Life Abroad for an Indian Student

 logo

Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Mar 15, 2023 11:55 PM IST

Getting the opportunity to study and live abroad can help boost both your academic profile and resume. But, what is it really like to live abroad as an Indian student? Let us find out!

Life Abroad for an Indian Student

Getting on a plane to study abroad is an exciting adventure. It will allow you to meet new people and experience different cultures and different ways of living in different countries. But, it's also possible that you could feel like a homebody.

Studying and living abroad is your chance to be an active part of an increasingly globalised world. More and more students are choosing to study abroad and this trend is only here to stay primarily because of how it makes an impact on your sense of self as well as career decisions.

But how do you enjoy your life abroad as an Indian student and make the most out of it? While you are at it, you might also want to learn how to choose the best country for the best experience and find accommodation, health insurance, etc. Continue reading to find out.

What You Should Know Before Arriving in the Country?

Choosing to study abroad can be a tough decision especially when there are so many options available. However, it can be a little easy if the right information at the right time is catered to you in order to make your decision smooth.

1. Be Well Informed

Before moving to a new country, one of the first things to do is to check the internet for helpful information. If you know someone who has studied at the same university, you can get useful information about their stay and study patterns. Research well and learn about building a strong profile for your dream university abroad.

You can also contact the university's admissions committee to know about your stay and study pattern. Having enough money to cover your expenses is also important. You can also carry international debit cards that can be used anywhere in the world. These cards can also be used in any country or institution in India. Just go to a nationalised bank in the country to get the card.

2. Bag Packing

Having all the necessary documents in place will allow you to study in the country of your choice. Take the necessary documents with you when you travel to a new country. You should also have enough medication for the duration of your stay. Refer to the international student checklist for foreign universities to avoid missing anything important.

One of the items that you should bring with you is an adapter, as the shape of the electrical plug can vary depending on the country. Since different countries have different winters, make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and mobile chargers. Aside from clothes, also bring a travel book to keep track of all your details. This will help you feel comfortable while travelling.

3. Prepare for Living in a Foreign Country

From a cultural perspective, India and Europe are vastly different from each other. Being able to learn the local language will allow you to enjoy living in these countries and avoid getting criticized by the locals. Having a good knowledge of the country's history and the political background will help you get a better understanding of its people. Similarly, the US, Canada, or the UK can be completely different from India but you would definitely see a lot of Indian faces there, which would make you feel not-so-different in a foreign country.

4. Student Accommodation

You can contact your university for help finding suitable student accommodation. There are also various websites that can help you find cheap accommodation in various countries. Additionally, you can register yourself on the website of International Students Identity Card to get discounts on accommodation charges. Check out the detailed guide to finding student accommodation abroad.

Our team of experts places international students at the best universities in different countries and guides you through the entire journey of studying and living in a foreign country.

Simplify Your Life Abroad with Help from Experts!

What You Should Know Upon Arrival?

You should register with the internal affairs ministry of the country where you intend to stay within 24 to 48 hours. Doing so will help you get temporary residence status and legalise your stay. Although there are many rules for different countries, most of the time, it is important to understand the rules associated with a given country.

1. Bank Account

To establish a bank account in the country where you are studying, you will need a passport, letter of enrollment, and proof of residence. Students who want to open a bank account abroad while studying should bring their passports with them. Some banks might require you to produce some additional documents to open your bank account.

2. Part-Time Jobs

There are some part-time jobs for Indian students abroad that are called blue-collar jobs, which can provide you with a steady income and allow you to earn extra money. After graduating, you might need a work permit to work in the country where you study or work. This is a requirement to make sure that you respect the local laws and employment conditions in the country.

3. International Scholarships

You can also speak to your university about the financial aid and scholarships that are available for Indian students. There are also various charitable organisations that can also help you finance your higher education abroad. You can also find out what scholarships are available for students from various countries through the scholarship portal. Depending on the country where you intend to study, you can also visit the scholarship portal to see what's available for that specific course.

4. International Calling

Being away from home can be a bit challenging for students. So, if you are planning to call someone in India frequently, then make sure that your phone works in the study destination. After changing your sim card, you can then call India at very cheap rates. Another way to make calls is to use various online video calling options to connect with your friends and family back home.

5. Travel and Transportation

There are various Foreign Travel Cards which Indian students can get issued for themselves in order to use as a prepaid foreign currency cards. These cards will allow you to save on your international travel charges while studying at a foreign university and also shop at various shopping centres across the country. Getting around town using public transportation is the best way to travel around while studying abroad.

Recommended Articles:

10 Foreign Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

The Ultimate Student Visa Guide for Indians

How to Select the Final University When You Receive Multiple Admits?

How to Choose the Right University or College Abroad?

What Studying and Living Abroad for an Indian Student is All About?

Studying abroad is a thrilling experience in itself and it is no surprise that students get to learn various new things apart from their course curriculum. Here, we have compiled a list of benefits that students get from studying abroad.

1. Seeing the World

The biggest reason why people study abroad is to see the world. Through this program, they will get to experience a new country and its people. It further lets international students experience new things, such as hiking in new terrains, learning about new cultures, and visiting landmarks and museums in their host country. For instance, studying in France will allow students to take in various parts of Europe, such as Barcelona and London.

2. Exploring a New Course Structure

One of the main reasons why students study abroad is to get a better understanding of different academic styles and course structures. Through studying abroad, students get to see a different side of their major or course. They also get to see how different academic styles are taught in different countries.

Being in an education system in another country is a great way to get a feel for its culture and traditions. This further makes it all the more important to pick the right course and university to study abroad.

3. Experiencing the New Culture

Many students study abroad for the first time. While they're in their new country, they'll discover a variety of cultures and traditions. After studying abroad, students become fascinated by the country's cultural diversity. They'll also discover new ways to interact with each other. Through their studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and culture.

4. Learning a New Language

One of the most popular reasons to study abroad is to study a foreign language. This allows students to fully immerse themselves in a new language. While you will still have plenty of time to practice your language skills, many universities also offer language courses that can help prepare students for more formal education.

5. Career Opportunities

Upon returning, you will have a better understanding of the culture and various skills, which will be very attractive to employers. Upon returning, you will also have gained a new perspective on life and culture. Learning and acquiring new skills will make you more attractive to potential employers. Many students find that their host country is their favourite. This will make it easier and more fun to find a job in that country.

6. Finding New Interests

Studying abroad gives you the chance to try new things you may never have tried before. If you still think that studying abroad is a waste of time, consider that it is filled with new interests and opportunities to try new activities.

Many people who study abroad discover that they have an abundance of new skills and interests in various outdoor pursuits. Some of these include hiking, skiing, and golf.

Aside from these, you also have the chance to enjoy various forms of entertainment, such as movies, nightclubs, and concerts. During your study abroad, you will also have the opportunity to experience new types of entertainment.

7. Making Lifelong Friends

Another big advantage of studying abroad is the chance to meet new people from different backgrounds. This allows you to get to know them and form lasting friendships.

While studying abroad, you will have the opportunity to get to know and form lifelong relationships with fellow students from different countries. After you have obtained your study abroad degree, make sure to keep in contact with the people you've met. These friendships can be valuable later on in life.

8. Personal Growth

Studying abroad allows students to experience a different way of life. While studying abroad, Indian students can feel like they're on their own. They become explorers and discover the country's beauty. It allows students to step out of their comfort zone and face new challenges. A lot of the time, being in a new place can be overwhelming, but it can also test your ability to adapt to different situations, thereby, helping you grow personally.

9. Life-Long Experience

For most Indian and other international students, studying abroad is the only opportunity they'll ever have to travel for a long time. After graduating, they can find a job and start a new career. With no commitments, students can study and learn about different cultures without being bound to a schedule.

Aside from boosting your resume and LinkedIn profile, a study abroad also helps prepare you for the future. It lets you connect with like-minded individuals and build a social network. Getting the opportunity to study abroad can help boost both your resume and career profile. It allows you to develop new skills and expose yourself to various new experiences.

Now that you have all the information about what to do before and after arriving at your dream study destination, you might want to consider which country would be the right fit for you. Check out the recommended reads to figure out the perks of studying in the most popular study-abroad destinations:

Life in Canada as an International Student

International Student Life in the USA

Student Life in the UK for Indian Students

Life of an International Student in Australia

Living in Germany as an International Student

How to Choose the Right Country to Study Abroad?

Eventually studying abroad will help you gain valuable knowledge and a unique perspective on life. It is also a great way to prepare for the future. A study abroad provides you with an excellent opportunity to develop and improve your skills.

Want to learn which country is the best for your profile? Reach out to our experts at abroad@collegedekho.com or register with us to receive one-on-one guidance on studying abroad.

Receive the Best Education Guidance!

You can share this post!

Admission Open 2024

Related Articles

Aug 18, 2023 04:28 PM IST

How to Apply for Masters in USA?

Aug 03, 2023 01:18 PM IST

Documents Required for TOEFL

Our Study Abroad Offerings

Popular Universities to StudyAbroad

Planning to study abroad?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.