As per the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), 2,59, 655 students departed India to study abroad in 2020, and this number rose to 4,44,553 in 2021. The figure clearly shows that the trend of pursuing higher studies from international universities has been gaining immense popularity amongst students. Moreover, the easy availability of an education loan acts as a cherry on the cake for fulfilling their dreams. When you study abroad, it is necessary to follow certain safety tips to ensure your security.

Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs: Every nation has different laws. Gaining knowledge about the local laws and customs enables you to take necessary actions in the case of emergency, which allows you to lead a secure life off and on campus and enrich the study abroad experience. 

Get to know about these facts before moving abroad:

1. Is it okay to discuss political matters of the host or any other country in public places?
2. Is it necessary to obtain an international driver’s license for driving two-wheelers or four-wheelers? Also, learn about the speed limits, driving behaviour, seat belt requirements and other driving-related rules.
3. Which is the right direction to drive on the road - right or left? Which local road signals and signs you should know while driving?

Learning a new language: It is acceptable if you are not fluent in the language spoken in the host country, but it will be helpful if you learn some basic phrases. Gaining some idea about the local language helps you develop new connections with other students, get around comfortably, seek help from locals in times of need and even makes you less susceptible to crimes. 

Brace yourself for health emergencies: Now, this is the perfect time to value the adage, “Health is Wealth”. Make adequate preparations to handle health-related issues in the foreign country. For this, check your student health insurance plan, read its policy conditions carefully and verify whether it covers injuries and/or illnesses. Additionally, brace yourself to handle the medical emergencies by keeping the following information handy:

• The location of the nearest doctor or hospital from your accommodation.
• Details about potential health risks and recommended vaccinations for study abroad students. Gather concrete information on whether students need to take the vaccinations before or after arriving at the host country as per the existing rules.
• Preparing a first aid kit and stock it with common over-the-counter, prescribed medicines and other essential supplements (like bandages and thermometers).

Save useful numbers and documents: Complete your study program peacefully in an international destination by saving important phone numbers. Note down the numbers of emergency services, travel insurance providers, local authorities, and local embassy in one place and save them in your phone’s contact list. Similarly, keep important documents like passports and insurance policy in one bag safely at your place. Do not carry original documents everywhere; try to use photocopies instead.

Here is one piece of advice for students studying abroad- travel in groups, especially during the night-time. Some other useful guidelines that students should follow to enjoy their stay in their study abroad destination are:

• Get information about the public transportation system of the host country.
• Pickpockets usually steal wallets and cell phones in crowded places. Therefore, remain extra vigilant while using them in busy places.
• Stay away from protests and demonstrations.

Some study abroad tips

Once your educational loan for abroad gets sanctioned, and your student visa arrives, it’s time to pack your belongings. Do not forget to pack the below-mentioned items:

1. Travel documents like passport, accommodation information, and insurance along with their photocopies.
2. Local currency
3. Power adaptors
4. Clothing and school supplies

Safe countries to study abroad

Besides high-quality education standards, it is crucial to weigh the safety aspect of the country before finalising your international destination. Some of the safest countries to study for international students are as follows:

• Denmark
• Australia
• Canada
• Sweden
• New Zealand
• Japan

Undeniably, a student can study abroad peacefully if they feel safe in the host country. Follow the aforementioned tips to stay safe in a foreign land while studying. If you are facing any financial worry, speak to us today to avail an education loan. At Avanse Financial Services, not only do we offer highly competitive interest rates for education loans, but we also offer student loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, study material expenses and other education-related expenses. So, connect with us today to know more!