Month: May 2019

What is Proof of Sufficient Funds?

At this point in your life, your parents probably won’t work as your personal secretary anymore so you are left to gather the information necessary for studying abroad. Many students get confused about the study abroad sufficient funds requirement. There are a lot of pieces of information to collect and applications to complete. Information pertaining to you leaving the country (probably for the first time) is like a foreign language. Insurance, funds, visas, even applying for a passport- how do you keep track of what is necessary?!

It is also imperative you do it correctly and understand fully. That’s where we come in.

How can I properly provide ‘Proof of study abroad sufficient funds’?

Typically you can’t go wrong with having a printout of your personal bank account activity, or an official form from your bank to show how much money you have in your account. Be sure to include the date you last updated it so you can prove it is as current as possible.

Other forums have said that some countries will simply accept your funds if you can prove you have a credit card account. It is best to be prepared (old school style) with printed out information because you can’t expect to show the man at customs your banking app to prove your sufficient funds. Some travelers also suggest cold hard cash. We cold hard do not suggest traveling with that much cash money EVER.

When traveling always have your documents and several backups of them because you never know the mood of the patrol officer you will have on a given day. Though that doesn’t sound totally reliable, some countries governments are more relaxed and some are more strict. You are better off being over prepared for these circumstances versus being forced to go home.

Why is study abroad sufficient funds required?

The country you are temporarily entering wants to ensure you have enough money to live there without causing crime and mischief to obtain money, and rightfully so. Also, the government wants to make sure you get the most out of your education instead of stressing about money.

Basically, it means that you need to provide the border control, embassy, or whomever with proof that you have enough money in your bank account to last you for the duration of your trip. Be careful because this changes per country and varies with how long you stay. They can be strict about study abroad sufficient funds and you don’t want to get denied at the border.

Presuming you will be in the given country for 12 months, below is a list to gauge how much you will need to have in your accounts to prove your sufficient funds. Please check this before your travel as the number fluctuates per year with inflation and deflation of the US dollar.

Germany- 8,700 euro
Italy- 450 euro a month/ 5,400 euro for year
France- 615 euro a month/ 7,380 euro for a year
Australia- 19,830 AUD ($14,876)
Singapore- $2,500
United Kingdom- $350 per month of stay, $4,200
New Zealand- about $10,000

Now that you have made it official to study abroad deciding where you are going to stay is not an easy decision. You will come across three options: a dorm, homestay, or an apartment. Each will provide its own experience. Get some advice before you decide.

Dorms

Going to a new country alone can become overwhelming. Especially if you are not familiar with the culture and language. This one reason some students who will study abroad prefer to stay on campus. The adventure of traveling to a new place can be scary. So, why do if you don’t need to.

However, living in dorms will also have some challenges. Most often, you will be paired with at least one person when you live in a dorm. Your roomie can be from any country in the world. So, you must learn to live with a stranger and share the space and everything that comes with it.

Homestay

If you are ready to learn about the culture and language, homestay is what you want. You get to live with a family and gain experience of how each person day by day.

You get to build a relationship you never expect to have in another living environment. Apart from the culture and language, you also get firsthand experience of places you may not seek to adventure if living in a dorm or apartment. Even speak the language.

For most students who have the host language as a major, it is the best way to learn the language in such a short time. This experience will go a long way.

Apartment

Are you ready to be independent? If you are, getting an apartment and living on your own will give you all the alone time you want. Your university will surely provide you with the information you need to get an apartment. Try and stay within reasonable distance to the college you will attend.

Apartments also offer many experiences. Most often, you will have students living in the same building or area. So, you will find yourself hanging out in the same restaurants, clubs, or at the beach.

In any case, the option your choice to stay for your study abroad will provide enough experiences for a lifetime. Keep in mind that you want to have the best outcome during your study abroad by selecting the option that will give peace of mind while you get all the joy of studying abroad.

Moving to a new city in the states can be scary, let alone a new country. So, if you plan to study abroad, do as much research about the place you plan to call home for the next few months.

Get Prepare Before the Big Move

Part of gathering information is to speak to people that have done what you are about to embark on. Get their perspective of what to expect. Asked as many questions. Use their experiences, good and bad, and learn from them.

In addition to getting it straight from the horse’s mouth, research the place. Get to understand the culture, lifestyle, and language. Communicating is a big part of the key to adaptability. The language may be the same but how you interact may open more doors than you can handle.

Understand the Culture to Adapt

If your choice of studying abroad is an English-speaking country, then you might be familiar with the culture. Still, do your homework. Communicating may not be the problem but understanding how things are done is essential.

Like the U.S., many countries have plenty of people who migrated from another country. So, if you are moving to a predominantly culturally environment, like for example an Indian community, know some of their culture and as well as the country you plan to stay.

Commuting

Knowing how to get around is very important. As a student, you are surely living on a budget and must make your money stretch. Look for the cheapest and safer way to get around. Some cities are best for getting around on bikes or mopeds. Use public transportation when possible. It is another inexpensive way of moving from one place to another.

Working

If you can find a job, that would be perfect. Earning some money will help you to adopt more easily. You would be interacting more and getting to meet more people. Understand the culture and language. Also, you will have a chance to tour the country and see more than just the campus. Make sure you have the documentation that allows you to work. You don’t want to do anything that may jeopardize your study abroad or worse, get you into trouble with the law.

So, study abroad can be a little scary if you have never been outside the U.S. Like anything else, you must prepare yourself before you embark on this life-changing experience. Know where you are going. Seek advice from students who went before you. Understand that everyone may have a different experience. The more prepared ones will have a different story from those that did not. Keep in mind you are going to a new country, educate yourself before going. Make your experience a memory you will never forget.

Here are Five Ways to Fund Your Study Abroad

Are you thinking about studying abroad? The idea is not a bad one, but many things come to mind. Where to go? How to pay for it? Well, start by saving every penny you earn. Make some adjustments that will help take away the cost you will face while studying abroad.

Speak with your counselor in school about a program and where you can go. Most colleges have connections with international institutions that offer study abroad programs. Also, do some research on your own.

There is a lot to gain when you study abroad. There is a new culture, language, and being independent. Yes, most college students want to be independent but are unable to live alone without a regular salary. Study abroad will provide some of these and more.

Here are some ideas that will help you start saving your coins. Think about the long run and how much better your study abroad is going to be when money is not so much an issue.

1.      Look for Scholarships

There are scholarships available to students in many forms. You just got to look in the right place and talk to people, including your family. You will find government and privately funded scholarships. Speak to a counselor who can provide a list of some scholarships. Also, ask your professors to help with the application process by providing recommendations when necessary.

2.      Work

You can work on campus or off campus while in school. Working off-campus will likely get you a better paying gig. Also, don’t settle for any job. If you get one that pays minimum wage, you may need to work crazy hours just to earn decent money. Keep looking until you find something that pays well enough. Remember, the purpose of doing it is to help with your study abroad costs.

3.      Save Your Tax Returns

If you are working, you surely will file taxes. As a college student, you will likely get back some money. When you do, save every penny if you could. Most people will go out to shop or on vacation. The study abroad will be your vacation. So, keep the money you earn to enjoy it later.

4.      Be Frugal

Having money can become a temptation to spend. If you don’t need to buy unnecessary things, keep your in a bank or have a parent hold it. It is better not to have it, so you wouldn’t have to spend it. Yes, it is difficult to see your friends partying or doing costly things, but you have a plan. Your plan will benefit you and help you to accomplish the goals you have set.

5.      Cheapest Commute

If you don’t live near your college, find the most economical way to get to school. Ride your bike if you could. Take public transportation if one is nearby. Now, we have Uber, Lyft, other shared ride services, but these can cost a few bucks more than public transit.

Planning and sticking with it is essential. If you make all the effort to accomplish your set goals, you will be somewhere in the world getting an education and experiencing life. Keep your eyes on the prize.

There are many colleges ready to accept exchange students from around the world. If you intend to do some of your studies outside the U.S., you can get the government to pay for your study abroad. For this to happen, start looking online for scholarships offered by governments.

The U.S. has a few scholarships for study abroad. There is other countries’ government that also do the same. I have compiled a list of scholarships in different countries. The list contains eight countries, but there are many more than offer scholarships.

Related Read: Search Study Abroad Programs

1.  Boren Scholarships

Degree Level: Undergraduate

Awards:

• $8,000 (summer programs for STEM students only)
• $10,000 (semester program)
• $20,000 (academic year program)

The Boren Scholarship provides study abroad in places like Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. If your focus is on language studies, this scholarship could be yours. One of the stipulations after completing the study abroad is to work for the federal government for at least a year after graduation.

2.  Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (BGISP)

Degree Level: Undergraduate

Awards:

• $3,000 (summer program)
• $4,000 (fall and spring program)
• $5,000 (academic year program)

The BGISP offers scholarships to a limited number of students who wish to study abroad in non-traditional countries. The scholarship is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

3.  Critical Language Scholarship

Degree Level: Undergraduate & Graduate

Award: Varies

The Critical Language Scholarship is another sponsored by the State Department. With this scholarship, you can study languages including Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, and Russian.

4.  Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Degree: Undergraduate seniors, Graduate, & Young Professionals

Award: Varies

The Fulbright grant offers two types: Study/Research and English Teaching Assistant. It is given for one academic year to work, live, and learn. The number distributed changes since it depends on the availability of federal funds.

5.  Chevening Scholarships

Degree Level: Graduate

Award: Varies

The Chevening Scholarship program is offered by the UK government to support the development of future global leaders. The grant helps recipients to develop their potential academically and professionally at any university in the UK. It is open to anyone in a master’s program.

6.  Australia Awards Scholarships

Degree Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, & PhD

Award: Varies

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers the Australian Awards Scholarships. If you wish to get a degree in any of the programs from any college in Australia, this award could be yours.

7.  Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists

Degree Level: PhD

Award: Varies

The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students provides this scholarship to any student who will pursue doctoral research in any public or private institution in Switzerland.

8.  New Zealand Pacific Scholarships

Degree Level: Graduate & PhD

Award: Varies

The New Zealand Aid Program funds the New Zealand Pacific Scholarship and gives international students a chance to gain knowledge and skills in specific areas of study.

Due to many events happening around the world, study-abroad students must think about staying safe. As a precaution and in the event of any crisis, it is better to know who to get in contact with and where to seek safety. If you have a safety plan, if not, then you come up with one, practice it as often as possible.

We have created a list of some safety tips you should consider if you are in a crisis. If you already have some of these as your getaway plan, great. Otherwise, think about implementing them.

Keep Your Document Close

One of the better things to do is make a copy of your passport. It is best not to carry it with you so that you don’t lose it. If your country requires a visa, make a copy of it as well.

Having these documents are a significant advantage for identification purposes. If you need to seek a U.S. embassy or consulate, you can provide proof you are a U.S. citizen.

Related Read: Search Study Abroad

Register With The State Department

You should register with the Department of State to get assistance during an emergency. You will provide your trip information to make it easier to receive any information.

The State Department can provide names of attorneys, doctors, or any other that will assist you. You will also get information in regards to voting (absentee voting), notarized documents, and a passport.

Related Read: Register for the STEP Program

Always Have Someone Know Your Whereabouts

Let your family or friends know where you are going to be. You can give your family and friends your address and contact information. If you plan to leave the country for a short visit to another, again, keep them abreast of your whereabouts.

Know About the Local Laws

Every country has its laws, and once you are there, you must comply with them. Some practices in the U.S. may not be legal in the country you are studying. Before you go, research about the laws so that you are aware of them.

• Some countries impose harsh penalties for offenses we may consider in the U.S.
• Taking pictures of some places like government buildings, military bases, and embassies could be a violation.
• If you take any medication, make sure they are not illegal in the country you will visit.
• Avoid any areas that have demonstrations, riots, or political activities

Know What to Do in an Emergency or Crisis

If there is an emergency, you will be contacted by the State Department if you registered before going on your trip. If not, you can contact the State Department if you find yourself in a crisis. A crisis can be anything related to injury, illness, natural disasters, or terrorism.

If, for any reason, where you are, there is no way to communicate, find a safe place where you can call the U.S. embassy or consulate. The State Department has a special task force that is in touch 24 hours a day with the country’s Ambassador or Foreign Service Officers. They will find a way to get you out safely.   

Conclusion

Traveling to a foreign country should be a fun and exciting experience. However, it’s important to remember that unexpected emergencies or crises could arise during your visit. That’s why it is crucial to prepare by registering with the State Department before you go, learning about possible risks associated with the area you will be visiting, and knowing who to contact in the event of an emergency. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable. Thank you for reading our U.S. Passport Help Guide!