Don’t Stress About Studying Abroad

Moving abroad to study used to be something of a rarity. But modern universities and educational institutions are often well-equipped when it comes to offering the most dexterous study programmes to students. Moving to Germany to study history, moving to Switzerland to study landscape architecture – making the move to another country could be the most significant period of a young student’s life.

Here are a few tips we’ve picked up over the years for relocating to Amsterdam, rural Spain or a host of other fantastic European destinations.

• Personal accountability is a huge part of studying abroad. Look into things like living costs, set a weekly budget, find out if your U.K bank card will work in an emergency, can a non-resident buy a mobile phone? Etc. Most foreign study positions are well-informed and organised, but make sure you understand all the ins and outs involved as much as possible. Don’t wait around for someone else to hand you a “How To” guide!

• Safety is obviously important. Each place holds different challenges, for example, moving to rural Italy will likely be a much slower pace than relocating to Paris. Seek advice from past residents or even local police websites.

• Keep records; not the boring kind like tax returns, but fun things like photos and journals! They’ll prove invaluable later on.

• Learn at least a little of the language. Aside from simply being good manners, knowing the basics can help you feel more ingratiated in the area.