Moving abroad entails some anxiety. And if you have never been abroad before or have social anxiety, it will take some time to settle into a completely different environment. But this comes later. First, you need to take care of the pre-departure checklist. If ignored, you might have to go through unnecessary stress due to inconvenience.
This article will cover the checklist for moving abroad in 2021. So if you have similar plans, you know what to expect and how to make it a pleasant experience.
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Contents
COVID PCR Test
International traveling has been different in 2021 — and much more stressful than ever before. With novel coronavirus mutating with every passing day, countries have imposed strict restrictions on international flights.
If you have been allowed to enter a specific country as a student, you would still need a negative PCR test for COVID.
PCR is considered the “gold standard” method for diagnosing COVID-19. The method has been proven to be the most accurate and reliable way of interpreting COVID-19 worldwide.
Different countries have different rules. Some have lenient policies for vaccinated people, while non-vaccinated ones have to face harsh restrictions, including quarantine on their expenses.
Make sure you get this done as per the embassy’s instructions, so you don’t have to face any issues at the last moment. Also, get mentally prepared for Multiple tests upon landing and during your quarantine days.
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Get Some Local Currency
If the country you are moving to asks you to quarantine for a specific number of days, you would need local currency to survive there. Get some from your local foreign exchange before traveling.
You’re likely to be separated upon landing, and thus, you may not get any time to get some cash via ATM. And of course, you might have to buy some snacks during your stay — if it’s a connected flight.
In some countries, you are expected to buy a local sim upon landing; some local currency in the pocket always comes in handy and saves time.
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Make Quarantine Arrangements in Advance
As said before, different countries have different rules. If your country lets you quarantine in your hostel or in a relative’s house where you’re staying, it’s great. However, if they expect you to stay in a hotel during quarantine, make arrangements in advance.
Do some research about the facilities. How much it’s going to cost you and what to expect there. You might need some medicines, snacks, and drinks as well because they won’t let you go out before your quarantine period is over.
If you’re staying at a friend’s or relative’s home, inform them beforehand so they can make arrangements in advance. Of course, they, too, would have to bear up with quarantine restrictions.
In the meantime, if you want to store your contents anywhere while you’re fulfilling your quarantine period, BYSTORED offers a storage facility in Portsmouth.
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Keep Copies of Important Documents
It is often ignored as an essential part of your traveling checklist. You have so many important documents to handle, including your passport, driving license, birth certificate, and immunization records.
You can’t miss a single one, or else it will be a headache for you. Make sure you have a copy of each of them. Keep the original ones in the briefcase and the documents in a separate bag. So you don’t have to open your suitcase again and again to prove your identity or immunization.
Upon landing, if you feel you can’t handle your important documents, you can use cheap storage units to keep them safe until you are free from post-travel legalities.
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Learn Local Language
Communication remains an issue while traveling abroad. Especially when you are moving abroad to pursue higher education, you have to be fluent in the local language. You will need to communicate with locals in their local language to build a connection with them.
In some countries, teachers teach in the local language. For example, Turkey. In this regard, you will have to learn at least the basics of the local language to fulfill your objective.
Just learn the basics online or from a local institute, and you will become fluent once you mingle with the locals after some time.
ABOUT AUTHOR:
SAFEER MUGHAL, Owner at Digindev, Marketing Director at Igeneox.
Completed His Software Engineering bachelors Education & Currently Maintaining Digital marketing Services For Multiple Business Firms