Studying overseas can be one of the most amazing and beneficial experiences in your life. Preparing to

study overseas can also be stressful. Here are a few ways to get organized so that you are ready to go

when the time comes.

Make a Timeline

Your school should help you determine everything you need to have gathered in order to begin studies in

a new country. Some things take quite a bit of time and can’t be done last minute. You may need to get a

new passport and apply for a visa. You may also need to get shots or obtain prescriptions. Make your to-

do list in the form of a timeline so that you know what needs to be done right away and what can be

finished up closer to your departure.

Packing List

Start a list early so that you can add to it as your needs develop. Talk to other students who have studied

abroad and see what they were lacking or wished they hadn’t packed. Try to determine what you can

affordably buy overseas so that you don’t have to pay extra baggage fees to bring items like towels,

sheets, and other living essentials.

Learn about the culture

It is likely that you have studied the culture before you applied to your program, but take some more time

to learn about the culture and some of the language. The transition to a new country will be easier when

you are prepared for some of things you may experience.

Don’t Leave a Mess

An article from QS Top Universities reminds students that it is a good idea to get everything in order

before you leave. Do you need to sublet your apartment? Arrange a way to pay bills? Let your credit card

company know you will be traveling? Cancel or hold your cell phone plan? Take care of your

responsibilities before you leave, because it can be very difficult to manage things from overseas.

Start As Soon As Possible

As you prepare to go, make lists; lists of paperwork deadlines, lists for packing, lists for loose ends to tie

up. The more you write down and cross off, the less likely you are to forget anything. Start as soon as

possible so the weeks and days leading up to your departure aren’t fraught with anxiety. Instead, you will

be able to enjoy your time to saying goodbye to friends and family.

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