Pre-Departure Preparation: Study Abroad from Bangladesh
Packing for an overseas study program can be an exciting event. However, it can become a headache if you do not have a pre-departure preparation.
We do not want you to get stuck with problems that can simply be prevented. Therefore, we have created a checklist to make you feel more relaxed as to what documents you will need to have to make this trip feel as easy as a walk in the park. Let’s start on this to feel prepared for the journey ahead of you.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Pre-Departure Preparation Checklist for Studying Abroad?
When preparing to study abroad, it can be very confusing to get ready if you have not made adequate plans. A pre-departure checklist for students, however, serves to organize your documents, keep money management in order for safe travel, and organize your travel plans. Having a detailed checklist increases the chances of prioritizing the correct steps, which makes the first week of your travels less stressful.
Last-Second Stress Relief
The risk of making a last-minute rush is lower because of the available checklist. A checklist makes it easy to see what needs to be packed, printed, and finished, which makes the stress load at the time of travel lighter to manage.
Organizing Important Papers for the Trip
Organizing your papers to travel with is just as important as the travel. Also, organizing your travel documents should be easy with a checklist. A checklist allows you to keep your bank documents and all travel documents, including your final visa decision & printouts, funds, visa, offer letter, and CoE documents in the same place.
This one simple action makes the process of traveling smoother and makes it easier to have all your travel documents. Having a checklist also ensures you have all the documents ready for any last-minute requests.
More Travel Preparation and Keeping Arrivals Safe
Healthcare documents, flight information, emergency contacts, and other travel documents are good to prepare in advance and ensure you stay ahead.
Preparing to travel helps you have a pleasant trip and arrive at your accommodation, even if it’s a new location, and travel with ease and without problems. Preparing in advance is a good practice.
Easing the First Week in the Other Country
There are many things to put in, and it is good to start with a checklist, which is even more helpful to have. Speaking of organizers, make sure that a list of contacts and locations is available so that there are no problems with communication and accessibility.
In addition, it is good to have contacts so that people in your list of contacts have the same purpose. Make a checklist of shopping for basic things to have with you. This is a great way to prepare and make sure you have the main things.
Get Mentally and Emotionally Ready
Moving away is a lot of emotional charge, so with a checklist that helps bring structure to the changing things with control. For example, when there is a main plan for a lot of small things, and with that, the mind is freer.
Organize Travel Documents and Essential Paperwork
Organizing your travel documents is crucial for a smooth travel experience. You’ll have a more relaxing travel experience and will be more prepared to deal with any airport or immigration issues. Let’s simplify this to know what you need to bring and the best ways to protect it.
Passport Requirements
Checking the expiry date on your passport is important, and it should be the first item on your checklist. Most countries require that your passport validity 6+ months until the end date of your course.
In the event that you have to renew your passport, make the request as soon as possible, as it is a lengthy process. Always make several photocopies, and save your passport in Google Drive or any cloud storage that is convenient for you.
You will need these copies for any visits to the bank or the airport, and they will be useful if you lose your passport. It is also recommended that you put one copy in your checked luggage and one in your carry-on folder.
Visa Decision & Immigration Documents
After your visa is approved, you will need to print the visa decision letter and put a copy in your carry-on. There are also necessary receipts that you have to carry, such as IHS (UK), SEVIS (US), or OSHC (Australia).
In some instances, you may require a TRV or eTA in Canada, SIN, or BRP collection letters, or TFN instructions. Immigration officers may request these documents, so make sure they are organized in a way that you can access them easily.
Offer Letter, CAS/I-20/CoE/LOA
As you travel, ensure you pack both digital and printed copies of the acceptance materials, such as offer letter, CAS (UK), I-20 (US), CoE (AUS) & LOA (CAN), as you may need them while immigration, airport screening, or at university registration.
There should be printed copies in the carry-on, as the documents stay safe and accessible. For extra security, copies of the documents should be stored within one’s email and cloud storage. This action renders your arrival more seamless.
Financial Documents to Carry
Immigration may want to view documents such as financial statements, so documents should be organized. Carry along documents such as bank statements in their recent form and documents related to sponsorship, scholarships, or letters related to loan approvals.
Students bound for Germany must have their blocked account confirmation. Also, add documents that show you have paid a tuition fee, documents that outline the schedule of fees, and documents that show you intend to make a deposit in the near future.
Academic & Health Records
If they ask during enrollment, having your academic transcripts, academic certificates, and any recommendation letters from your prior institution can be helpful.
Remember to also bring your vaccination cards, prescription lists, and a note from your doctor detailing any medication you may be taking. If you have any medical tests performed by a panel physician, have those as well, such as a TB test, a chest x-ray, and any other medical reports.
Prepare Your Finances & Daily Essentials for Living Abroad
If you finish your money planning before your flight, you can have a relaxing and stress-free first few weeks of living abroad. The more organized you are now, the easier your new life will feel later.
First-Week Budget Planning
During the first few days, it is a good idea to have a small amount of cash on hand for food, transport, and basic necessities. For safety reasons, don’t carry a lot of cash.
Before the trip, find a reliable place to exchange cash and check their rates. Plan your ATM withdrawals based on the ATM’s associated fees from your bank, so you save money. It also helps to have cash in different pockets and bags so you don’t lose it all at once.
Banking Arrangements
Confirm with your bank the process for the students’ file remittance before starting your travel. A lot of students process their early spending with prepaid forex or travel cards, while others decide to wait for the opening of a local bank account once settled abroad.
If you choose to open a bank account abroad, you may require proof of address, your passport, and your enrollment documents. Have these documents ready to facilitate a seamless banking setup once you arrive at your destination.
Tuition Fee & Refund Policies
It is essential to maintain both printed and digital copies of your tuition payment receipts because you’ll need these at university check-in and at visa checks.
Review your university’s refund regulations to know their timelines and the amount of money they might deduct from your refund. Understanding these policies helps you avoid surprises in the event your plans need to change. Ensure to keep your fee schedule and the payment confirmations in the same folder for easy access.
GIC/Blocked Account Details
In the case of Germany, it is necessary for students to have €11,904 in a blocked account for a year, which is released in installments after arriving in Germany.
For Canada, a lot of students have the GIC option, while others show regular proof of funds. The GIC is beneficial in getting quicker processing under the SDS. Look for both options early and decide which one best aligns with your plans.
Document Packing
Always keep important documents with you on the plane. Pack an organizer with your passport, visa, signed offer letter, and any important receipts. Make copies of all the important ID documents, and keep their digital copies on Google Drive or OneDrive. Having copies will be helpful if you lose the ID or need it somewhere like the airport.
Clothing & Footwear
Bring simple clothes. Check if the weather is going to be warm or cold and include layers accordingly. Look for any possible rain and bring some rainwear or a jacket.
Some areas encourage modest dress, so bring a few clothes that will help you fit in. In addition to the weather-appropriate clothes, also bring one good pair of walking shoes for daily use.
Electronics & Gadgets
Don’t forget your laptop and the accessories that come with it. Also, bring some headphones as well as a portable hard drive for storage. Be sure to pack a universal wall adapter so your devices will work in any country. Power bank regulations on flights can be tricky.
Make sure your power bank is in your cabin baggage, and it should not be charged during the flight. Smart packing means you can stay connected from the first day of your trip.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Take travel-sized items like shampoo, soap, and lotion with you to last you the first week. Bring comfort items like skin care, washcloths, and towels. Students usually bring items and spices from home kitchens, too. These little things help you feel more settled into your new dorm quicker.
Medications & Health Records
Bring a couple of weeks’ worth of prescription medication, a doctor’s note, and your vaccination records, as well as any records you might need while abroad. It’s a good idea to bring copies of your prescriptions, too.
These things can make things pretty simple and take the stress off if you need help at a clinic or pharmacy in a new country.
Accommodation and Arrival Planning
Accommodation involves more than just having a space to sleep, and in this case, feeling secure the first night in a different country is essential. Think of this in layers: first, confirm where you will sleep; then determine how you will get to that location from the airport; and finally, complete any necessary arrival registrations and get to your destination before the deadline.
Temporary/Long-term Accommodation
First, figure out where you will be staying in the first few weeks. This could be a hostel, a dorm, or a rented room. Make sure you save and print your hostel confirmation or your tenancy agreement.
Keep a note of your check-in time, who you will be getting the keys from, and if there are any rules regarding a deposit. For easy access, take photos of the place’s address and any rules you have to follow in the house.
Airport Arrival Plan
It is now time to plan how to get from the airport to your lodging. Check with your school or agent to see if they offer complimentary airport shuttles. If they do not, you will have to consider bus, train, or taxi options.
Save your route from the airport to your lodging in Google Maps, and remember to download the map for offline use. Also, bring a handwritten copy of the address in case your mobile phone’s battery dies.
Arrival Registrations
Countries usually have some requirements they need you to fill out immediately upon arrival. The UK requires you to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). For Canada, you need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
In Germany, you need to do an arrival registration (Anmeldung). Australia requires you to get a Tax File Number (TFN). Make sure to include registration requirements in your plan for your first week.
Bottom Line
To take that first trip step, you need a methodical approach for pre-departure preparation, where you really ease that travel learning experience for yourself. It includes more than just putting items into a suitcase.
This methodical approach allows pre-travel preparation to flow into the travel portion of the experience to minimize the common last-second pressure that a lot of students feel. It all starts with a good baseline and a picture, and flows into a travel and educational experience that goes very smoothly.
