How to Get Ready for a Fall Semester Abroad

By Sam Casteris on July 10, 2018

So, you’ve finally found the perfect place to study abroad. There is a lot of excitement ahead, but before the flight takes off there’s a lot of planning to do. From booking the flight, getting the proper visa and passport to putting bills on hold, here are some tips to making the trip as smooth as possible.

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1. Months Before: Apply for a Passport or Renew Yours

The first thing to get started before a trip abroad is the visa and passport process. Passports can take several months, so it’s important to start the process right away. People can get or renew a passport at the post office, state or federal courts, or another State Department passport agency. To get a passport, make sure to bring a birth certificate, ID, a completed passport application and 2 passport-sized photos. Stores such as Walgreens and photo-printing places can take the photos needed.

Many countries, such as Spain and Italy allow students to stay for up to 90 days as a tourist. But others require a certain visa. Like a passport, visas may take several months so start the process as soon as possible through the country’s nearest embassy or consulate.

2. Visit Your Doctor

The next step to do before studying abroad is getting proper immunizations through your doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention keep disease information on their website to help prepare. People who regularly take prescription drugs should make sure they have enough to last the trip if possible, and the drugs need to be in properly labeled containers for airport security.

3. Sublease Your Rental Home

Once the documents are all in order, it’s time to figure out what’s going to happen to your apartment while you are gone. First, check with the landlord to check if subletting the apartment is an option. Next, start posting ads as soon as possible. Try to use many sources, such as Craigslist, Facebook and other social media, and other housing websites. Make it clear who will pay utilities, and who will pay the landlord. Finally, vet potential applicants carefully. Run a background check and get references if possible. Lastly, keep in contact with the subletter and any current roommates to make sure everything goes well.

4. Suspend Your Monthly Bills if Possible

The last thing you want to do abroad is worry about bills back home. The good thing is there are options for suspending, reducing or cancelling a car insurance policy to help save money.

Suspending coverage is a good option, because it avoids the insurance lapse that could lead to higher rates later. However, it is likely not an option for those with car loans. Cutting back on car insurance is a good option for people not eligible for suspension, and your car will still be protected from vandalism and theft. Removing yourself from a policy is a good option if other people use the car, and it helps protect against the higher rates that come with an insurance lapse.

Another option, if you know you’ll saving money abroad, is to sell your car. You’ll make some quick cash for your trip and will be able to research your options before buying when you return. You’ll save on car insurance payments, won’t have to worry about storing your car, and give yourself time to research reliable make and models that have great resale value, like a Subaru Impreza, a Nissan Versa, or a reliable compact SUV.

5. Explore Your Cell Phone Options

Getting a working cellphone may be one of the trickier aspects of studying abroad. Frequent travelers know to avoid international plans offered by U.S. providers. These plans are usually very pricey, especially for a long trip. Instead, consider getting a local SIM card and a pay-as-you-go plan. Also, make sure your phone is unlocked for international usage. Most phones built after 2015 have this ability already, but still call your cellphone carrier to make sure.

6. Prepare Your Finances for Expat Freedom

The last thing to do before going abroad is planning your finances. Set up an online bank account if that isn’t done already and get a card for withdrawing cash from a local ATM. Make sure to notify your current bank and credit card companies about the travel plans, as they may lock a card due to fraud suspicions. Finally, bring at least $100 in the local currency for the first few days of travel.

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