your reservations at least 3 days before you fly and leave early for the airport (arrive three hours early for international flights).

• Make sure you check baggage specifications before you choose your airline. Earlier, if you were flying to the US you were allowed two bags, each weighing 32 kilos and totalling 64 kilos (96 kilos is the weight allowance for students in some airlines). This has now been reduced by most airlines to 23 kilos per bag, totalling 46 kilos. You'll face hefty charges if you exceed this limit.

Indian immigration and customs

US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand:

You do not need to have an ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) stamp in your passport.

When you reach your destination country, make sure you have your passport and I-20 or admission letter with you when you land.

At the foreign immigration counter, you may be asked the reason for your visit, how long you plan to stay in the country, and how you plan to fund your education.

• Planning to study in Australia?

Shopping

a. Clothing and footwear

In all countries, the dress code on campus is usually informal, and a tee shirt worn over jeans is the universal dresscode for both men and women.

Formal clothes are needed rarely, but it's best to carry at least two sets of formalwear (for job interviews, important presentations, etc).

If you are going to a place where the weather's cold, you'll need good quality jackets and sweaters. If the winters are harsh, you'll require caps and gloves as well. Winter clothing in your host country will be more suited to the weather there, so as far as possible, try to buy things from there itself, instead of taking tons of items from home.

Also, bring one pair of each of the following: casual shoes, sneakers, formal shoes and bathroom slippers. 

b. Kitchen

If you are an undergraduate student and plan to stay on campus you will not need any utensils. If however, you plan to stay in an apartment, you can consider taking a few utensils, such as a small pressure cooker, with you. The rest of the utensils, including cutlery and knives, should be bought in the country in which you plan to study.

Similarly, you can plan to take some of your cooking masalas with you, but don't carry too much or too many. They can be a hassle while travelling, and almost all campuses have ethnic stores nearby. Once you are familiar with your new surroundings you can shop for Indian groceries (achaar, dal, Basmati rice, etc).

c. Personal items

Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue-cleaner (if you use one), soap, shampoo, hairbrush, a complete shaving kit (for men). The key thing to remember here is quantity. Carry small quantities of toiletries with you.

Medical: Carry your preferred medicines, such as Saridon, Crocin etc for minor ailments (make a nice little medical kit). If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, carry a few spare pairs as well. If you have prescription medicines, carry the written prescription at all times.

Others: Needles and thread, buttons, family photos, the image of a deity (if religious). Don't bring punching machines, bed sheets, towels, napkins -- they take up too much room in your baggage.

Review

With all the excitement and anxiety of leaving home, it's easy to overlook a few things. The key to safe and easy travel is good preparation.

It's crucial to begin your studies on a good note, so make sure to do plenty of research and plan extensively.

If you follow these instructions, consult others who have been abroad and use your own common sense, your studies abroad will be a life-defining experience! 

Today at 3 pm, Study Abroad chat

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~ Are you a student who is studying/ has studied abroad? What advice would you have for other students who may soon be pursuing studies in a foreign country? What are your experience as an international student? What were the things you wished you knew before you left home? Write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in and we will feature your experiences right here.

The author, Karan Gupta, is an education consultant and can be contacted at kgc@karangupta.com.