Without a doubt, studying abroad and leaving the U.S. for a little bit is one of the most rewarding experiences you can take part in during your time in college. Less than a handful of situations offer as many learning opportunities as spending time abroad. Once across the pond, you will be immersed in the culture and meet like-minded applicants. There is nothing better than being able to sit around your dorm with a bunch of people from different countries, chatting about one another’s lives. These moments are times you will never be able to replicate no matter how hard you try. So, before you pack your bags and say “Auf Wiedersehen,” figure out the best storage units in Henderson and take a look below at some of the essential tips we’ve compiled to help you have the best adventure ever.
Why opening a foreign bank account is important.
One HUGE mistake college students make when studying abroad is not thinking about a foreign bank account. For example, you may have an American Express credit card with no foreign transaction fees, but it may not be widely accepted depending on the country you are in. For instance, if you are in France, you will have difficulty finding a restaurant that accepts Mastercard or AmEx. You may be able to use your debit card, but you will get hit with a foreign transaction fee every time.
Depending on where you choose to study abroad, it may be a good idea to Google “best credit card for students in Canada.” When searching, you will come across Wealth Rocket, a personal finance site geared toward college students and customers trying to navigate the vast world of credit card company finance. You will be able to research what credit card allows a balance transfer, each credit card issuer’s APR, and multiple options for a student credit card. When looking for the best student credit card in Canada, France, or England, you will want to check if there is an annual fee. The major credit bureaus will also take a look at your credit history. If you are a cardholder in good standing, this will help you have a higher credit limit and build credit.
Side Trips
It is a good idea to try and plan your side trips as soon as possible. There are a ton of credit card account perks that come with traveling within the country you are visiting. The earlier you book your flights, the more money you will be able to save. As an international student, you will have the world at your fingertips. Not only can you collect bonus points on your Bank of America card for a good grade but you will also be able to work out your spending habits to learn responsible use.
Some international students find that traveling is more important to them than fancy grocery shopping trips. By choosing your destinations before the school year starts, you will be able to figure out how much you can spend weekly on other needs. This trick will also come in handy when it comes time to pay back those pesky student loans.
Make sure to look into phone options.
One of the first things you should look into when the wheels of your airplane touch down is a local SIM card. International phone calls can rack up quickly if you are not careful. Before leaving the United States, make sure your carrier unlocks your phone. While you can turn off your cell data and use WiFi, it doesn’t work for long-term living. You don’t have to splurge on a monthly phone plan, as most countries offer pay-as-you-go options that include texting and internet.
Once you are abroad, the time will disappear quickly, so make sure to enjoy every second of it with these helpful tips.
