Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that can open doors to new perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Accepting a college offer abroad is an exciting step towards this journey.
But that’s just the beginning – you still have a lot to do before you can embark on your study abroad journey.
You still have to consider and make arrangements around:
- Funding
- Student housing
- International student health insurance
- Securing your student visa
To help you be more organized during this period, we’ll guide you through the process of what to do after accepting a college offer abroad.
We’ll provide you with the information you need to prepare all the required documents and meet the deadlines to enable you to have a smooth transition as you begin your study abroad adventure.
Confirm Your Acceptance
First things first – you must formally accept the admission offer before proceeding with other arrangements.
In the admission offer letter, the college or university will provide instructions on how to confirm your acceptance. That may involve submitting a deposit or paying an enrollment fee. You will also be asked to submit any other required documents that you didn’t include in your application such as official transcripts and test scores.
Carefully read and follow the instructions provided to ensure that your acceptance is confirmed in a timely manner. In particular, check the deadlines for confirmation of acceptance. Missing these deadlines may result in the loss of your offer.
Also review and agree to the terms and conditions of your offer, including any academic requirements and policies.
Once you have confirmed your acceptance, inform the college or university of any changes in your contact information, such as your mailing address or phone number, to ensure that you receive any important updates or information.
Decline Any Other College Offers
Once you have decided to accept an offer from a college or university, it is important to formally decline any other offers that you have received. Here are a few things to keep in mind when declining other college offers:
- Be prompt: Don’t wait too long to decline offers. Decline as soon as possible to allow colleges and universities to offer the spot to another student. Doing so also shows your appreciation for the admissions teams’ time and effort.
- Be polite: Be respectful and professional when declining an offer. Thank the college or university for their time and effort, and express your regret that you will not be able to attend.
- Be honest: While it isn’t necessary, you can explain your reasons for declining the offer. You don’t have to go into too much detail.
- Follow instructions: Each college or university may have its own instructions for declining an offer. Follow the instructions provided to ensure that your decline is properly processed.
- Keep records: Keep a record of the colleges and universities that you have applied to, as well as the status of your applications and any correspondence you have had with them.
Making the decision to decline university offers of admission can be difficult. Remember that declining a college offer is not a rejection of the college or the education it provides, but rather a decision to pursue other opportunities.
Secure Funding for the Program
After accepting the offer of admission, the next step is securing the funding you need to attend the college program.
You can use the admission letter to apply for funding options such as:
- Scholarships: Scholarships should be on the top of your list of preferred funding as they don’t need to be repaid. Many organizations and foundations offer scholarships for study abroad programs. The college or university you will be attending may also have scholarship opportunities
- Grants: Similar to scholarships, grants are usually based on financial need. Federal and state governments as well as private organizations offer grants for study abroad programs
- Loans: Unlike scholarships and grants, loans have to be repaid – with interest. Loans can help you cover the costs of studying abroad. Go to the 8B Loan Marketplace to check your eligibility for international student loans.
Some colleges and universities also offer funding options specifically for students studying abroad. Check with the university about the international student financial aid that you qualify for.
In addition, take time to budget and plan your spending while abroad. Consider finding part-time jobs while abroad to help support yourself financially.
Get Your Student Visa
A student visa is a document that allows you to enter and stay in a foreign country for the purpose of studying. To study abroad, you will likely need to apply for a student visa, as most countries require international students to have one.
The process of obtaining a student visa can vary depending on the country you will be studying in. Research the specific requirements for the country you will be studying in. Generally speaking, however, the process of obtaining a student visa typically involves the following steps:
- Gather required documents: You’ll need to provide certain documents to support your visa application. Commonly required documents include your passport, academic transcripts, test scores, and proof of financial support.
- Fill out the visa application: You will need to fill out an application form and pay any associated fees.
- Attend a visa interview: Some countries may require you to attend an interview as part of the visa application process.
- Wait for the processing of your visa: It usually takes some time for the visa to be processed. Plan accordingly and apply for the visa well in advance of your intended departure date.
Note that the process of obtaining a student visa can take several weeks, or even months. Start the process as early as possible to ensure that you have enough time to complete all the requirements and to receive the visa before your intended travel date.
Find International Student Housing
Finding suitable housing to stay in during your studies abroad is a crucial step in your journey to study abroad. To find ideal accommodation, consider factors such as:
- Location: Think about how close the housing is to your classes, public transportation, and other important places such as grocery stores, banks, etc.
- Cost: Have a budget in mind and consider how much you are willing to spend on housing. Keep in mind that living expenses can vary depending on the location and type of housing you choose.
- Safety: Safety is an important factor to consider in some countries. Research the area you are interested and whether it’s considered safe for international students.
- Amenities: Consider what’s included in the housing such as furniture, kitchen appliances, and laundry facilities.
When looking for housing, think about the length of your program. If your program necessitates a longer stay, consider finding a more permanent housing option such as an apartment or a homestay. If you’re going for a short study program, consider more flexible options like hotels or hostels.
It’s a good idea to have a back-up plan in case something falls through. You should have a list of potential housing options, so you have something to fall back on if your first choice doesn’t work out. Check with the international students’ office for guidance on how to find suitable accommodation.
Get Health and Travel Insurance
After accepting a college offer abroad, you must also acquire health and travel insurance. It will provide you with coverage for unexpected medical expenses that may occur during your study period.
When looking for a health and travel insurance plan, there are a few things to consider:
- Coverage: Make sure that the plan covers all the services you may need such as emergency medical care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Check that it covers the country or countries you will be visiting and if it’s valid for the duration of your stay.
- Out-of-Pocket expenses: Some insurance plans will require you to pay a portion of the cost of medical services, known as a co-pay or a deductible. Consider how much you are willing and able to pay out-of-pocket in case of an emergency.
- Evacuation and Repatriation: In the event of a serious illness or injury, you may need to be evacuated to another country for medical treatment. Make sure that your insurance plan covers evacuation and repatriation to ensure the best possible care.
- Pre-existing conditions: Make sure that your insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions. This will ensure that you’re not left with unexpected medical expenses.
- Travel insurance: Some insurance plans also include coverage for trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage and other travel-related issues. Consider if this is something you need, and if so, ensure that it’s included in your plan.
Review the details of the insurance plan and ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the coverage. Keep a copy of the insurance policy and contact information with you while traveling in case you need to file a claim.
Make Travel Arrangements
With everything else in place, it’s time to start making travel arrangements. Research how much you will need for airfare and how you will get from the airport to the campus.
Fortunately, many colleges abroad offer airport pick-up services for international students. Check if this is an option for you.
Here are a few more things to consider as you make your travel arrangements
- Pack wisely: Make a list of everything you need to bring and pack your bags well in advance of your departure. Consider the climate and culture of your destination and pack accordingly. Keep in mind the weight and size restrictions of your flight or train.
- Get your vaccinations: Check with the airline to see if there are any recommended or required vaccinations for your destination. Some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations in order to enter the country.
- Notify your bank and credit card companies: Let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be traveling abroad, so they don’t freeze your account when they see foreign transactions.
- Exchange currency: Look into the currency of your destination country and exchange enough to cover your expenses until you’re relatively settled.
- Make copies of important documents: Make copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member. While at it, save digital copies on your email or a cloud storage service. These copies will come in handy in case the originals are lost or stolen while you’re traveling.
- Double check everything: Before leaving, double-check your flight details and that you have packed everything you need.
Final Advice
Accepting a college offer abroad is a big step and comes with a lot of responsibilities. But with proper planning and preparation, you can make the process smooth and less stressful.
The most important thing is to stay organized, stay informed, and to reach out for help when needed. The experience of studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will broaden your perspective, and open new doors for you. All the best!
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