Pre-Departure Orientation for Studying Abroad

Attending pre-departure orientation for studying abroad is an important step sometimes overlooked by study abroad aspirants. Everything can be taken care of, but if a student is not mentally prepared, he or she may suffer significant hurdles when relocating abroad for higher education. This is where pre-departure orientations come into play. 

Pre-departure orientations are often divided into three major components: general, regional, and online tutorials. To grasp the know-how of settling abroad, outgoing applicants must engage in all phases of orientation, including reviewing online materials and attending the general orientation. 

Importance of Pre-Departure Orientation

Participation in pre-departure orientations is one of the most essential prerequisites for individuals looking to study abroad. Indulging in such sessions will not only help candidates be better prepared to deal with the obvious differences but will also offer them an understanding of the ins and outs of settling in an uncharted setting, providing individuals with the necessary armament to deal with every scenario.  Have a look at some of the aspects where these sessions may help a candidate. 

Also Read: How to Study Abroad after 12th for Free from India?

Coping with the Apparent Culture Shock

Coping with the apparent culture shock is one of the most arduous challenges students experience while studying abroad, particularly during the initial week or two. Furthermore, students may encounter substantial setbacks as a result of dealing with differences in weather, cuisine, gender equality, education system, and so on, which may cause them to isolate and alienate themselves from the community and become reticent. 

In such circumstances, pre-departure orientations help candidates have a greater awareness of what they may face abroad, preparing them to deal with such changes psychologically, emotionally, and physically. 

Things to Do After Landing In a Foreign Nation

Students landing in a foreign nation for the first time may find themselves in an impasse and may feel uncertain about how to proceed. To alleviate such difficulties for students, it is critical that they attend pre-departure orientations in order to have a prior notion regarding travel arrangements (through the University or an Indian organisation over there) and accommodations. This can result in a smooth transition because candidates will have made all of the preceding arrangements as a consequence of their participation in the orientations (They will be able to comprehend the know-how of what to do initially after the flight lands). 

Carrying Excessive Items is a Big No-No

Carrying irrelevant and superfluous items while travelling overseas will only make the journey more daunting so candidates must identify and decide what to bring and what to leave behind. For example, due to changes in weather and climate, what you bring abroad may go unused. This is why individuals must participate in pre-departure orientations to learn about the nuances of the destination. Aside from that, such workshops will help candidates comprehend the socio-cultural norms of their selected country. 

Pre-Departure Checklist for International Students

Whenever leaving India for a foreign nation, a number of boxes must be checked in order to ensure a seamless stay in an unfamiliar setting. The following list has been curated and shortlisted for students who have demonstrated their merit by overcoming all obstacles.

Health

 Full body check-ups, Immunisation, Medical Insurance (It is a mandate for students to procure a health insurance certificate while moving abroad for further studies), and Medicines. 

Booking Flight Tickets

It is imperative for one to book their tickets forthwith after receiving the I-20. Students are advised to book their visa interviews in the initial week of May/June. 

Luggage Allowance 

Outgoing students must keep the total linear dimensions of their check-in luggage under 158 cm (62 inches). The total weight cannot exceed 23 kg (50 pounds). Individuals are permitted to bring no more than 10 kg of luggage on international flights. Students must have travel insurance to protect themselves from baggage theft and mishaps. 

Clothes and Apparel

It is recommended that students bring a few additional garments with them in case of a crisis.

 It is essential to bring location-specific clothing. For example, if a student is going to reside in Newcastle, he or she will need to bring warm clothes because the area is usually cold. 

Aside from that, to sleep peacefully, one must bring their own blankets, bed sheets, and covers. 

It is also necessary to bring personal toiletries. 

These workshops are intended to help and mould candidates into formidable individuals capable of coping with the apparent culture shock, differences in education, methods, food, weather, and so on, and to be able to deal with any challenging or dire circumstance while living abroad. 

FAQs

Students who wish to study abroad should not disregard the importance of attending their pre-departure orientations. These sessions are considered to be one of the most essential prerequisites for individuals looking to study abroad. Indulging in such sessions will not only help candidates be better prepared to deal with the obvious differences but will also offer them an understanding of the ins and outs of settling in an unfamiliar setting, providing individuals with the necessary knowledge of dealing with every scenario.  

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