For many students, the ability to travel does not occur until they are well past secondary education and into a career. Frequently, there are years of savings that must occur to enjoy the pleasures of traveling abroad. However, for the lucky few there is the option to become an international student. As a student from abroad, there are financial challenges and on occasion language barriers. These barriers can lead to a world of stress, worry and anxiety that their academic counterparts do not have to face nor deal with.
Therefore, it is best to seek answers. These are typically throw fellows students or academic advisors through their program, however many need to begin their international student journey well prior to accepting their position in the program. Doing research will enable students to develop a full understanding of what they are and are not allowed to do while overseas. Consider International Student Advice in Australia. A potential student can enhance their knowledge of what could be expected from the team they are working with.
It also enables a student to begin the journey of their own introduction to their host country. This is because as a worldwide student, there are different opportunities available. In advance of their arrival, the student should be knowledgeable in how their fees will be paid. Will the student be required to apply for a visa to enable them to gain employment? If so, they will need to search for and apply for that information well in advance, since it can take many months to get approval.
There is also the expectation of how their lives will be fundamentally different, especially traveling to far countries like New Zealand and Australia. Simple things that many would not consider like weather changes (see here), can have large effects on sleep patterns (more info at Harvard), eating habits or overall health. Having a coach to guide you on what to expect and what you can do to prepare in advance will be essential to a travelling scholar.
There is also the concept of what happens after school that a person must consider. For many who are seeking a teaching degree or carving a career in companies like WhiteHatAgency.com.au, the classifications that are acquired in one location or country may not be suitable, or may be overly acceptable for the country where they want to be in. Therefore, it is important when seeking advice to ask or have answered what the qualifications are for the field they want to serve while at home compared to abroad.
Of course, this would not be applicable or necessary in the situation where the student seeking advice in turn becomes a permanent resident. However, if they choose to be, or attempt to utilize their program and degree education prior to leaving the country, an international student will need to know the guidelines for that as well. When seeking advice, it is not always about the most educated person informing you, it is also at times about who has the most experience.
Last Updated: March 4, 2022
