Pre-departure Guidelines for International Students

Pre-departure meets are usually conducted by consulates, organizations like the British Council or by Study-abroad Consultants. Highlights of pre-departure advice, covering the points that a student needs to take special note of, are listed. 

• Specific medical needs must be taken care of before flying abroad. These include general check-ups including a dental health check and ophthalmic tests; since fixing dental and ophthalmic issues abroad would be expensive and often wouldn’t be covered under insurance.
• Medical certificate/prescription from your doctor, in case you need one, for any regular medication necessary, must be issued and maintained with you.
• Emergency medication is allowed on an airplane and must be maintained in the handbag.
• The most important documents that you will need for your travel are the passport and Study Abroad Student Visa. These must be maintained at all times with you. In addition, documents like the university acceptance/offer letter must be kept close. Photocopies of these documents must be kept in case the originals are lost or stolen.
• Health Insurance is mandatory in most countries to bear the cost of any health-related emergency that the student may face. Specific health schemes are needed in some countries; Australia, for example, requires the OSHC (Overseas Student Health Covers). However, it is advised that the student take up a travel insurance plan to cover emergencies during traveling like theft, flight delays, baggage loss etc.
• Packing for an overseas study trip that typically lasts for more than a year, is going to be tough. Additionally, luggage restrictions are placed by flight agencies (typically 20 kg per person) which must be taken into account. Extra luggage costs a lot of money. The time of the year when you will land and the country play a major role in deciding what to pack. If you are traveling in the middle of winter to a place that has sub-zero temperatures, warm clothing is necessary. However, traveling during warmer times and buying winter wear locally is advised. It is also a trend to pack a couple of traditional outfits which may be worn during cultural meets.
• Proof of finances which are essential for UK, USA, Canada Student Visa and visa requirements of other countries need to be kept securely. The financial info maintained must be consistent with the declared amount.
• A certain amount of hard cash needs to be carried to the destination country. AUD 200 for Australia, 300-500 British pounds in case of Great Britain, around $200 while traveling to the USA; are some likely denominations that can be carried.
• It is also important to make arrangements for an International SIM card which will provide affordable call rates and an international number to the student.
• Other essentials that need to be carried include a laptop and a suitable adaptor depending on the country you are visiting.
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The universities have specialized services to cater to the need of international students. Student unions are also in place to guide students from international countries. Above all, right from the visa application stage, student visa requirements must be kept in mind and followed, especially during the study tenure so as to ensure that the visa is not revoked.