The checklist before studying abroad – You don’t need to worry!

 

Before your study abroad, you may be filled with excitement- but also a lot of anxiety. It’s a totally normal feeling for everyone, so you don’t need to worry about it. You might be wondering : Am I ready? What if something goes wrong? What if I forget something important?

 

Take a deep breath- you’re not alone.This guide is here to help you prepare, calm your worries, and give you the confidence to take off into your new adventure. You can enjoy your study abroad to the fullest! 

 

Contents

1. Visa application
2. Public safety
3. Home stay or shared housing
4. Part-time jobs
5. What to pack
6. Making friends
7. Language barriers
8. Culture shock

• Visa application

Before studying abroad, you may have concerns about visas, such as whether you have a valid visa and whether the information is accurate. However, in reality, it’s manageable if you start early and stay organized. Most countries provide clear instruction on their official websites. Double-check required documents, prepare early, and don’t hesitate to ask your school or embassy for help. Asking your family or friends is also a good way. Once it’s done, you’ll feel a huge sense of relief!

• Public safety

Is the country safe? What if something happens to me? You may worry about public safety.but in reality, if you have chosen a destination that is popular with international students, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. The reason is that a certain degree of safety is a major reason for deciding where to study abroad and, therefore, a popular location for many international students. 

Perhaps there are areas where people are told that this area is dangerous and should not be entered at night or something, checking these areas may be a good way to be prepared. 

• Homestay or shared housing

Some people plan to use a homestay first and may move to a shared house after getting used to it. Living with others can feel awkward at first, but communication and kindness usually build great relationships. A good way is to give them souvenirs from Japan to get them interested in Japan, or to shorten the distance between them by talking and watching movies in the living room together in the evening. 

 

Maybe you will hear bad rumors or failures about homestays from those around you. This may sound like a throwaway comment, but honestly speaking, you will not know if the people at your homestay are good or bad until you get there, so worrying about it before your trip will only make you more anxious. Depending on your efforts, you may be able to change your environment, and if the situation becomes unbearable, you can consult with an agent or other person who will change your homestay immediately.

 

Anyway, be open-minded, respect each other’s space, and don’t be afraid to express your needs politely, shared experiences often turn into meaningful connections. 

• Part-time jobs

Some people can work a part time job during study abroad or people who study abroad as a working holiday, you have to find a job as soon as possible. You may not get the job you want right away, and it may take longer than you imagined. However, it’s a normal thing for international students. To ensure a smooth process, you can prepare your English resume early, practice common interview questions, and focus on improving your communication skills. Many places are happy to hire international students, especially in restaurants, cafes, and stores. 

• What to pack

You may worry about what if I forget something important? Just make sure you have your visa, passport, household medicine and any other documents you need. Because most essentials can be bought after you arrive. If the area is a popular destination for study abroad, there are several supermarkets such as Asian supermarkets, Japanese supermarkets, and others that specialize in the area. Perhaps it is more expensive than buying in your country, but if you can compromise on that, you can get some. You don’t need to bring everything- just what helps you feel ready. 

• Making friends

If you have the worry that I won’t make any friends, please read this section and feel relieved. Almost everyone feels this way at first and there are a lot of ways to make friends such as clubs, events or applications. No one who doesn’t make friends, so if you say hello to someone you can make a connection with them. However, it is impossible to make new friends by just sitting there and waiting, so it is necessary to try and talk to new communities yourself.

• Language barriers

If you study abroad to improve your english skills, you don’t need to worry about what if I cannot understand what people are saying. It takes time, but your language skills will improve naturally through daily life. People are often patient and supportive. If you don’t understand English, if you let them know that you don’t understand, most people will politely repeat it back to you, or they will try to make it easier for you. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat or speak slowly. Practice speaking little by little. Making mistakes is a part of the journey.

 

✅Final checklist – prepare with peace of mind

□  Passport & visa

□  Important documents (admission letter, insurance, ID)

□  Basic clothes for the season

□  Emergency contact list

□  Medications and personal care items

□  Local currency and credit card

□  An open mind and a positive attitude