Studying abroad is an exciting adventure that many young people dream of. In addition to increasing their employability with an international degree, you get to experience diverse cultures, build personal and professional connections around the world, and even learn a new language if lucky. However, embarking on the journey to study abroad requires thoughtful preparation and planning to make the most of the experience.

Before you pack your bags, here are 5 essential things to consider before studying abroad.

1. Finances

From visa fees, flight costs, tuition fees to living and other expenses, studying abroad requires a lot of financial investment, which many people underestimate. You need to realistically assess if you or your family have adequate funds to support this journey. Don’t fall for the hype that you can easily find work to pay your tuition fees and other expenses when you arrive in the country. Most student visas restrict how long and sometimes where you can work. Students are, on average, permitted to work 20-24 hours a week in most places, and in countries like the USA, only allowed to work on campus. Most campus jobs are sufficient to cater for only your living expenses and not your tuition.  Violating the conditions of your visa by working when and where you are not supposed to, can lead to serious consequences you should avoid at all costs. Some ways to study abroad affordably are to secure funding opportunities such as scholarships and graduate assistantships, which may cover tuition fees and other living costs.

2. Job Opportunities

You need to do adequate research on the job opportunities available in your field of study when you graduate. Google is not enough! Leveraging on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and others is a great way to connect with graduates in your field in the country you want to study for valuable insights on the job market. One of the most frustrating things an international student can experience is not finding a job after investing heavily in an academic program. So, make sure your certificate and whichever skills your program is going to equip you with are in demand on the job market.

3. Community

Studying abroad is often the first time many people spend extended periods away from their families. Feeling homesick and lonely as an international student happens, and it can impact your overall study abroad experience negatively. This is why it’s important to have some people from your country or culture wherever you intend to study. Although you should not miss out on making new friends from other countries, having a few people who share a similar culture or background with you can be very comforting for a first timer and can help you adjust to your new environment very quickly. Social media platforms are a great way to connect with fellow students from your country who are already studying in countries or schools you are interested in. These connections can be a very valuable support system on your study abroad journey.

4. Life Skills

As an international student, you will need to learn to be independent. Learning some life skills like cooking, cleaning, and sewing will be beneficial for you before travelling to study abroad. Most students typically don’t have much money to spend, so one of the ways to cut costs is to do your own cooking rather than buying meals. It’s also very helpful when you are new in the country and are yet to adjust to the taste of their food, which can be very different from what you are used to.

5. Language barriers

Studying abroad is an excellent way to learn a new language, however relocating to a country where you are not fluent in the local language can be challenging for many international students. Even if you are enrolled in a program that is taught in English or any other dominant language, you may still face language barriers when trying to access the job market after school. You should try to study the language for a period before travelling to make it easier to navigate your daily activities. Using language learning apps such as Duolingo, Babbel or taking short courses in language schools will be helpful for you to adapt more smoothly to your new environment.