Traveling abroad to study a semester in a different university, or to relax and break away from all the stress is often where a student’s life is at its turning point.
People may dissuade you, especially your friends and family, from packing-up and going to where you want to go because of safety concerns or that you’re too young. But when it comes to traveling, the younger you are, the better.
Traveling while still being a student is one of the best times for someone to do it. Whether you want to be a volunteer, take part in an international internship, or seek a different type of knowledge – there’s no time better.
It’s advised that you travel while still being a student. Why? Because it’s the only time in your life where you have little to no commitments. No kids, no mortgages and rent to worry about, and no job. Take that golden opportunity to explore the world. You only need the drive and the willingness to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, and you’ll have the best time of your life.
If you’re still not convinced
Here are the reasons why students should travel.
- Gain News Perspective
The more you go out and explore the world, the more you understand how life works. Being inside the four corners of a classroom can’t teach you what you’ll experience in the outside world. When you’re just within your bubble and never get out of your comfort zone, you might have a difficult time when you’re forced to face the harsh reality of life.
- Experience Other Cultures
We all appreciate the feeling of familiarity – but experiencing something out of the norm, like a different culture, can provide you valuable insight and knowledge about the various things in life. Experiencing other the different cultures’ traditions, norms, holidays, food, and more can be an eye-opening experience – it will help you gain a new perspective in life.
- Creating Meaningful Memories
Many of us will reminisce about the fun times that we had at school. But how many students can say that they’ve experienced things that some students wouldn’t even think of experiencing? The memories that you make when traveling will stick with you throughout your life.
- Being Able to Learn or Practice a New Language
For students who are in the process of learning a language, not everything can be taught in the lecture room. The best teacher for that matter is to immerse yourself and practice with the people who speak that language.
If you want to learn how to speak Japanese fluently, then you go to Japan – where you’ll learn about all the nuances of the Japanese language, as well as how to write.
- Build Confidence and Practice Independence
When you are traveling alone, you don’t have anyone to rely on but yourself. From the most complicated thing, such as figuring out the railway system, bus routes, to the minuscule things such as ordering food. You only have yourself. But the moment you figure out how to do things – you gain that massive boost in confidence, and no matter where you go, you can handle yourself.
- Do Things That You Could Never Do in Your Country
As exciting as where you currently are, there are more exciting new things to experience around the globe. Want to experience bungee jumping off the highest building in Dubai? Why not climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa? How about going kitesurfing in the Philippines?
There are lots of things that you have yet to experience. Things that you can’t find where you are now. Don’t be afraid to explore the world and seek discomfort. It’s where you’ll truly grow as a person.
Now that we’re done with the why, we will now move on to the how. Well, not necessarily how, but we’ll provide you with useful tips on what you need to do to be a student traveler.
Choose Your Destinations Wisely
The place where you’ll be going to explore or study for a semester will be the major factor in deciding how quickly you’ll run out of money. If you decide to go to European countries, it can be very difficult to determine the cost of living as every country varies. Western Europe is considered to be more expensive compared to Central and Western Europe.
Going to countries with a higher cost of living would put pressure on your budget. But the same goes when you decide to work in that country – you’ll earn more than what you’d normally earn in a country where the cost of living is lower. With that said, two aspects have their advantages – one being you have more purchasing power, better options in terms of universities, cheaper travels, and you get to live a higher standard of living if you’re earning.
However, one thing to remember is that Europe isn’t the only continent in the world. You have the option to go to Asia, Africa, and South America, where the cost of living is significantly lower, but the experience you’ll get is unmatched.
1. Save Money and Choose Your Flights Wisely
Compared to short-trips, the price of your ticket shouldn’t be your focus, as it likely won’t be part of your overall expenses for the upcoming months. Finding cheap airfares quires flexibility. Choosing the most opportune time and date to book your flight is essential. Avoid major holidays when booking your flight as most airfares are doubled by then.
Look for Accommodation
If your goal in traveling to another country is to study – you might get access to student dormitories. You can also look for shared flats, which is much cheaper considering you and others share the expense.
As for those who are traveling to seek new experiences, unwind, etc. Find a cheap yet comfortable accommodation. If you want to be out of your comfort zone, there are couch surfing apps available for free – but we recommend exercising caution.
2. Don’t Let Finances Hold You Back
Traveling requires money. But studying overseas or taking a gap year to enjoy yourself traveling may not be as costly as you think. There are some schools that will allow you to use your financial aid or student loans for your trip if you communicate with them – otherwise, it’s all about research.
“Studying abroad isn’t just for students who come from a wealthy family. Everyone can do it. As long as you have the drive to do so. There are tons of resources available for you online if you want to learn while traveling – online tutoring services”, says Olivia Miller, a tutor that wrote wyzant review.
Getting to enjoy your travel also doesn’t require tons of money. You can create experiences of your own that are unique in their way. Get away from the bustling tourist spots – create your journey; it’s free.
3. Take Control of Your Education
Don’t make any excuses. As a student, you may think that you have less control of your life – but that’s where you’re wrong. You have more control over your education and the experiences you want in life than what you might think. You have the choice, the ability to decide where and how you’ll learn.
Do you know what the main difference of someone who dreams of traveling to someone who goes? It’s action. Dreaming of something happening can only get you so far without action. Taking action is key to success, not just in your journey, but in life.
“Traveling is the best way to learn – by putting yourself out there, you get to experience life that isn’t possible in the safety of your bubble.” – Pat Riley, Travel Consultant
“One way of taking control of your education is to get yourself online tutoring services. You get classes at your chosen time so that it won’t impede on your travels” – Brooke Davies, Travel Support Specialist
4. Consult Someone That’s Done It
One thing that you could do to ease your mind and remove any uncertainties is to talk to someone who’s experienced in traveling abroad for an extended amount of time – be it a family member or friends. Most Universities would also be happy to lead you to the right person.
When talking to someone who’s done it, you can gain valuable insight in regard to what to expect. Granted that you won’t have the same experiences – it’s great to talk to someone successful in doing it.
It’s not just you who’ll be benefiting from the conversation – you can take your parents or guardians with you. Them knowing what to expect and what is likely to happen will put both you and your parent’s mind at ease.
5. Consider Staying Longer
This may seem like a bad idea from the get-go – but spending the semester traveling and studying would feel like an eternity. But within that period, you’ve grown accustomed to the place – you now have a routine, and before you know it, time’s up. If you have the option to stay longer, then take that opportunity.
Staying longer not only means that you get to enjoy the place longer. It also means new doors will open up for you. Countless opportunities yet to be experienced and lessons yet to be learned.
6. Get Friendly with the Locals
As a tourist, it’s easy to make friends with other tourists, but it takes a whole lot more to befriend the locals. Mixing and living with the locals will create unforgettable experiences – as well as grant you perks. You get to learn more about their culture, the place, learn the language, and also get access to some hidden spots that only locals would know.
Especially in Asian countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Their culture all revolves around hospitality. They will treat you as their own and will share even if they don’t have much.
7. Inform Your Bank
Stepping foot in a new country is daunting enough without the thought of your ATM eating away at your debit card. Make sure that you communicate with your bank regarding your travels. You can try and apply for a zero-withdrawal fee ATM card, or set-up a new account specifically for your travels – This is a great time to inform your bank about which country you’re visiting and for how long. Also, get your money converted to the currency of the country you’re going to so you can avoid hiccups when arriving.
8. Get an ISIC
Since you’re a student, you can an International Student Identity Card or ISIC. This ID card is the key to unlock various student discounts no matter where you are, as it’s recognized in the majority of countries all over the globe. Although some countries only recognize local ISIC, you can still get one through your host university. It’s also another form of identification besides your passport, which is vital when you’re abroad.
Author Biography
Jennifer Broflowski is a travel support specialist. She has been helping people with their traveling concerns for quite some time now, providing them valuable information as well as opportunities to earn while on the move – specifically freelance jobs online for beginners.
