Deciding to study abroad is a major decision in one’s life. So, careful thought must be given to it before deciding on it. So let us see what the major things one must see before deciding to spend the next few years, studying abroad.

Education
Going abroad to study involves a significant amount of thought, preparation and usually a sizeable investment of money. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to analyze how, doing the course you have selected, will affect your career in the future. Make sure that the course selected can supplement your skills and will help you in achieving your goals in the future.

Job
When going abroad to study, analyze the return of investment from the whole process in the future. You decision to study abroad should not be based on a superficial desire such as wanting to try out life in a different country or being independent or anything like that. Think how studying abroad, what you are going to study abroad, is going to land you the job of your dreams.

Why abroad
Studying abroad can give you the right push in the right direction and can open up various doors to different opportunities. Many foreign countries offer high quality education, coupled with the latest practices and technology. So make sure you utilize everything the “studying abroad” experience is going to offer you to its full potential.

Location
The location/country where you are going to study should not be given undue importance. This is because of the fact that you can always move to another location for jobs or whatever you are looking for and you should not miss out on the opportunity to study at a reputed university just because the location doesn’t seem to be attractive.

Food
Food is a major concern of students and their parents alike when going abroad for studies. Do not be fussy about food when going abroad to study. There might be ample choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians in most places, but demands like having only Jain food and such would make things very tough. Also, if staying alone or at a rented place with roommate(s), it is advisable to learn to cook the basic staples.

Carrying money
Make it a point to carry only a limited amount of liquid money with you at all times. Do not give the locals over there an opportunity to try anything devious just because they see you walking around with a lot of money.

Luggage
While travelling abroad, make sure you pack only the required items like the necessary documents, enough clothes, food to last long enough just to get u settled and other basic necessities. People tend to carry as much stuff as possible when going abroad to stay, so that they think it would help with their home sickness. This is not true and would only add to the clutter at the place where you r going to stay.

Culture shock
Always remember that no matter how much you try to prepare yourself to prepare yourself for the foreign culture right off the bat, it will definitely take you a few days to actually get used to the different people and practices of the new country. Interact with the locals and neighborhood and be open to the good new experiences to make sure you adapt to the new environment as smoothly as possible.

Do not deviate from the main reason you are there in the new place and always stay focused. Take care of your health and always be alert and soak in the experiences to make sure your time at the foreign place is a good and positive experience.