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Travelling and studying abroad sounds glamorous and exciting. You get to learn about places you’re interested in, explore other worlds and cuisine, and immerse yourself in a language and culture you wouldn’t normally experience.

However, it’s not as simple as grabbing a bag and jumping on the first plane. To make sure you get the most out of this experience, it’s best to plan ahead and go with someone who will make sure you can balance study and play.

For international summer programs, Global Summers Academy has some of the best opportunities for students who are 13-19 years old to earn an Ontario credit. When looking to travel and study anywhere, though, there are some key factors that you should think about before you book. These include the following:

1. Eligibility

Some programs may require certain requirements before you can book, including, for example, prerequisite course completion. Reach out to the school directly or check out their website to confirm their requirements.

2. Cost

Travelling abroad is not cheap. So, you need to make sure that you can afford the trip and look at how you can save up the money ahead of time. When booking, a deposit and administration fees are required upfront, and then the balance is due at a certain date to secure your place prior to travel.

Ask about funding: is there any assistance depending on your circumstances, or maybe a scholarship or bursary you could apply for?

If not, there are some fun ways to raise the money to help pay for the course. Remember, you will need to take some spending money so you can enjoy things while away, such as fun leisure activities and buying gifts for friends and loved ones back home.

3. Visas

Requiring a visa for travel and studying abroad will depend on certain aspects, including the following:

  • Where you are going
  • How long you are going for
  • The destination’s international travel requirements

Every country has different requirements. Your school or travel provider will be able to advise you in more detail about what is needed, especially at the intended time of travel. With COVID-19 still being an issue in some parts of the world, travel requirements are constantly changing. Many travel programs will assist in the Visa process as well, so please ask!

4. Plan ahead

For any type of trip, you should always plan ahead. For studying abroad, the more time you have to plan, the better! This allows you time to save some money and make the required payments.

You can also research the different courses available and the class sizes. This way, you can choose the one that most appeals to you or is the most applicable for future learning or work experience.

Additional research into where you are going ahead of time will also help you adapt to the different cultures and customs you may not be aware of. For example, making sure you don’t offend people while you’re in a foreign country is always a good thing.

5. Housing

Depending on the program and the arrangements the school has with its international counterparts, housing will vary. Ask what to expect, as residences can range from dorm rooms to private homes to hotel rooms.

This will help you better prepare and plan what you can take and leave behind. This can also help you to get ready for things like homesickness and culture shock ahead of time.

6. Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for all travellers. This coverage protects you against financial loss in terms of cancelled or delayed flights, lost baggage, and medical expenses should you get sick or injured on the trip.

Some programs will cover such loss or have it as an additional option. Find out what the program covers and see if getting personal travel insurance would be better or not.

COVID-19 is still at the forefront of many people’s minds. Does the school offer additional insurance regarding this issue? Is this coverage necessary for the destination you are going to explore for a few weeks or longer?

Your school will be able to recommend if any other insurance is required, either by them or the country you are travelling to. It’s always best to find this out before you go.

7. Language barrier

Most countries will speak English. However, depending on how far you will be venturing away from the usual tourist locations, English may be less widely spoken in certain areas.

If you are learning the native language of your destination, then this is a great opportunity to improve and use it daily. If you have never learned the language or are unsure what language is spoken, check to see how much this will be a barrier in your studies.

8. Leisure time

Ask how much time you will spend studying and doing school activities compared to how much free personal time you will have.

Aside from learning about another country and its lifestyle, you need to take a break and explore or unwind during your off-time. This will help you focus on your studies when it’s time for some serious work.

Of course, studying is the reason why you are there, but the life experiences you receive from travel and exploring are just as important. It’s all about balance!

Enjoy Your Travels!

At the end of the day, you need to enjoy the learning experience and your time away. When you consider the above-mentioned factors carefully, you can better prepare and find the course that will benefit you the most.

By asking about everything from class sizes to visas, housing, and language issues, you can prepare ahead of time as much as possible. Remember, though, to have fun with the experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into new worlds and cultures, and you should soak it in and enjoy it as much as possible.

Global Summers Academy is your studying abroad school that will put the fun into learning and help you have a safe and enjoyable trip with memories to last a lifetime. For more information on our programs, you can call us at 1-844-357-2621 or contact us online.