I. Preparation of funds
Capital is the basic guarantee and the most indispensable aspect of studying abroad. Students' families should be prepared to continue to pay students' overseas study fees and formulate countermeasures in case of possible economic mistakes.
Roughly calculate the cost of studying abroad, about 250,000 in the United States, 200,000 in the United Kingdom, 654.38+million in Japan, 200,000 in Canada, 0.80 million in Australia, 0.50 million in New Zealand and 654.38+million in the Netherlands.
Although some countries allow international students to work to subsidize tuition fees, parents should make adequate budgets when making preparations to prevent their children from dropping out of school because of the cost of studying abroad. Parents should prepare at least 500- 1 10,000 yuan according to the cost of studying in different countries.
Second, the preparation of English
When applying to a foreign university, IELTS TOEFL score is one of the criteria for the school to examine students, and different countries have different requirements for English proficiency.
One of the main criteria for American universities to examine an applicant's English level is to see whether the applicant's language proficiency test scores meet the requirements. Generally speaking, to apply for an undergraduate degree in an American university, the applicant needs to have a TOEFL score, while the minimum requirement for a general university is more than 500 points. To apply for a master's degree in American universities, in addition to TOEFL scores, you also need GRE scores, GMAT, SAT and other scores.
Generally speaking, the requirements of science and engineering for international students can sometimes be lower, and schools pay more attention to the academic and research capabilities of applicants; The requirements of liberal arts and business are generally higher.
Requirements and conditions for studying in the UK for English: Generally, the English level of senior high school students in China can't reach the level of entering formal courses directly in the UK. So before studying in the UK and entering formal courses (such as A-level, Access, Foundation, GNVQ, HND, etc.). ), it takes a period of intensive English courses in Britain, ranging from one year to three or four months. Generally, British universities do not need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to recruit China high school students.
English requirements for studying in Australia;
1. Those who enroll in courses below grade three (including grade three) do not need to provide English scores.
2. Applicants for matriculation or TAFE courses must have an IELTS score of 5.0 or above.
3. Applicants for master's degree or above must have an IELTS score of 5.0 or above. If the IELTS score is not less than 6.5, you can enter the school directly without going to Australia to study the supporting language courses.
Every country has different conditions for studying English. If students have some problems with English, they may wish to apply for studying in a country with low English requirements and choose a country to study in according to their actual situation.
Three. Passport and visa processing
1. Passport: Passport is a legal certificate of nationality and identity issued by citizens of a country when they enter or leave their own country and travel or stay abroad. Issued by the Public Security Bureau.
2. Visa: A visa for going abroad is a document issued by a foreign country for nationals to enter the country.
3. Passport and study visa:
Passport processing: Go to the registration hall of the public security bureau where the household registration is located and bring your ID card, household registration book and RMB. General services in the registration hall (including photocopying, taking photos, express delivery, etc.). ), international students only need to bring their materials, fill in the passport application form in the accreditation hall, copy, take photos, submit the materials, pay the money, and then they can go home. Generally speaking, they can get their passports within four to fourteen working days.
Note: You can't apply for a visa until you get your passport. Use your passport number to apply for a visa reservation. Usually you can apply for a visa by making an appointment for a week or two. Prospective international students should pay attention to this!
Apply for a visa to study abroad: If you want to go to the embassy or consulate of the country you want to go to, first log on to their website, download the forms, fill out these forms, prepare all kinds of materials according to the requirements on the webpage, submit them (some countries allow them to send them) to the visa office of the embassy or consulate, and then wait for the results.
It may take some time to apply for a visa, which generally varies according to the efficiency of the country and its embassy. Some of them can get visas immediately, while others may need more than half a year to get visas. Some countries do not accept individual applications, but only team applications (usually through designated travel agencies).
Fourth, the preparation of luggage
1, documents and cash?
Various documents: passports and other documents are put in the carry-on backpack, and school transcripts, graduation certificates, TOEFL/IELTS /SAT/GRE/GMAT transcripts, passport photos (10+ sheets), immunization certificates, health certificates, tuition payment certificates, school and family contact information and addresses are put in the carry-on bag.
Bank card: it is best to bring a supplementary card of your parents' credit card for easy use. It is suggested that you bring a single label card with the logo of "UnionPay" (such card numbers all start with 62), because there is no currency conversion fee of 1%-2% for swiping this card, which is more economical.
Appropriate amount of cash: please take the cash with you. Just came abroad, renting a house needs to pay a deposit, a mobile phone, etc. So it is necessary to have cash with you. Besides, you should bring more small change. Many shops don't accept whole money.
Step 2 dress (clothing)
Suitcase: It is best to use a soft and wear-resistant suitcase. The size of luggage should not exceed 28 inches. Expensive luggage is not recommended. The specific quantity and weight of checked baggage cannot exceed the regulations of the airline where the flight is located.
Travel bag: you can use a travel backpack, which must be comfortable to carry and suitable for your body shape, and the capacity must be large; Of course, it is also suitable to carry a traveling bag or a trolley bag that can be slung sideways, which can ensure that it is more convenient to carry when going abroad.
3. Daily necessities
Bedding: most foreign schools start school in September, when most areas are still very hot, it is enough to bring a thin quilt; You can also find out the size of the bed you want to sleep in before going abroad and buy a sheet suit.
Toilet supplies: toothbrush, toothpaste, cleaning products, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing products, nail clippers, razors, towels, etc. You may need it on the first day, but you don't need to bring a few copies. These things are easy to buy when they come.
Outgoing products: it is best to carry a foldable umbrella with you when you go out, which can prevent sun and rain; In western developed countries, direct drinking water can be seen everywhere in public places, and leak-proof portable sports cups can be carried to facilitate drinking.
4. Three elements
Adapter: The standard of plug and socket is different in every country. It's annoying to bring the necessary appliances but find that they can't be used. It is also very troublesome to buy it elsewhere. You'd better have an adapter before you leave.
Commonly used drugs: if there is no medical insurance abroad, it is very expensive to see a doctor. It's best to bring some commonly used drugs in case of emergency. For example, gastrointestinal drugs, diarrhea drugs, cold drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiallergic drugs, mosquito bites, band-AIDS, Yunnan Baiyao, carsickness drugs, vitamins, calcium tablets, throat tablets, cough syrup, eye drops, birth control pills and so on.
Glasses: In some countries, prescription and various tests are needed to match glasses, which is super troublesome, time-consuming and laborious, and glasses are expensive. So let's buy two or three pairs of glasses in China. In case something breaks, there are spare glasses.
Five, need to have several abilities.
1, learning ability preparation
There are different learning methods at home and abroad. Students who want to study abroad should improve their self-study ability and study some courses in western universities in advance. After all, reaching the standard of language achievement can only show that students have certain English ability, which is far from enough, because it does not mean that students can get good grades under the western systematic teaching mode. The teaching and assessment model of overseas universities is completely unfamiliar to China Studies, and it also completely intersects with exam-oriented education.
As a result, many students who have achieved TOEFL and IELTS scores or are excellent are completely at a loss in foreign university classes, and are ordered to drop out of school or transfer because of poor study or performance. Often exquisite cakes, even multi-door decoration.
2. Ability to live independently
International students should have the ability to live independently and take care of themselves abroad. Many international students will also choose to work while studying abroad. Part-time job is a good way of social practice, not only for economic reasons. Through work, I can integrate well into local life.
3, the ability of network resources
Before going abroad, you should join some international student groups. Studying and living abroad for four years or more requires one's own social circle and interpersonal network. Through the guidance and help of foreign classmates and friends, we can not only adapt and settle down faster, but also avoid detours in our study and life. Joining the local Chinese WeChat group, or the new WeChat group, is one of the important sources of information, and you will get second-hand, rental, news, travel, life, Chinese takeaway and other information.
The above is the necessary common sense you need to know before studying abroad. I hope it can help all international students. On the long road to study, harvest and bitterness always go hand in hand. No matter what happens, everyone needs to face it with a positive and optimistic attitude.