Citrus Info Center
Planning
Studying abroad can be an exciting and very enriching experience ,you can expand your understanding of other societies and cultures when you study overseas. Apart from the educational and cultural value it brings about a feeling of confidence and a richness of personality and character. But before you embark on your dream of studying abroad , you'll need to do a little bit of ground work and planning to ensure that your time overseas is both successful and recognized by your home college or university. So keeping that in mind, there are a few important things to consider.
Language proficiency
First, you should be aware of that the destination you have chosen, what is primarily the spoken language and the language of instruction. Your institute might require you show proficiency in the language in the form or certificates or proof that have taken sufficient of college-level instruction in the foreign language in which your curriculum will be delivered overseas — or to otherwise be able to demonstrate proficiency in that language. Thus, if studying in an exotic locale is in your college plans, ensure that you attain proficiency in the language of your host country this apart from helping you in studies will also help you make new friends.
Financial aid
Just because every body says study abroad is costly don't dismiss the idea of going there because of money. If you research well through Citrus you will be pretty surprised that quite a few countries in Europe offer Education almost free of cost also there are multiple bodies offering financial aid services.Financial aid is available from a variety of sources including your college, local organizations, and special scholarships for overseas study. Even some federal and state financial aid may also be applied for to cover the costs of these programs. As you'll be earning course credits, do not expect to finance study with part-time work. At best, it can provide extra spending money. Savings can usually be accumulated more quickly doing a full time job once you complete your studies with Good Grades!! So don't be penny wise and pound foolish, thats the Citrus tip for you.
Passport and immunizations
Before you are allowed to go abroad, you'll need to have an up-to-date passport and, for many countries, a schedule of your inoculations. If you're seriously considering time abroad, don't wait until the last minute to gather these required documents — as it can take six to eight weeks to get your passport back if it needs renewal.So get moving and fast.
Where and when to apply
For those of you looking to go abroad be sure to identify what session your course is going to start and when you plan to join (Fall, Winter Summer, Spring)
Well if you're wondering, how you're supposed to identify such programs, don't panic. Your college or university probably has a study abroad office (or something similar) that gathers streams of data on all the programs that your college offers and well if that doesn't work then you definitely have Citrus , its counsellor network and friends who might be going for the same thing,so Bingo!! you'll find help
Addmission Procedure
Documents to be submitted to the university/college you applying to:-
Completed Application Form Application fee Your transcripts and mark sheets Score Card- If you have already taken ant tests such as TOEFL and GRE/GMAT, IELTS then also enclose the score card Covering letter A covering letter, explaining gist of your plans and about any results awaited regarding your degree or test scores etc. Statement of Purpose (SOP) An objective statement of personal and academic goals. SOP must contain information on your education objectives, career goals, reasons for study in the country and reasons for choosing a particular course/school Recommendation Letters At least two-three recommendation letters from different professors/HOD's, who taught you at the degree and at-least one from an employer if any . These recommendations must be done on personal or college/company letterheads and must be signed and sealed (also the envelope) Bank Statement Financial Statement or Bank Statement indicates the availability of funds with you, (or your sponsor) in a bank, in a Savings Bank account preferably . These funds must be available for the purpose of your further education. A statement given by the Bank manager, on the Bank's letterhead, clearly indicating the amount of funds available both in your local currency and also the currency of the country where you would like to study has to be given, with the seal of the bank and signature of the Manager. To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original Bank Statement showing adequate funds to cover at least a year's tuition and living expenses. You do not require multiple originals, just get the first statement photocopied and then counter signed and sealed by the bank individually Some universities need the Financial Statement filled in the application itself. If it is indicated as mandatory, you need to get that form appropriately filled by the Bank. Ideally, one should indicate availability of funds for the entire duration of the course. For example, for a two-year Masters program, funds must be adequate to cover for both the years. If you cannot show funds for two years, then you must indicate availability for at least one year, covering tuition, living expenses and other fees. Hence, before taking a statement, calculate what would be the maximum expenditure from among the universities you wish to apply to. Take the higher amount and arrange for Bank Statement, accordingly. This will eliminate the need to take fresh statement every time you apply to universities with higher fee structure Affidavit of Support from a family member or close friend on Non Judicial Stamp Paper An Original affidavit (notarized) has to be sent to each university. Letter of Undertaking or Affidavit of Support (AOS) is an undertaking to be given by your sponsor who finances your education. This has to be given preferably Non-Judicial Stamp Paper, in a prescribed format Sometimes, the universities request the undertaking to be given on their applications itself, in which case you have to do so. This AOS has to be signed by the sponsor, properly witnessed and attested by Notary citrus. To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original AOS. Instead of getting multiple stamp papers and doing the AOS, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the sponsor) and then signed by the sponsor and notarized individually
There are no hard and fast rules for the formats and most documents need to be personalized case to case as per the requirements.
Travel
Travel Documents
Proper documentation and identification is required for entry into your destination country, its a bit of a drag at times but come on you're smart!. Each country has its own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay. Find out which requirements pertain to your situation, and plan in advance; obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take from one hour up to three months. Getting a new passport may take up to six weeks so be on your marks.
Passport: A passport is a document from your home country that confirms your citizenship. You need a current passport that is valid beyond the time your program ends. Allow up to 8 weeks minimum to receive your country passport. It may take even longer to obtain a passport if you are a immigrant citizen. If you are applying for the first time for a passport you must complete 6 steps:
Fill out an “Application for Passport” Form which you can obtain from your local post office or Passport Issuing Office
Present proof of country citizenship
Birth certificate
Provide two appropriately sized passport photos
Pay the applicable application fee
Provide a valid of Identity and residence proof certificate
Birth Certificate Information: If you are unable to provide a birth certificate for proof of citizenship and have not been able to find record of your birth in government records, you will need to complete a number of additional steps to document your citizenship. These involve going in person to the passport issuing office in your city, providing an extensive list of signed and notarized documents to prove your identity, presenting a Letter of No Record and other documentation showing the date and place of birth, providing a notarized statement from a blood relative that was present at the time of birth, and providing copies of your parent(s) death certificates if applicable. For detailed information and a list of the documents that are required for proof of your citizenship and acceptable forms of identification, please visit your local passport office or simpler still just get in touch with your local Citrus counsellor!!
Visa: A visa is a document, provided by the country to which you will be traveling, which confirms your legitimate status as a foreign student. A visa is generally attached to a passport, so having a passport is necessary before you can apply for a visa. Some visas are free and easy to acquire, while others may cost over $100 and require a lot of documentation and planning ahead. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country to which you will be traveling - to determine if you will need a visa, and for information on how to apply for a visa if you do need one. Your Citrus Counsellor advisor can also help provide information on obtaining a visa. Foreign officials may require you to have a letter of acceptance, proof of insurance, and proof of sufficient funds before they will issue you a visa. A letter from your program provider confirming all of the above may be sufficient in some cases.
Tickets: As most students will fly to their destination, your plane ticket will serve as your primary travel document. If you are long journeys types, a train or bus ticket may suffice(but no trains leave from Japan to US). Some countries will require you to show that you have a return or ongoing flight scheduled within the allotted time for your visa. Student visas can last from one month to one year depending on the country where you will be studying or traveling. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to extend your visa.
Copies of Travel Documents: Along with your originals, bring a copy of all travel documents and leave copies of your travel documents with a contact in your home country and abroad. Remember to keep copies in a safe place, separate from where you keep your original documents.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Your destination country may also require proof of self-sufficiency while abroad. You may be asked to provide a bank statement with your current balance to show that you have enough money to pay for your needs while abroad without having to ask the country to provide you with monetary assistance.
Proof of Insurance: You should have an insurance card or other document verifying that you have travel and health insurance to cover you for the entire time you will be abroad.
Letter of Acceptance: You may be required to show an official letter of acceptance or invitation to study abroad.
International Student ID Card: You should consider purchasing an International Student ID Card (ISIC) as this can provide discounts, helps verify your travel purposes, and includes a limited amount of insurance and 24-hour assistance.
Confirmation of Good Health: Foreign officials, or your program administrators, may require that a health form or letter of good health (confirmation that you are free from certain diseases, etc.) be provided to obtain a visa.
Prescriptions: If you require prescription medications while abroad, you will very likely need to verify this requirement with a doctor's note. You may need a specially notarized prescription if the pharmacy you go to does not recognize your local prescriptions. You may also need to have your prescription translated into the language of your destination country in order to have it filled properly. Let your doctor know that you intend to travel abroad so that he/she can provide the appropriate documentation you will need to fill the prescription while away from home. Also, tell your program provider about your medical needs so that they can give you more detailed information on the documents you will need while abroad.
Confirmation of Vaccination: You may also be asked to show proof of having received certain vaccinations to travel in regions with endemic diseases, like cholera, yellow fever, etc.
Your place of residence abroad will become the main site of most of your cultural interaction. Where you choose to live abroad can determine to what level you will immerse yourself in the local culture.
The majority of your communication will not take place in the classroom, or even during your travels. Rather, most of it will happen at your residence and around the place you stay( local milk man, the grocery guy , or your cool looking neighbor next door). At your place of residence, you will experience a more close and personal form of culture-sharing, as the locals you will live with become your family, friends and roommates.Just as it took time getting used to living with your hostel or apartment roommate(s) in back home in school or college, it will take just as much effort to adjust to your new living situation abroad. Your place of residence abroad comes with challenges, perhaps even more challenges than you had to deal with when you lived with roommates back in home campus. You will face language and culture differences which can affect everything from when a person eats a meal, to what he or she eats, personal hygiene issues, study habits, likes and dislikes, etc… However, keep in mind that your own habits and views will also seem different to the person(s) you are living with abroad.So if you have been a hommie too long well its time you brace up!!!
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