Safety Tips to Keep in Mind While Studying Abroad
Studying in a foreign country can really be an exciting as well as rewarding experience, and one should definitely make the most of their time while studying overseas. However, as you meticulously plan your abroad education, it is also equally important to be mindful of your safety both on and off-campus. For students it’s crucial to understand that they are flying to a new nation, and how even the slightest of risk might jeopardize their chances of living there. So, it is better to be prepared before anything lands you into a trouble.
Countries such as, America, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, etc., remain some of the most popular destinations for international students. While many of these destinations have higher safety rules and regulations for their residents, and boast sophisticated healthcare, police, and security services, students still need to be aware of dangers they may encounter and exercise precautions as they travel and study.
Here are the five helpful tips to make your foreign education experience absolutely happy and safe:
Research Thoroughly
This is the biggest favor you can do to yourself. No matter how fancy a destination may look from far, do not ever forget to do some homework before finalizing the decision. A lot of countries do regularly update their travel advisories to ensure the safety and security of their residents as well as new comers. Read those advisories carefully no know about what parts of the country are safe to reside, what kind of public transportations are secure to use, places to avoid while traveling, common scams, and a lot more.
Students are also advised to read guidebooks as published by Lonely Planet, to gather information about the country’s local customs, laws, public etiquettes, local language, etc. If flipping through guidebooks isn’t your thing, then you may go through travel blogs to educate yourself about the country. There are plenty of travel websites on Google, which are available at your fingertips. You can also follow travel bloggers for tips and advices on areas that bother you. This will surely help you to a great extent.
Make Plenty of Copies of Your Important Documents
Losing or misplacing any travel or visa related documents is no fun, really. Before moving to abroad, make sure you take out time to make as many copies as you can of all your essential documents, and keep them separate from the originals. These documents must include your passport, visa, letter of confirmation, debit and credit card, driving license, etc. Do not let panic take a toll on you, take the right steps to save yourself from any sort of aggravation or tension.
As one of leading foreign education consultants in India, we advise students to scan their documents, and send email copies to them. Keep all your documents password-protected on your laptop, and keep hardcopies of the same in your backpack. This way, you can save yourself time and efforts to apply for a new one in case you lose anything.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws
While doing your research, take out some time to educate yourself on laws and local customs. Many countries have strict laws in regards to drug abuse, and is considered a serious crime. Many countries have lenient laws related to alcohol, while there are countries where strict action is taken against people who abuse cultural norms and spread public intoxication.
Additionally, in some countries, residents are not permitted to discuss sensitive topics openly, and is considered illegal if not followed consistently.
Save All Useful Numbers
The majority of students who move to abroad for education often feel safe and complete their program without much trouble. Still, we recommend them to save or write down numbers of emergency services or the local embassy in case any problem arises. You can also consult with them before leaving the country. Learn some phrases in the local language that you can use when asking for help in certain conditions. Practice learning words related to health ailment or medical treatment as well to inform a local doctor about your health.
You can also talk to your overseas education services consultant to know about ways to keep yourself safe while studying abroad.
Safeguard Your Health
Health is wealth, right? No matter how fit you are in your home country, your body reacts entirely differently as soon as you land in a new country. To avoid health related issues, make sure you read about commonly suggested vaccinations and medications for travelers. If you are travelling to a country that requires visitors to have special medications, do visit a local doctor or a student help center. Doctors in these clinics are also able to guide you on several medications that are illegal in the country.
You can also take a travel insurance to cover a number of medical and financial emergencies that might arise during your stay in a foreign country. An insurance provides a coverage from unexpected situations while you are away from your home country.
