Tips for safe study abroad experience

An international education in any stream abroad is the most rewarding and exciting experience in anybody’s life. It is almost a cherished dream of every student to enroll in a semester or full-time program in another country. There is a lot to learn, experience, and face new challenges while studying in a foreign country. Studying abroad is worth all the pain and hard work because: One should take the time to learn the facts about how overseas education is providing everyone an inimitable opportunity to shape their education and succeeding life as a career person. Most students in their life dream of studying abroad and dropping it to a safe stay in a foreign country.

While planning to enroll in a foreign university…there are always hiccups in our minds about the safety of staying in another country. This is very natural for human beings to be cautious about a new place, people, culture, language, and environment.

Here are some safety tips for study abroad:-

1. Choose the suggested country for study abroad

One of the most sought questions is which country is safe for study. Finding the right destination for studying abroad is very important. The country you select to study should have a very good ranking in the Global Peace Index. There are many unsafe countries for foreigners in the world…please avoid that country for your studies even if you get a good deal there. Some safest and peaceful countries in the world where you can study are as follows:-

Denmark
New Zealand
Canada
Scotland
Australia
Japan
Germany
Spain
Czech Republic
Sweden
Ireland
USA
UK

2. Authenticity to University/Educational Institute

After selecting the destination country to study in the second most important aspect is to choose the university/educational institute where you desire to take admission for study. Every country issues a list of recognized/affiliated universities in their country. Please enroll in that institute only do not run behind any agent for admission in a foreign country, they may dope you. For authentic information, you can contact with Embassy of that country for clarification. Be wise for your safety in a foreign country and make sure of it. It is always better to apply early and appear in the entrance test for admission to the university of your choice program. Many good universities also sponsor scholarships for students meeting a specific grade.

3. Get Travel and Medical Insurance

Although the universities and institutions involved with students ensure their travel and health safety still it is advisable for students moving abroad to study to take comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance for themselves as per the norm of that country. Different countries in the world adopt unique measures to ensure the traveling safety of their citizens. The United Kingdom has a Registered Traveler Service whereas Australia provides the Smart Traveler Program and U.S. citizens opt for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

4. Learn the Language

English is the so-called international language, still, there are many countries where the local language is mostly spoken and understood by the local people instead of English. Before moving to that country learn language as much as you can. It will be very handy for you during your study abroad. In most European countries French is mostly spoken language so better to learn it. French is also spoken in African countries.

5. Stay in the Buddy System

One of the most useful tips for foreign students is to not roam alone, especially during the night. Always move along with friends or classmates. If you are staying with someone then it is better, if not please ask for assistance from someone to move with you. It is always advisable to choose a buddy or roommate from the home country. It will be reciprocal for both of you and make your stay in abroad safe and comfortable.

6. Keep a Low Profile

In a foreign country try to keep a low profile as much as possible for you. This will resist unwanted attention and help you to be adept at the new culture of that country. Dress like local, do not wear jewelry. Do not speak too loud in open spaces as it attracts the attention of local people. Do not exhibit expensive clothes, gadgets, and electronic equipment in the institute or public places.

7. Keep in Touch

One of the most important rules for students studying abroad always be in touch with their roommates, college friends, and parents in their home country. Whenever move inform your buddy and the hostel in charge. While being out of your college or hostel premises call your friend and hostel staff from time to time and inform them about your location and probable time of return. Nowadays it is very easy with a smart smartphone to pass your whereabouts to your roommate and parents.

8. Drink Wisely

It is sincere advice to not drink while studying abroad. However, during your stay in a foreign country, you will be socializing with people, and in their culture drinking is a norm, so drink only with known people. Never drink with unknown people and drink responsibly so that you can back to your room safely.

9. Learn from surroundings

Learning from their surroundings is very important for students studying abroad. Getting information about your host town and city will make you more safe in that country. Read the daily newspapers to know about the political, economic, and cultural scenario of the city where you live. Gather information about danger zones, and things to be avoided. You can take advice from senior students about it too.

10. Keep contact with your Embassy

It is always advisable for any citizen studying, working, and doing business in a foreign country to keep in contact with your Embassy in that host country. Must save the embassy Emergency or Consular Number on your mobile for any contingency. The embassy is the only single point from where you will receive immediate assistance when you need it.

Most of the embassies have an education wing that looks after the issues of students of their country.

In addition to the above-enumerated safety tips, there are some common safety tips that should be followed by students studying in abroad. These tips are

– Acquire as much as information you can get about the current travel warning of that country if any.

– Always keep your foreign travel documents like your passport, Visa, and Medical Insurance with you. It is advisable to make many copies of it and keep a soft copy on your mobile.

– Don’t travel alone at night. For travel use only official taxis and transport services.

– Do not create civil disturbance in a foreign country, even an innocent bystander can be hurt and arrested. Utmost care should be taken for their culture, tradition, and religious sentiments. Any violation of it may be disastrous for you so please respect their culture, tradition, and religion.

– Do not indulge in crowded areas.

In the end, studying with the necessary planning and taking care of necessary precautions students will have a fun and very pleasant experience studying. Be smart and believe in yourself. The most important factor of safety abroad is your behavior.