The global vaccine rollouts and countries reopening borders come as a positive development for international students. But you cannot celebrate too early because things can get complicated if you scratch the surface. What if the vaccine you had isn’t listed among the approved ones for your destination? What if there are quarantine regulations for international travellers on arrival? You can expect such last-moment surprises in these unprecedented times.
While some surprises may be easy to handle, others can be nasty enough to cause stress or lead to unexpected expenses. It makes sense to know your facts and have things sorted out before you land. It will help you avoid such sudden surprises when you step on-campus at an overseas university. Here is a checklist of tips that can help international students to gear up for a smooth campus experience this year.
CARRY VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
Your vaccine certificate is perhaps as important as a passport and study visa in pandemic times. Get your shots on time so that you do not need to worry about having your certificate at hand when all set for the flight. Do check the approval status of the vaccine in the destination country. For example, students from India should prefer Covishield vaccine because it is accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and many international education destinations.
FIND OUT ABOUT THE QUARANTINE GUIDELINES
With the vaccinations going ahead at a rapid pace, some countries have already eased the quarantine rules for international students. Canada and the US do not mandate it for international students with both vaccinations. Conversely, some destinations require mandatory quarantine, while others will enforce them if you are not vaccinated. The good thing is that some universities are reimbursing the entire cost (or half of it) of quarantine for students flying from abroad. Quarantine norms can vary depending on your destination and university. It is best to connect with your university representative to inquire about recent norms before travelling.
BUY FOREX IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY
While traveling overseas as an international student, carry half of your currency in cash. It will help you meet essential expenses such as food and cab services. Loading the rest on a prepaid forex card is a good idea as it ensures security and prevents wastage. It is wise to plan your expenses for the short term in current times. Keep a little extra (cash and card) to be ready for uncertainty. Buying foreign currency from back home is a wise move as it will make things easy on arrival. Moreover, you will have to pay higher conversion rates abroad. Forex cards are a better alternative to debit and credit cards because you have to pay transaction costs and ATM withdrawal charges with the latter.
OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT
Another aspect of easing your campus experience during your study abroad journey is opening a bank account abroad. It should be your top priority once you settle down. A bank account enables you to manage your money, specifically if you are there for a long programme. You can use it to pay university fees semester and deposit money from your part-time job on campus. You can even explore the option of opening a bank account before travelling because some countries may let you do so. Most universities collaborate with banks to facilitate account opening for international students. Research your options, considering factors like services offered, charges, etc while choosing a bank.
TAKE A STUDENT INSURANCE PLAN
A final step that sets you up for a smooth ride is taking student insurance. Universities abroad mandate an insurance policy for international students during this pandemic. You can buy it in your home country or pick one from your university insurance partner. Some universities may require you to buy insurance from them, and you will have to accept the offer without choice. It is important to know that premiums have increased because of the pandemic. Also, go through the vital details like the sub-limits and deductibles before buying the policy. Simply speaking, it should offer all the cover you require.
Following this checklist can keep you stress-free when you step into the university campus abroad. These details sound small, making them easy to miss. But ensuring that you have them covered can make your experience a breeze.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
