Every Indian student dreams to study abroad and get a global exposure. A degree from a university in the US, UK, Australia,Singapore etc. provides you a competitive advantage.However, before packing your bags and boarding a flight, take time out to understand the implicit academic, financial, legal and living obligations for some of the countries you will be visiting.

Common Information

The most important elements of travelling abroad, regardless of your destination, are briefly discussed below:

• Documentation
  Make sure you have the originals and copies of all your degrees, certificates, recommendation letters, Evidence of Student/Exchange Visitor status (recent tuition receipts, transcripts), name and contact information for designated school official, at your intended school or program, valid passport and visa. Ensure that you have the required authorization to travel to another country and an offer letter from the university you will be joining. Be sure to keep your original papers in a safe place. Losing important documents in an alien land can get you into serious trouble.
• Customs and Import
  Make a list of duty free entitlements, baggage and belongings that carry an associated duty and forbidden articles that you are not allowed to carry on the flight, into another country and also out of another country.
• Health
  Some countries require that you go through some basic medical tests and furnish proof of vaccinations, such as MMR and Hepatitis-B, before entering the destination country. Most countries require you to obtain a medical insurance cover for the period of your stay.
• Legal trouble
  Avoid getting into scams or scandals abroad. In case you unknowingly do get into some problem, contact the Indian High Commission / Consulate of the country.
• Cash, currency and banking
  It is advisable not to carry too much cash or too many uninsured valuables to another country. The most preferred mode of carrying money is using travelers checks. These are safe, easily replaced or transferred, easily exchanged for local currency across the world and have wide acceptance. Most banks accept them.
• Student Associations and Exchange Programs
  This is especially beneficial if you are going to a location for the first time and do not have any acquaintances there. Most major universities are located in places where there are associations and exchange programs for international student communities. Many colleges themselves provide a forum for international student groups. Some major exchange programs are – NAFSA – Association of International Educators, USA  (http://www.nafsa.org/about.sec ), Study Abroad United Kingdom (http://www.study-abroad-uk.com/index.html ) and  AIESEC(http://www.aiesec.org/cms/aiesec/)
• Electronic Equipment
  Check the supply voltage conditions, in the location you are leaving for, before carrying wired electronic equipment. These conditions may differ in some countries rendering your equipment such as laptops and PDAs unusable.
• Financials
  Most countries only grant a student visa provided you can prove your financial stability on paper. Long before you start applying to institutions, you must begin to devise ways to raise funds for your education. 
  Since most US, European, Asian and Australian colleges themselves provide scholarships, a little bit of planning and research beforehand can come in very handy. Government organizations as well as private bodies also offer aid in the form of grants, fellowships, trusts and scholarships.
  After you have commenced on your course, you may take up part time employment as per the rules of the nation-state.
• Accommodation
  Unless you can get into a university hostel, finding a comfortable and cost-effective dwelling is a matter of serious concern for any student traveling abroad. Luckily most colleges and universities either provide hostels, dormitories or have an office panel assist you in securing accommodation.
  Alternatively, you could register yourself on the student accommodation forums, for a particular country, on the net before leaving for the country of study. Some such forums are:
  • http://www.studentaccommodation.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=6
  • http://www.share-accommodation.sg/ in Singapore.
  • www.studentpad.co.uk/ in the UK, and
  • http://www.unilodge.com.au/  in Australia
    This way you may be able to find a host family, apartment, paying guest accommodation or student hostel quickly.
• Socio-Cultural and environmental differences

Before you leave for another country you should realize that there are bound to be cultural and environmental differences from your country of birth. The best way to cushion yourself against rude shocks is to acquaint yourself with the climate, ethos, language, customs, festivals, bank holidays, public transport system, and food and eating habits of the destination country.

The United States of America

You want to realize the American dream, but are you prepared for the grind? Note the following requirements that you must have in place before leaving for a US degree.

Visa requirements:

The first step to take is obtaining the US student Visa. A student visa in the US is termed a F1 or a M1 Visa. Embassies and Consulates issue student visas in 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. For details on required documentation and interviews, see http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Customs Tips

For details on the Do’s and Don’ts for an international student in the USA, see the http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/knowbeforeyougo.ctt/knowbeforeyougo.pdf  brochure or contact the US Customs Service Office for more information, at P.O. Box 7407, Washington DC 20004 or 202-927-6724.

Commuting within the US

The USA has a system of subways, cabs, rental cars, ferries, trains and bus services to provide mass transit facilities. However because of easy and cheap availability of cars, the mass public transit system is practically dismantled now. It is generally advisable to live within walking distance of your institute of study. However, if this is not possible, you can buy, rent or pool a car with a group of friends or batch mates.

In case you plan to drive yourself, keep in mind that an Indian license is not valid in the USA and you must go through a driver’s test to obtain a US license.

Airlines

Most airlines and travel agents offer discounted air fares for students traveling between the two countries. Quantas,  Air India,  Indian Airlines , Jet Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific , Virgin Atlantic  and many more airlines, easily found on search engines, fly various destinations in the USA and India.

Link to the Indian embassy in the US http://www.indianembassy.org/newsite/default.asp

Link to US embassy in India: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/

Singapore

Although the USA and UK are still the favorite destinations for the average Indian student seeking a foreign degree, many Singaporean universities are fast emerging as attractive destination for Indian students wanting to study abroad. Here is some useful information if you are a prospective student for a Singaporean University.

Visa Requirements

• For all document requirements in the universities http://www.moe.gov.sg/esp/foreign/overview.htm gives sufficient information.
• Details for obtaining the Student’s  Pass is available on: http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_visitor/student_pass/student_pass_faq.asp#o4
• Checklist for all documents required while applying to any Singapore university and before departure: http://www.singaporeedu.gov.sg/htm/stu/stu0307.htm

 Customs clearances and List of prohibited or restricted items

• On your arrival in Singapore, the Customs Department will conduct some checks. For details see http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trav/Arriving+in+Singapore.htm

Commuting within the country

Commuting in Singapore is safe, easy and cost-effective. Singapore has a well-maintained, well-structured and well-meshed network of public transportation that comprises taxis, buses, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and the efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway rail system. Keep a copy of the TransitLink Guide, which provides details of bus and MRT services and routes. If you prefer driving, make sure you have a valid driving license from your country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Airlines

Most airlines and travel agents offer discounted air fares for students  Air India,  Indian Airlines , Singapore Airlines , and many more airlines, easily found on search engines, fly various destinations in the Singapore and India.

High Commission of India in Singapore (http://www.embassyofindia.com/index.asp  )

Link to Singaporean embassy in India: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Delhi (www.mfa.gov.sg/newdelhi/ )

United Kingdom - England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland

UK has always attracted the maximum number of Indian students, for a number of reasons such as a tied history, less cumbersome processes and easily available information. All foreign students require prior entry clearance as a student if they wish to study in the United Kingdom. If you are planning to pursue a course of study in the UK, note the following important information:

Visa requirements

• For all visa requirements, see  http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067373.
  Documents needed along with your visa application are listed on  http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1145895047095
• Specific details for obtaining a student’s visa: http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1140688712800

List of prohibited or restricted items

• For details on visas, customs and other requirements, visit the British High Commission website: http://www.ukinindia.org/
• Refer to http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_PROD_008618 for a list of banned and restricted goods to the UK

The UK Council for International Students Affairs gives comprehensive details useful for international students planning to study in the UK. They provide information on visas, work hours and application procedures at http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/.

Commuting within the United Kingdom

UK has a very extensive and reliable system of public transport. Buses, trains, undergrounds, taxi services provide a decent commute within the countries. For details on easy access and information on public transport in England, see http://website.lineone.net/~travelinfo/links.html.

Another helpful and informative site on public transport throughout the UK is Traveline

India’s not on the list of EC/EEA community countries or designated non-community countries so an Indian license isn't valid in UK.. You must obtain a British driving license to be able to drive in England.

Airlines

Most airlines and travel agents offer discounted air fares for students. British Airways,  Quantas,  Air India,  Indian Airlines , Jet Airways and many more airlines, easily found on search engines, fly various destinations in the UK and India.

• Link to the Indian embassy in the UK
• High Commission of India http://www.hcilondon.net/ 
• Link to British council in India
• British Council www.britishcouncil.org/

Australia

Australian universities and colleges have aggressively been wooing Indian students for some years now. Most Australian universities have been regularly advertising, set up stalls and offices and participating in education fairs across the country.  At present Australia is next only to North America and Europe in attracting Indian students abroad. If you are also planning to pursue a course of study in Australia, note the following helpful information:

Visa requirements

• If you are planning to undertake a short course requiring less than three months of stay in Australia, a visitor visa is sufficient. However if the duration of study is longer than that, you must obtain a student visa. Visa requirements and application details are available on http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/StudyCosts/Visa.htm
• http://www.diac.gov.au/allforms/index.htm will give you access to the various forms and applications that have to be filled in for applying for an Australian visa.

Customs clearances and List of prohibited or restricted items

• See http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4350#e686 for a list of documents required for clearing customs in Australia. For additional information mail in to information@customs.gov.au 

Commuting within the Country

Australia has an extensive public transport network of trains, buses, trams, ferries, national and regional airlines and taxicabs. Students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver's license but if the document is not in the English language the visitor must carry a translation with the license.
Airlines

Many airlines fly from various destinations in Australia to India. Some major airlines servicing the two countries are Quantas,  Air India,  Indian Airlines , Jet Airways

• High Commission of India Canberra hicanb@ozemail.com.au
• Consulate General of India Sydney indianc@enternet.com.au
• Australian High Commission in India http://www.india.embassy.gov.au/