Do I need a US passport to study abroad?
Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular with US students as it’s the perfect way to enjoy new experiences and see the world. If you decide to undertake some of your studies abroad, make sure you are fully prepared by arranging your passport, visa, and travel insurance in advance.
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad allows you to work in a completely new environment, meet people you would never meet back home, and learn about a new country in a way that you simply could not achieve through a standard vacation.
Of course, for those with one eye on a career then studying abroad can really help to give the resume a boost. Whereas including ‘traveling’ on your resume may not give you the edge over other applicants, studying abroad will show prospective employers that you can look after yourself and use your initiative in a new and challenging environment.
Studying abroad doesn’t just have to be for college credits. Many people choose to study in different countries to pick up language skills that can be used back home. Some people also choose to combine foreign study with an internship to make the most of the opportunity of being abroad.
Planning your Studies Abroad
The first step in arranging your trip abroad is to decide where you want to go. Your college advisor should have lots of useful information about which courses you can apply for as well as which countries and institutions you can study in. Once you’ve got your heart set on a particular location, you’ll need to do some planning to ensure everything is in place before you leave.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Although a standard travel insurance policy should be fine, there are some specialist student travel insurance policies that provide cover for equipment and fees in the event of your having to return home, so it’s worth looking into this first.
Arranging your Passport and Visa
One of the most important things to remember is your passport and visa. You may not need a visa for your chosen country, but many countries require one for entry. You might need a special study visa which could involve a letter of confirmation from your chosen institution, but your college should be able to help with the exact details. Not sure whether you need a visa? You can use us to find out about visa requirements for all countries.
And of course you won’t be going anywhere without a passport. Our advice is to get your passport as early as possible to avoid any problems. But even if you do leave it to the last minute then we offer a passport expediting service.
Once you’ve got your passport, make two photocopies of it before leaving home. Leave one copy with your parents or friends, and take one with you, keeping it separate from your passport. Then if you lose your passport you’ll be in a better position to sort out a replacement.
Start Planning Now
Interested in studying abroad? Let us take care of all your visa and passport details so you can concentrate on having a great time without worrying about forgetting anything.
Tags: passport, study abroad, visa
