Studying Abroad: What You Need to Know

Travelling is formative… Studying abroad is your chance to have an enriching personal and professional experience! It’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and change your life; you’ll explore new cultures, learn new languages, meet folks from around the world… And it’s a huge asset on your resume! While going away can be a dream, carefully planning your semester abroad is crucial for your financial health.

Why study abroad?

Such a significant project requires a lot of preparation and motivation—but the experience will be worth it! If you’re not already convinced, here are four reasons why studying abroad can be lifechanging!

1. Immersing yourself

Studying abroad lets you dive into a new culture and better understand how people live, work and think in another context. Imagine: You’ll have the chance to taste new cuisines, discover new traditions and explore the histories and customs of your host country!

2. Learning a new language

Multilingualism is a highly valued skill and studying abroad is the ideal opportunity to gain fluency in a new language. Living and studying in a different country immerses you in the culture and gives you the opportunity to practice your skills with locals.

3. Facilitating personal growth

Studying abroad poses many challenges, but it’s also incredibly enriching. You’ll have to step out of your comfort zone, adapt to new situations and learn to navigate the unfamiliar. These experiences will help you develop self-confidence, independence and resilience.

4. Boosting your resume

Employers are increasingly on the lookout for candidates with international experience. Studying abroad can help you stand out from the crowd, proving your ability to adapt, your openness and your cultural awareness—all of which are precious competencies in the world of recruiting today!

What to remember before embarking

Without necessarily planning every little detail, having a solid foundation before you leave will ensure your peace of mind. Whether you’re planning to travel or study in a new country, organization and preparation are key!

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of things to do before you go:

• Research the cost of living at your destination
• Find out what you will have to pay for tuition fees, school supplies, internship fees and the other costs of your program
• Create a thorough and detailed budget
• Plan your housing and transportation in advance
• Organize emergency plans (very important!)
• If possible, get in touch with students from your institution that will be travelling with you
• Inform your family and friends of your departure and remember to leave them copies of your passport (and make one for yourself while you’re at it!)
• Review your group insurance and notify your financial institution of your departure
• Think about your medications and prescriptions, etc.

Think carefully of any other precautions you personally should take before leaving. Doing an exchange or a semester abroad can be stressful despite all the benefits that come with it. Proper planning will help you reduce your mental strain and not forget anything!

How to plan financially for a semester abroad

Even if you’re a planning pro, you’ll face some challenges—nobody can foresee the unexpected! Remember these two words: budget and savings. Make sure you have an emergency fund saved up to cover any unforeseen expenses!

Good to know: The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec offer financial aid to students. Explore the different programs and see if you’re eligible for any!

Working while abroad?

Working while studying abroad could help you generate a little income, which you could use to reduce your financial load.

No work permit required:

If you have a study permit and are registered for a full course load, you can, without a work permit, work on campus at your institution or even work off campus.

If you receive your study permit after June 1:

• Your study permit will specify if you are allowed to work off campus or not. If this is the case, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled school vacations.

Important: Before accepting a position, check the list of non-compliant employers in Canada. This could help you avoid trouble along the way.

Permit required

Remember that you will need a work permit to participate in a co-op program or internship.

A post-graduation work permit is also required for international students to work in Canada after graduation. To learn more, refer to the section on work permits for students.

Choosing the right insurance coverage

Even though it’s an enriching experience, studying abroad comes with its own challenges, including the need for adequate insurance. What kind of insurance would you need for an international experience like this?

Pro tip: Get to know what insurance options are available for your upcoming trip as soon as possible. Ask for quotes and compare them to get the most out of your policy.

The importance of health insurance on a trip

Even though many countries have a universal health care system, international students are not always covered. Even if you are, coverage may be limited and may not offer the same quality of service as in your home country. It’s therefore essential to have health insurance in case of a medical emergency, hospitalization or visit to the doctor.

Good to know: Some universities and study abroad programs offer health insurance. It’s a good idea to review this to make sure it meets your needs.

Travel insurance to avoid undue anxiety

Travel insurance would cover you in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellation, loss of luggage or delays. It’s particularly important if you plan on travelling to different countries during your stay abroad.

Any trip has its share of the unforeseen. There are already many challenges to studying abroad, no need to test your patience at the airport!

Civil liability insurance to cover you in case of an accident

Did you know that civil liability insurance can protect you against damage and injuries caused to others? For example, if you accidentally injure someone while participating in an activity organized by your school, civil liability insurance would help you cover the costs of a lawsuit.

Good to know: Again, some universities and study abroad programs offer civil liability insurance. You should nevertheless ensure that the coverage is sufficient.

Exchange program or semester abroad?

No matter what kind of study abroad program you choose, it’s always smart to carefully plan your trip! A financial security advisor can help you take stock of your finances and provide you with an action plan that fits your needs.