Daniel Stewart

4 Things International Students Should Know

Getting an education in another country can be a rewarding experience. Whether you're a U.S. resident studying in Germany or someone from Southeast Asia heading to the U.S. to get your degree, it's an opportunity to learn in a brand-new culture. Many people have dreams of going international for their undergraduate or graduate studies. But before you start packing, here are a few things you should know.

The Cost of Education

When you go to school in another country, you must consider the cost of tuition. Because you're an international student, you may not qualify for resident-based tuition rates or scholarships. Traditional financial aid may not be available to you.

Look into international students resources to fully understand how much you'll pay to attend your dream school. In the United States, fees can be $50,000 or more annually. That's not including books and equipment.

Living Expenses

Another thing to consider is the cost of living. Tuition doesn't cover living expenses. Many schools have dormitories and student housing situations, but they're rarely part of the tuition fees. Furthermore, you must budget for food costs, transportation, etc.

In some parts of the world, the costs of living are substantial. They may even surpass annual education fees.

Visas

You must get the appropriate visa before entering the country you want to study in. Most countries have special student visas. International students can apply for F-1 or M-1 visas to study in the United States. Keep in mind that visa applications can take several months to complete. They also come with fees and mountains of paperwork.

Don't wait until the last minute. Look into international students resources to learn more about visa requirements for whatever country you want to attend school in.

Healthcare costs

Finally, you can't forget about healthcare. Some countries have universal healthcare plans, making things much more manageable. But you'll need health insurance if you attend school in the United States.

Explore healthcare coverage options from your desired schools. If your school doesn't offer student group plans, you can shop around for the right policy. Most schools in the U.S. require health insurance to attend, so getting coverage is not something you can bypass.

Author Resource:-

Daniel Stewart writes about student debit cards and taking control of your finances services. You can find his thoughts at student checking account blog.