Archive | Studying Abroad

Image by Ashim D’Silva, unsplash.com

Image by Ashim D’Silva, unsplash.com

The excitement building as you get ready to study abroad can be one of the best feelings, until you think about how you’ll pack all of your “stuff” to take with you. For those planning any type of extended trip overseas, it’s important to take a step back and ask: “Do I really need this?” Simply, you can’t (and shouldn’t) take everything you own with you, but you’ll want to take what’s necessary and beneficial to your trip.

The Association of International Educators notes that 304,467 U.S. students applied for credit while studying abroad from 2013 to 2014. That’s a 5.2 percent increase from the previous year in individuals going overseas for their education. There’s no doubt that studying overseas is valuable and desirable. But how will you pack to get there?

Don’t Carry, Ship It
One of the best ways to get most of your necessary items overseas is to ship them rather than carry them with you. Using a courier can save you a significant amount of money. Most airlines charge baggage fees that quickly add up. If you know where you are going, arrange for a local resident, perhaps whoever you are staying with, to accept your luggage and packages via a courier shipment. Be sure to send it at least a week or two in advance of your arrival.

Get to Know the Area
Perhaps one of the most important steps to take is to learn what you really need when you visit. Here are some considerations before you pack a single item:

  • Is there a dress code you’ll need to follow?
  • What are the weather trends in the area where you are traveling? Pack clothing to match those trends and save room by eliminating what you don’t really need.
  • Will you have laundry facilities? If so, try choosing a few basic bottoms that match up with numerous tops so you can mix and match. Then, launder items frequently, reducing the amount of clothing you need to bring.
  • Don’t forget the shoes. Research the best type of shoe for the area. It’s nearly always best to bring comfortable shoes that can handle a lot of walking.
  • Bring clothes you’ll feel comfortable and confident wearing. What’s more, be sure you’re willing to wear those items more than once.

Pack Essentials You Can’t Forget
A number of items are must-haves when traveling overseas no matter how long you plan to be gone. These are items that are hard to replace if you forget to bring them or lose them once you arrive in the location. Here are some must-haves:

  • Medications (be sure to talk about getting refills from overseas providers if necessary)
  • Legal documents including your identification and passports. For items such as birth certificates and copies of your transcript, make digital copies to store online so they don’t get lost.
  • Electronic items such as your mobile phone charger are important. Note that some countries use a different electric outlet, so you may need an adapter.

Pack Sensibly
Be sure to pack in a way that’s going to be highly efficient. Instead of just one piece of luggage, pack a couple of smaller bags. This way, if one gets lost, you still have some backup. Ship what you can and then pack a few smaller bags to take with you on the plane.

Here are some must-haves to include:

  • Undergarments and socks
  • Enough clothing for a week (if you can launder it)
  • Jackets to match the climate
  • Clothing to sleep in, work out in, go to a formal event in, etc.
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Gear for any type of trip you plan to take (hiking into the mountains or skiing)

There’s a lot to plan when it comes to overseas travel. The good news is, most schools offer the help you need to get ahead of the game. Take some time to talk to your counselor as well as any family you may be staying with to learn what they’ll be providing. Remember, you’ll probably be able to replace most of what you need locally – so don’t panic if you forget something.

This article was contributed by guest author Susan Burger.

Sources
www.nafsa.org
www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
blog.cengagebrain.com
www.hercampus.com

Image by PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay.com

Image by PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay.com

Being a language learner and co founder/CTO of Skill Silo, a live language learning company, I am constantly being asked: “Why should I learn a new language?” or “What are the benefits of learning a new language?” The answer can vary from person to person, but there are a few reasons that apply to almost everyone.

Let’s start with the most impactful benefit; your career. Whether it is for advancement, or higher pay, employees who are multilingual have a major advantage. It is a fact that employees who speak more than one language are paid higher wages for the same job as mono-linguals. (Source). What’s interesting to note is that different languages have higher pay. The benefit of career advancement is coupled to the industry and company you are working for. If your company is seeking individuals for global travel and you speak the local language vs another employee who doesn’t know the language, the choice is obvious.

The other two benefits of why you should learn a second (or third) language are more personal.

If you are fortunate enough to travel the world, you will undoubtedly find yourself in a situation where speaking the local language is helpful – if not, you’re not traveling properly, but that’s for another time. Ever been exploring a new city and wanted to eat at a tasty local restaurant without guessing the menu items? How about public transportation – ever get lost or were unsure of where to get off/which direction to travel? You don’t need to know the full grammatical structure of your host’s language to ask for directions or for food recommendations. Basic conversational skills with emphasis in various contexts can be a lifesaver.

Lastly, learning a new language is fun and mentally challenging. You get immediate results and can actually apply your new skill in the real world. Learning new phrases and speaking to others within minutes of comprehension is rewarding. Advanced calculus is fantastic, but when was the last time you used it outside of a classroom? Being mentally challenged/stimulated is incredible for your health and brain. You will boost your memory, and be able to identify patterns more quickly. (Source)

There are dozens and dozens of benefits to learning a new language. Above I outlined the three most common benefits and reasons to learn a foreign language. Depending on your situation there are other benefits not mentioned, but ones that are just as valid. Time to start learning!

If you are interested in learning a new language, give Skill Silo a try! You get to choose your own teacher and meet with them, 1-on-1, without having to leave home. Upon registering, you will receive a free 30-minute lesson in any of the languages they offer. Even better, by using coupon code STUDENTS10 you will receive 10% off your first purchase!

This article was contributed by guest author Judah Lamm.

Image by Celso FLORES, Flickr

Image by Celso FLORES, Flickr

The US is an extraordinary destination for international students from all across the world as it offers a wide range of schools and courses. Finding the right college, applying to it and obtaining admission as an international student can be a taxing procedure.

The initial phase in guaranteeing an incredible experience studying abroad in the USA is to locate the top colleges among the nation’s 4000+. From small undergrad schools and private human sciences schools to huge open exploration colleges and Ivy League universities, the USA has it all. While it may be hard to choose, having so many options helps your chances of getting admission into an American university.

Experts can offer you some assistance with narrowing down your decisions to the best 10 schools based on your particular interests. You can also read online journals, check the schools’ websites, and converse with current students to get an accurate picture of what to expect, and recognize what you need from a college.

For any undergrad, fulfilment comes primarily from picking the right courses. There are a lot of undergrad courses accessible at the top colleges, including BSc (Bachelor of Science) and BA (Bachelor of Arts) degrees. Junior colleges also offer two-year partner degree courses. Many programs allow you to pick your range of specialization toward the end of first year or mid-second year. The US advanced education framework takes into account adaptability in various professions. Program changes are usually allowed without deterrent to your graduation timetable.

A vital variable to remember when contemplating American programs is the expense. Undergrads applying to the US for higher studies must be in a position to plan for the different costs, which vary from school to school. Many private colleges charge around $35,000 a year, which includes room and board. In the event that you attend a junior college or a state-funded college, this amount may be less. To stay financially sound, recognize your financing alternatives before you apply.

Plan ahead of schedule. Keep in mind the end goal is to have a phenomenal educational experience, and if you’re coming from abroad, you will need to begin your visa application well ahead of time with documentation and a meeting at the US Embassy. Get the ball rolling no less than a year ahead of time so you’re on track!

This article was contributed by guest author Priyanka Singh.

Image by Liana Ramos

Image by Liana Ramos

This past summer I packed up my bags and participated in a Summer Abroad program with my university. I travelled to Oxford, England to take a Shakespeare course at Oxford University. Two of the best aspects about the program were that I completed a full year course in one month, and that as the course was taught by an instructor from my university, I didn’t have to worry about transfer credits!

Oxford is a small town with beautiful historical buildings. (The picture above is of the Radcliffe Camera, which is a part of the Bodleian Library.) It was such an incredible experience to be immersed in a new culture. I often found myself gazing around as I walked down the street because of the newness of it all.

Completing a full year course in one month was intensive – even though I was overseas, I wasn’t on vacation. There was a lot of work to do, just like in a regular course (readings, assignments, a mid-term, and an exam). But it was an enriching experience because I got to see the material I was studying brought to life. Studying abroad allowed me to experience integrated learning. I got to see plays at Shakespeare’s Globe (in London) and the Royal Shakespeare Company (in Stratford). I love reading Shakespeare, so being able to see his work in action was great for my learning because it allowed me to understand the material better.

The Summer Abroad program is, of course, mainly revolved around academics. However, there was time for fun and to explore. Classes were on Monday to Thursday mornings, so that left Monday to Thursday afternoons, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as free time (although there was a lot of studying to do during those hours!). Some people took trips to different countries within Europe because travelling is much cheaper there. I chose to spend a few days in London, exploring the typical tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

I would recommend pursuing a summer abroad or any international study experience. However, there are some aspects that need to be realistically considered first. It took almost the entire school year to fill out applications, attend orientations, and prepare myself for going abroad (both financially and mentally). It’s a big investment, but many universities have scholarships and bursaries for students wishing to pursue international travel. Before my Summer Abroad trip, I had never travelled internationally before (much less alone!) and I hadn’t been on an airplane in eleven years! But I leapt into this opportunity because I knew it would be an amazing experience. I made some new friendships that will last a lifetime, and this has been my best summer (so far)! Let’s see if I can top it next year.

Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime. Here are five places you should seriously consider when making your decision on picking a location:

1. Paris

Paris

Image by Moyan Brenn, Flickr

This should come as no surprise. Paris is an obvious choice as one of the best cities for, well, probably everything. Although known to be incredibly expensive, Paris offers relatively low tuition fees for students, making it a top contender amongst students. There is also no shortage of great universities in the French capital for basically any program you are interested in.

The best way to enjoy the city is to grab a good book, head to a café and sip an espresso until content. Check out some museums, or just leisurely walk around this beautifully planned city. Leave the Eiffel tower lines to the tourists. You are now a Parisian.

Highlights: Everything…

2. Barcelona

Barcelona

Image by Moyan Brenn, Flickr

Imagine if every day felt like a vacation in Barcelona. Well, here is your chance to make that a reality. With great weather, food, architecture and people, Barcelona may be the destination you have longed for.

Home to the prestigious University of Barcelona and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, the city has a lively and diverse student population. This could be your opportunity to brush up on your Spanish skills, or learn how to speak the local language of Catalan.

It’s difficult to talk about Barcelona without mentioning the illustrious “party scene” which is more than often associated with the city. If this is your cup of tea, you probably don’t need to read the rest of this list. Just be sure you save some time to study.

Highlights: Great weather, relaxing, party city

3. Florence

Florence

Image by Chris Yunker, Flickr

Are you looking to be inspired? If so, look no further. What is more inspiring than the birthplace of the Renaissance? Florence’s beauty has roused the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, so there should be no difficulty winning you over. Located in the Tuscan region of Italy, Florence is home to the University of Florence, Accademia Italiana, and Lorenzo de’Medici, all of which have many options for international students.

The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and will leave you speechless with its beautiful architecture. Use your spare time to learn Italian or take a cooking class. The Tuscan region is also world famous for its wine, so be sure to indulge.

Highlights: Culture, cuisine, art

4. Buenos Aires

Buenos-Aires

Image by Gisela Giardino, Flickr

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is the perfect city if you are looking to immerse yourself in Latin American culture. With some of the most prestigious Universities in South America, this large metropolitan city will surely cater to all of your needs.

The city is defined by its dynamic culture, encapsulating a mix of European and South American traditions. Exploring the city on foot will allow you to fully appreciate the artistic beauty Buenos Aires has to offer, with murals and European-style architecture blending together in a way that truly makes it a unique destination.

Be sure to take advantage of the location by visiting neighbouring cities or even touring South America. This growing metropolitan city is definitely one to take into serious consideration.

Highlights: Location, architecture, art

5. Manchester

Manchester

Image by Pablo Fernandez, Flickr

World famous for its music scene, Manchester has produced some of the biggest and most talented names in music: The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis are just a few of the bands that have come from this famously industrial north west English city.

The city has a large student population, gravitating around the well-known University of Manchester, as well as University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. The clash between old and new is apparent throughout the city, as industrial architecture remains to be a distinctive quality.

Known for its nightlife, music events and intense football rivalry, you will not have any difficulty keeping entertained.

Highlights: Music scene, large student population, nightlife

Well, there you go. Hopefully this has helped you narrow down where your new adventure will take place. Studying abroad is all about completely immersing yourself in a different environment, so be open to everything that comes your way. Also, be sure to travel as much as you can during your free time; long weekends are a perfect opportunity to check out neighboring destinations. Most importantly, just have a great time.

Good Luck!
OH and be sure to set aside time to “study”.

Studied abroad in the past? Any suggestions on where to go? We want to hear from you! Speak up in the comment section below.

This article was contributed by guest author Rahim Madhavji of Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange.

Image by greyweed on Flickr

Image by greyweed on Flickr

Social media is the most powerful platform of disseminating information. It has started to guide our lives in ways that not many would have thought possible a decade ago. How you intend to use it is, however, your prerogative. So, why not use it to your advantage?

For those students who travel abroad for their education, social media can be an important research tool. So, here is a list compiled of social media accounts to make your student-traveler life just that much easier and more adventurous.

Facebook:
The ease of posting blogs, pictures, and posts makes it an ideal site for sharing traveling experiences. Here are some must-follow accounts on Facebook that will give you a completely new perspective on traveling.

The Blonde Abroad:
This award-winning blog-cum-Facebook page is engaging with beautiful photography and video segments.

Everything Everywhere:
The Facebook page name means literally what it says. Gary Arndt has travelled over 170 countries and chronicles his travels through photographs. Give this devout traveler a go and do what he does, whether it is bungee jumping, floating in the Dead Sea or riding out a tsunami in Haiti.

Twenty-Something Traveler:
“Why wait to see the world?” That’s the question you will ask yourself after exploring Stephanie’s blog. This travel blogger not only writes about her travels but also gives some very helpful tips on traveling.

Nomadic Matt:
Are the expenses of travel stopping you from planning your trip? Well, Nomadic Matt is here for your rescue as he tells you how to make budget-friendly trips across the world as he has done with 16 million others.

Twitter:
Head over to the Twitterverse to explore tweeps who have traveled and are now here to help you experience the joys of travel.

Reid on Travel:
Unique in its content, Robert Reid will make you look at places anew and at its eccentric best. He is presently the Digital Nomad for National Geographic Traveler.

Chic Travel:
Discover luxury travel on a budget with Melanie Nayer as she shows you the best that the world has to offer. She explores not only the culinary world but also social issues that matter.

Pinterest:
Pin these travel accounts into your life and they are sure to grab your interest. Find out all the to-dos of traveling!

Go Overseas:
The perfect destination for students, Go Overseas combines travel with meaning. Whether for study, volunteering and interning or taking a gap year, their Pinterest account will guide you through it all.

Globetrotter Girls:
Globetrotting since 2010, Dani and Jess will supply you with the to-dos of traveling while showing you the world through their travels. They address everything from budget travel to social issues.

yTravelblog:
This Australian travel couple, Caz and Craig, will help you with anything travel-related. Whether solo or group trips, they have the best advice up their sleeves and they are willing to share.

Instagram:
Travel through pictures. Be inspired to travel by seeing the world through the lens of another.

A New Yorker Travels:
Harry Devert is the New Yorker who travels. Whether high up in the mountains or down below at Madison Square garden, he captures the world with his camera. And what a world it is.

Kick the Grind:
The world is actually incredible and Mike Corey shows it to you. This travel filmmaker will show you why possessions don’t hold a candle over experiences.

Murad Osmann:
Who wouldn’t be envious of the girlfriend who is leading Murad Osmann around the world? His photograph captures the poignancy of each place.

This article was contributed by guest author Sophia Harris.

Image by Miquel González Page, Flickr

Image by Miquel González Page, Flickr

Bonjour! I am currently spending the semester studying abroad in Paris, France. Four months in, and it is undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. If you go on exchange, you probably want to travel as well but don’t want to break the bank. So, here are a few tips to travel cheaply and easily:

Act Fast!

Some people say the best time to book a plane ticket is on the weekend. Others say the best time to book is on a Tuesday. The truth is, the best time to book is as soon as possible! My favourite website is Skyscanner. They include flights from big to budget airlines, always resulting in the best deals. Since the website simply redirects you to the actual airline’s website, there’s no chance that you’re being scammed.

There are awesome features you should look into. First, check out the “Map” option, which allows you to choose a destination and then see a graph of the different prices on different days. The other option is the “Everywhere” destination. Instead of typing in an actual city, simply type in “Everywhere” and Skyscanner will show you the cheapest destinations based on your desired dates.

Hotels or Hostels?

Hotels are always going to be the best option in terms of your peace of mind. Since you don’t have to share the room with strangers and your room is going to be stocked with amenities, there’s no need to worry about a lot of things in hotels. If you stay at a hostel, you’ll need to remember to bring a lot of things such as sandals to shower with, a towel, some soap and a lock for your bags. However, what hostels may lack in safety, cleanliness and amenities, they make up for in character and price. Hostels have a great vibe where you can meet fellow travellers or grab a cheap beer if they have a bar – and don’t forget about the huge savings!

Sacrifices Need to be Made

That 7AM flight to your next destination is $15 cheaper than the one that leaves at 11AM, which means you arrive at your destination earlier and you save money, right? Wrong! Well, you do arrive at your destination earlier, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll save money. You have to keep in mind that you need to somehow get to the airport well before 7AM. A lot of public transportation won’t run that early, so you may end up paying crazy prices for a cab first thing in the morning.

The same kind of situation can occur when you buy a ticket from a budget airline or train that doesn’t land at the city’s main airport or train station. These other airports and train stations are often far from the city centre. Although you save money getting near the city, you still need to find a way to get into the city.

Another example is when you choose where you want to stay. You may save money by staying at a hostel just outside of the city, but getting to and from your hostel can be a pain. It is even worse if you miss the last train or bus back to your hostel!

All in all, budget travelling requires a lot of research and planning. However, if you’re really desperate to get out, do look into last minute deals, especially with trains that want to sell extra seats. Just remember to relax and have a great time!

Image by Newton Free Library, Flickr

Image by Newton Free Library, Flickr

Jennifer Fonda* is currently pursuing her MS in computer science from Oxford University in the UK, which is deemed to be one of the most expensive universities in the world. Even though she comes from a middle class family, she made it to one of the most expensive colleges in the world without having to worry. She says,

For me it really was not hard to come up with the required admission fee. I had already saved quite a lot during my undergrad. My parents inculcated the habit of saving every penny I could since a young age. It really helped me pay off my tuition fee.

Being short on funds is the permanent state of every college student. But if you have bigger dreams in mind and want to go study outside of the US to gain global exposure, you need to start planning early. Jennifer knew her parents would not be able to afford the expenses of living abroad, but that didn’t deter her from pursuing her dream. If you want to study abroad, you have two options: either give up or go through the hard work of earning and saving money. It is up to you which one will you choose.

Planning throughout the four years of your undergraduate course will help you save money during grad school. Here are a few points which will not only help you save money but also guide you on making some:

Manage your money

  1. Set a monthly budget – This doesn’t have to be a difficult task. An Excel spreadsheet will be enough. You need to keep track of your monthly expenses and stop any unnecessary spending habits. List your fixed expenses like transportation costs, food etc, and keep money aside for these. Put aside some for saving, and the remaining balance can be used for unplanned expenses like shopping or gifting.
  2. Plan your expenses – Has buying expensive things left you cashless? Simple math and bit of planning can help you avoid this situation. Cut down your expenses by a certain amount for a couple of months and save the leftover money. Planning ahead is the easy way to avoid bankruptcy. Keep your eyes open for clearance sales at big-box stores – you may find some great deals there.
  3. Save money for emergencies – For students without a regular source of income, it is mandatory to have a fund for emergency situations. Rather than borrowing from friends or family, save money yourself by making small adjustments like skipping a movie or a trip to help you prepare for an unexpected crisis.
  4. Open a savings account – Rather than going for a regular bank account, go for an account specifically designed for students. Student savings accounts have other benefits apart from zero-balance facility which make them better than any other no-frills account.
  5. Avoid misusing credit cards – As mentioned above, if you open bank account for students you may get a credit card with low interest rates – but you want to avoid paying interest as much as possible, so if you are going to use a credit card, make sure you can pay off your bills on time and in full every time.
  6. Choose prepaid plans for your phone – Choose prepaid plans instead of pay-as-you-go for your phone will help you avoid surprises at the end of the month.

Increase your savings

  1. Be patient – If you want to buy a new iPhone, wait for a few months – gadgets’ prices fall as soon as there is a successor of the same model in the market. Postponing your purchase for some time can get you a reduced price.
  2. Watch for online discounts – If you are shopping or booking shows online, Google discount coupons, codes, or deals. Discount sites are the new money-saving method, as you can easily get a discount of 20% or free shipping with using a coupon code. You can get good bargains at restaurants, movie tickets, clothes, gym memberships, etc. Get an Amazon Prime account to get the best deals and discounts.
  3. Make shopping lists – A good way to control impulsive shopping is to make lists before going to the market. Though the market is filled with options, stick to your requirements, and you will save more money at the end of each month. Or use the wish list option many websites offer while shopping online.
  4. Save, save, save – Buying course books often leaves your pockets empty. Instead of buying, borrow them from a library or purchase them at a second hand bookstore. Once you graduate, the secondhand books can be re-sold and the money can be put towards your savings.
  5. Try getting cheaper accommodations – As a college student, you can save a lot of money on lodging. Rather than living in a studio apartment near college, try getting a shared apartment in the suburbs. It could cut your rent money in half. Or try sharing your apartment with 3-4 roommates, which further reduces your share load.
  6. If you’re in the city, don’t rent a car – Big cities like Toronto or New York have a good public transportation system in place, so you can save a lot of cash by not buying or renting a car to move around the city. Invest in a train pass or student pass to save more on travelling.

Earn some money

  1. Turn hobbies into careers – If you love to bake, or are great at painting, you can always turn this passion into earning. Form your own music band or start a blog or vlog. If you have talent, you can make it a career even before you finish college.
  2. Work part-time – Get a part-time job to earn some pocket money. Many jobs have a constant demand for interns. Remember, at this stage no job is small or big; you need to do what is required without feeling embarrassed of your job. Many job search engines are specifically designed for college students, and can help you look for temporary jobs. You can also talk to your college placement cell and consider the options available in your city.
  3. Participate in college activities – Be part of cultural societies and participate in competitions which offer cash prizes. Find out about scholarships offered by your college. If you are eligible to apply, do so! If your professors are involved in some research work, ask them if they need some assistance. You may get a stipend for doing so.

This article was contributed by guest author Harleen.

Image from Jan Natividad

Image from Jan Natividad

Bonjour! I am currently spending the semester studying abroad in Paris, France. Two months in, and it is undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. As much fun as I may be having right now, the process of getting to this point was very long and complicated. Here is some advice for avoiding the stress of pre-departure. Although some of these tips are specific to Paris, you can use them for practically any exchange location!

Packing

Tip 1: You don’t need to pack everything that you own, but don’t forget to pack essentials that you take for granted. I am having a difficult time finding baking soda here in Paris and a friend of mind couldn’t find any heat protection hair spray! Although you probably won’t find out if you can buy a product locally or not until you actually arrive, be sure to pack favourite hygiene products, food and anything else that you absolutely cannot live without. In some cases, they may sell what you need, but not in the brand that you prefer.

Tip 2: Don’t be afraid of the $100 extra baggage fee on an airplane. The contents of your extra bag are probably worth more than the $100 fee. This also gives you extra space for any souvenirs and gifts that you plan on bringing back home. Remember that things in France are in euros, meaning it is probably going to be significantly more expensive for your favourite shampoo or cereal in France than it is in Canada, so do the math! The only problem you may encounter with this is lugging it from the airport to your new apartment by yourself.

Tip 3: You should also remember to pack both regular sized and travel-sized hygiene products. If you plan on travelling while on exchange, $1 mini toothpaste from your local drugstore is a lot cheaper than buying €1 mini toothpaste in France.

Paris Tip: Parisian street fashion is very stylish but monochromatic. So, when packing clothes, you may want to skip your neon-green top. This may sound silly, but a decent sense of fashion is a matter of self-preservation! Aggressive beggars and pickpockets are less likely to attack you if you don’t have that neon-green “tourist” target on your back.

Everything Else

Tip 1: Don’t worry too much about banking, meeting new people, public transportation, cellphone plans and most other things. The international team at your host school will cover a lot of this during orientation week. Just remember to bring necessary documents, photocopies of IDs and an unlocked cellphone so that everything else will go by a lot smoother.

Tip 2: Remember to have fun! School is important, but don’t spend your whole day inside school or inside your apartment. If you’re not exploring your new environment and soaking all the culture in, you’re more susceptible to getting really home sick. Your new place – as great or as dingy as it may be – will be your new home for the next couple of months. Try to find the positive aspects of your new place such as a really cool nearby bar or your kind neighbour.

Image from Jan Natividad

Image by Jan Natividad

Bonjour! I am currently spending the semester studying abroad in Paris, France. Two months in, and it is undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. As much fun as I may be having right now, the process of getting to this point was very long and complicated. Here is some advice for avoiding the stress of pre-departure. Although some of these tips are specific to Paris, you can use them for practically any exchange location!

Visa Application

Tip 1: I don’t want to bore you with all of the technical information because everything is all laid out very clearly on the French consulate’s website. Just make sure you are getting the visa that best suits your needs. Most students will get the basic student visa that will allow them to become temporary residents for a specific period of time. There is another visa that allow students to work and get paid as well as receive a housing subsidy from the French government. They are two different visas with different requirements, so check carefully.

Tip 2: The process of getting your visa is extremely fast and simple. The process of getting all of your documents for your visa can be a nightmare. Do not leave this to the last minute! Make sure you read over the visa requirements and get the necessary documents as soon as possible.

Housing

Tip 1: If you want a (relatively) hassle free way of finding a place to stay, just stay in the student residence that your host school offers. If the residence isn’t that great in terms of price, location, amenities, etc. you can find places to stay online. Websites like airbnb.com and lodgis.com are great because they’re catered specifically to foreigners. Fully furnished and cheap places are hard to come by and so are highly competitive. Search for places early and book as soon as you find one. Just be careful of any scams!

Tip 2: Make sure you research the neighbourhood of your potential new place very well. It may be cheap, but it’s not going to be worth it if it’s in a bad area. If you know the address, search it up on Google Maps and use the street view function to explore the neighbourhood. Look for nearby laundromats, grocery stores, metro stations, bus stops and restaurants.

Paris Tip: If you’re going to Paris and want to live in the “typical” Parisian apartment (the ones with a beige façade and on top of a boulangerie), you’re probably thinking of an apartment in a Haussmann building. Although not all of them are atop a bakery, they are everywhere in Paris. Just note that they can be expensive, especially considering the fact that a lot of them are very old. Some don’t have elevators and others don’t have toilets inside the rooms! The toilet may be outside of the room and shared with neighbours on the same floor.