student travel – GradGuard Blog

Adulting

6 Smart Packing Tips if You’re Going to Study Abroad

September 10, 2020

Were you given the opportunity to study abroad? If so, you are probably counting down the days until you leave.

Which now brings us to the question: What will you bring?

Trying to stuff all the things that you need into your suitcase or carry-on can probably be daunting, especially if you are unsure what is waiting for you the moment you step off the plane.

Fortunately, we have come up with six smart packing tips to make everything a lot easier:

Pack for the Weather

Make sure that you research first the usual climate in the new city or country you are moving to, then plan accordingly. We suggest that you bring a light raincoat, a warm jacket, and items that can be easily layered. Remember that the climate of your study abroad country will make or break what you pack.

Check Cultural Norms

If you are traveling to a country that is more conservative with how they dress, checking the cultural norms first will save you from packing items that will deem inappropriate in that country. This especially applies to clothes like shorts, dresses, and swimwear.

The last thing that you want to do is to wear culturally insensitive clothes. For instance, you will not be allowed inside spiritual areas like churches or temples if you are not all covered up properly.

Use the 12-Day Trick

We suggest that you pack outfits that are good for 12 days. That’s about two weeks worth of clothes. No matter how long you will be staying or studying abroad, chances are, packing outfits that are good for 12 days will be enough for you to attend class and explore the new place.

If you feel tempted to pack beyond 12 days, then you might consider that shopping abroad is also part of the experience.

Pack the Essential Documents

When studying abroad, you might need an extensive list of documentation. This list will often include:

Passport: This is your first key to studying abroad. Without this, you cannot travel outside of the country.
Visa: Depending on your country of origin, some countries won’t require you to have a visa. However, you might need to apply for a student visa since you’ll be studying abroad.
Medical Certificate: This is proof that you took flu shots and that you are healthy enough to travel.
Return Flight Details: Although not all, there are countries that require return flight details. This is to ensure that you won’t be overstaying.
Student Finance Documentation: You might also be required to prove that you can financially support yourself while studying abroad. This includes a letter to prove the capability for financial support from your parents or guardians.
University Letter of Acceptance: This is another proof that you are to stay in a country to study.

Don’t Pack Things You can Buy

So you might want to pack a certain brand of shampoo or lotion you are using. But the thing is, these can also weigh down your suitcase. To avoid excess baggage fees, leave some of these items behind. Instead, opt to buy local products at grocery stores or drugstores once you arrive.

But you should also consider bringing travel sizes of these essentials. That way, you will have plenty of time to settle in once you arrive where you are studying. You will not have to run to the nearest grocery or drugstore to buy these essentials.

Bring Your Gadgets

For most gadgets and appliances (curling irons, razors, and hair dryers), you might need a voltage converter. Usually, plugs from different countries are different, so is the amperage.

Make sure to check with the manufacturer; more than likely you will find information on their sites about travel. That way, you will know whether or not a certain device can work with a converter. If it is not, it could potentially become a fire hazard, and might even destroy your appliance.

Packing your stuff when you leave to study abroad can be challenging, but you can breathe in a sigh of relief once you are done. So, better get your suitcase ready, and prepare yourself as your educational adventure begins!

Student Life

5 Perfect College Break Destinations

August 27, 2020

Feeling weighed down by the stress of college life? A memorable vacation may be just what you need to take a break from the books and clear your mind. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore a little bit of history, the following destinations are ideal for any college student craving a much-needed break.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia is a European destination gaining popularity among travelers due to its gorgeous beaches and cultural landmarks. Walk along the famous streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, to encounter impressive architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. Consider taking a Croatia cruise to experience the beauty and history of this unique country.

2. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Visit beautiful Tamarindo, Costa Rica, to enjoy one of the world’s most stunning beaches. The beaches here feature crystal blue waters and calm waves. A visit to this area’s beaches may even allow you to get up close and personal with local wildlife, as the great Leatherback Sea Turtles nest near Tamarindo between November and April. Spend your days taking in the natural wonders of the region, then head out for a night on the town to enjoy the vibrant local culture. If you’re looking to experience nature and nightlife, Tamarindo could be a great option.

3. Panama City, Florida

Florida has long been the go-to destination for spring breakers. In recent years, Panama City has solidified itself as a college break hotspot. After a day spent enjoying the sunny beaches, dance the night away in one of the many local nightclubs. Don’t forget to stop and have a meal and a drink at the famous Margaritaville. No matter when you visit Panama City, you’ll find yourself with endless options to relax and have fun.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

Though the city is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans is a great destination to visit any time of the year. This historic city features unique architecture, delicious food, lively music and interesting local culture. The French Quarter is the center of all the action, with must-see destinations including Jackson Square, Decatur Street shopping and the raucous party atmosphere of Bourbon Street. No matter where you go in the French Quarter, you’re surrounded by a medley of interesting sights, sounds and smells. It’s clear that a trip to New Orleans is a great option if you’re looking to take a break from the stresses of college.

5. Niagara Falls, New York

For those looking for a more laid-back escape from the college grind, consider visiting Niagara Falls. For centuries, people have flocked to this unique natural landmark to experience the beauty and power of nature. Get an up-close look at the Falls by taking an afternoon cruise on the iconic Maid of the Mist, then continue your exploration of nature by visiting the Botanical Gardens or take a hike at Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. Spend a few days at the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls to take advantage of the healing properties of time spent in nature.

As a busy college student, you deserve a rest from your studies to relax and recharge. Check out each of these locations to take a break from the books and enjoy life.

BIO: Brett Clawson has a degree in Business Management and has started a couple of small businesses. When he’s not focusing his time on those, he spends time with his wife and two sons. His oldest son has entered the wonderful realm of college, and he now enjoys sharing tips that he and his son have found essential for college life.

Health Other

4 Summer Activities to Help You Recharge

July 22, 2019

As a college student, you have undergone through stressful situations for the last several months dealing with assignments, term papers, thesis, and research papers. The increased academic work, coupled with continuous assessment tests has taken a toll on your body. An extended summer to refresh is just what is needed. If you are already wondering what to do, here are some exciting activities you can incorporate to destress.

Cruise Vacations

Cruises are a great way to explore unique destinations while spending some time on the water. There are several cruise vacations to look into this summer, and you can choose the one that fits your tastes and preferences. Most of them move south from Florida heading to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean islands. Cruise vacations in Europe and Africa are an option as well.

Volunteering

Volunteering is another option that allows you to refresh and see the world in another perspective. It is not all about spending hundreds of hours of accumulating knowledge. You need to get in touch with reality as well. You can volunteer in many ways, depending on your tastes and preferences and financial capacity as well. You may choose to spend some time with the seniors in the nearby senior facility and listen to their side of the stories. You can also choose to travel farther away from home and volunteer in environmental conservation strategies.

Athletics

Physical fitness is a great summer activity. There are many opportunities to get involved with a sports team or another form of athletics. This allows you to exhaust yourself physically after a lengthy period of exhausting your mind and adding some pounds. Scientists indicate that there is a direct relationship between body fitness and critical thinking so you can be sure that you will return to college sharp and ready to solve those equations.

African Game Drive

For hundreds of years, Africa has been the ultimate game drive destination for any person from the United States or Europe. Africa has bumpy roads and remote countryside where you can meet several native communities that have preserved their culture and traditions. A game drive in East Africa allows you to enjoy the Rift-Valley, lakes, some of the tallest mountains, and the big five animals in the world. Africa has direct sun throughout the year and unexploited coastal beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline.

Cruise vacations, East African game drive, athletics, and volunteering are examples of great summer activities you can choose to refresh your mind after several months of college work. These activities from GradGuard are guaranteed to give you a memorable experience. However, it is essential to choose what works for you, depending on your tastes and preferences.

BIO: Brett has a degree in Business Management and has started a couple of small businesses. When he’s not focusing his time on those, he spends time with his wife and two sons. His oldest son has entered the wonderful realm of college, and he now enjoys sharing tips that he and his son have found essential for college life.

Other Transition

Getting The Most Out of Life by Planning for Graduation

June 25, 2019

College is a liberating time in a person’s life. The time right before graduation is a last chance to get some fun in. It’s an opportunity to grow with the full freedom of both time and youth and to consider the future before you’re forced into it. That’s why it’s important to focus on three very important points before you graduate.

Learn How And What To Cook

It is important to learn the valuable skill of cooking before graduating from college. A poor diet takes considerable time to hurt us and it could be years or even a decade after graduation before you realize how tired and out of shape you’ve become.

When you learn early, you’ll have the time you need to find healthy foods that you actually like. It’ll not only set you up for a healthy life after graduation but it’s also a fantastic skill to share with others in your life.

Get An Early Start On Fitness

Like with your diet, when you realize that you need rather than want to focus on it you won’t have the time. When you’re still in school you’ll have the chance to really test what workouts work best for you.

You’re also using this time to figure out if the workout is something you could keep up for the rest of your life. If it’s not, this is the chance to try something new or modify your routine until it’s maintainable. Plus, there are quite a few additional benefits to working on physical fitness.

You’re developing an important tool that’ll help you be there for the people you care about. There’s something fantastic in the knowledge that your body is strong enough to ensure you can be of help in times of danger or stress.

Physical fitness is a great way to regulate your mood. Amazingly enough, it even serves as an effective treatment for some mental illness. For example, exercise and fitness often help people suffering from depression.

Travel And Study In A Distant Land

It’s essential that you get some travel and vacation time in before you graduate. People tend to assume that they’ll have all the time in the world for travel. But in reality, vacations tend to become more and more scarce over time.

Any student capable of doing so should consider looking into any chance to study abroad. Different cultures tend to be a bit healthier than ours in regards to diet and fitness and getting that help early on can provide a number of benefits down the road.

There are many benefits to focusing on building a foundation of wellness in college and taking advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. This is a critical time in your life and there is no reason to squander it. GradGuard is committed to aiding college students by protecting their investment in their education and protecting the items that are most important to them.

Follow @GradGuard on social media for more advice on how to make the most of your college experience.

Other Student Life

Pros and Cons of Having a Car on Campus

June 25, 2019

When you arrive on campus there are many difficult decisions to make. One decision that many students grapple with is whether or not to bring their car to school. There are many factors to consider such as the distance of your school from your home, the climate where your school is located, and the price of gas. Here are some pros and cons to consider before bringing your car to campus.

Pros

Freedom to travel where you need to go

Having a car will make it easier to go off campus and travel. You won’t have to rely on public transportation or have to ask other people to get around. It can be helpful to be able to drive to the grocery store or have the ability to go on a short trip.

Cut down on flight costs

If you have a car on campus you will not have to purchase plane tickets when you want to go back home. This, of course, depends on whether or not you are going to a school that is close to where you live. A car will allow you to travel home without paying a hefty flight price.

Ability to transport your possessions

It can be difficult to move in and out of your residence when in college and having a car may assist with this process. The ability to drive to college with your possessions is very valuable. You can cut down on the cost of a storage unit and won’t have to worry too much about shipping your items.

Cons

You might get taken advantage of

If you are the person in your friend group who has a car, some people may start treating you like their personal taxi service. If you create boundaries you may avoid this issue but there is always the risk of others using you for your car.

You need to pay for parking and gas

A burden of having a car on campus is that you typically have to pay a hefty fee just to park it. This varies among different schools but this added expense can be bigger than expected. Another thing to consider is the price of gas. This may be a high cost depending on your location.

Weather conditions

If you are going to school somewhere with harsh winters, it may not be the best conditions for having a car. The snow can be an issue for college students who have cars on campus, especially if the student is not used to living in that type of climate.

The decision of whether or not to bring your car to campus is contingent on the different factors presented. It’s a choice that some students are happy with and other’s regret. No matter your decision, it is important to be prepared and to be aware of all the conditions.

GradGuard is a great resource for students who want to be prepared for any surprises that life may present them with. Follow GradGuard on social media to stay up to date on valuable advice and tips for your first year of college.

Health Other

How to Stop Making Excuses and Start Traveling Already

April 15, 2019

Traveling opens the door to achieving new opportunities and discovering new dreams. Getting to see countries, continents, jumping on cruises, and seeing other places can allow for you to gain a new sense of optimism and see things from a different light. It’s hard for college students to travel because of a lack of money and having time to do so, but the truth is that you need to stop making those excuses if you want to live life fruitfully.

Stop Making Excuses About Not Being Able To Travel

Traveling is one of the most incredible ways to experience life, but when you constantly use your college life circumstances as your reasoning as to why you can’t do it, then you will miss out. Most excuses usually stem from two things: not having enough money and not having enough time. If you don’t sort either of these out, you are missing out on great opportunities.

Understand that traveling can be done in multiple ways and doesn’t have to be through the traditional route. For example, you can always take a luxury cruise to Hawaii instead of flying. Doing this means the traveling already begins even before you land on the islands. You can also take long drives and road trips to different destinations around the nation. Traveling can be done in ways that can suit your budget, lifestyle, and means of ability.

Saving Money To Travel

Tuck Away Extra Cash

Do you ever find yourself getting random checks? How about additional change you never use? Stash away real dollar bills and coins that you find and have, and then use that to build your next trip. Every paycheck you have should have a small amount go straight into your future trips fund.

Extra Side Jobs

If you want to travel badly enough, find a side hustle. There are plenty of ways you can make an extra amount of cash on top of your current workload. Side hustles can be anything from mowing lawns to tutoring kids or other students. Be creative. Use any skills you have. Making extra money is about being creative and putting yourself out there.

Know How To Hunt For Flights

You don’t need to fly business class to have a good vacation. You don’t need to stay at the most expensive place at the Bahamas to achieve a fun time. Know how to hunt down quality flights and good hotel prices. It’s all about creativity and using your mind to find resources that open the door to saving money. Cheap hotels, flights, and accommodation within your budget can allow you to go anywhere you want. The Internet is full of resources to locate affordable options for everything travel related.

Creating Time to Travel

Plan Months In Advance

Take a look at the next two months of your life and try to find a time and a place when you can fly to the destination of your dreams and see other parts of the world. Planning out a trip in advance also means you have the time to save money for it for the future. No need to spend every dollar that you have right now for your trip.

Day Off Requests

Getting time off from work is also a tough thing to overcome. Asking for days off months in advance opens the door to achieving the best possible free time so that you can travel.

Lessons To Be Learned From Traveling

Going out of your state and into other parts of the nation opens the door to learning about your country. Traveling out of state and going abroad opens an even bigger door of knowledge and education learning about other parts of the globe. Historical landmarks, national parks, an educational sites allow you to discover new cultures and livelihoods. Traveling teaches you about the way other people live their daily life, allowing you to appreciate the world and how it operates in different parts of the globe. You can even pick up a new language everywhere you go and dive right in to the other cultures.

Stop making excuses on why you aren’t traveling enough. Stop not caring about your financial life and start saving for the future. Your next trip is not far away. You can plan a trip and go to a new country this year and make it a goal to visit someplace else in the next year. Just a few adventures a year can open your mind to endless possibilities. These tips from GradGuard can helo get you there!

Other Student Life

How to Travel Around Europe on a Budget

February 27, 2019

European countries have a myriad of magnificent, breathtaking places. Especially in spring when nature wakes up, many European cities are perceived differently, as they acquire a special and unique atmosphere.

As spring gets closer, some European cities get ready to welcome spring by having festivals, like the one that takes place in Seville, called La Feria de Abril. Paris also bounces back from the long winter, with the openings of beautiful street cafes around the city. It’s a true delight to the visitor’s eye.

For a college student, spring is the ultimate season to visit Europe. There are not too many tourists and there are some unique events to attend, which you won’t find anywhere else. However, traveling to Europe as a college student can be quite cost-intensive. So how can you afford a trip to Europe as a college student with a limited budget? Here are some effective tips.

1. Opt for Budget Airlines

Besides accommodation, fights are the most costly part of the journey. For instance, a round trip ticket from New York JFK airport to Paris CDG airport can cost you up to $900, which is too much for a college student on a budget.

The best way to save on a flight is going for budget airlines. Although they have specific luggage limitations, it’s still cheaper to pay for some extra luggage. The list of budget airlines is quite impressive, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet. If you still want to go for the “flag-carrying” airlines, download the Skyscanner app. It works out the best when it comes to finding available cheap flights and discounts.

Pro tip: Note, that many airlines have a discount club. For an extra price, you get a permanent discount, helping you save tons of money on flights.

2. Plan Accommodation in Advance

Like with flights, booking accommodations in advance when planning your trip will save you a lot of money. The closer the date of your arrival is, the higher the prices get. So, if you plan to visit Seville for that La Feria de Abril festival in May, you better start looking now.

One way is to choose traditional websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to find accommodation. They offer many options, including hotels, hostels and even rooms for rent. However, if you want both to experience local culture more and save money, the best way to look for an apartment is to try a local service like Flatfy or even go for a completely different experience called Couchsurfing, which allows you to stay with locals, who will give you useful advice on which places to visit and what experiences to try.

3. Use Public Transport to Get About

Lastly, let’s talk a bit about getting around a European city. If you plan to stay long in one location, you need to think about how you’re going to explore the city and which transport you will use.

Using a taxi service can be a bit harsh on your wallet, and public transportation is a very good option in this case. If you want to save money on traveling around a city, you can buy a tourist travel card. For instance, the Tourist Welcome Card offered in Berlin costs only 20 euros and gives you unlimited access to all means of public transportation. It’s a great way to save some extra money and to enjoy the experience of exploring the city.

Visiting Europe should be on the Must-Do list of every college student. There’s no other place with such variety of cultures, architecture, and cuisine. Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy Europe more without it having to be too cost-intensive. GradGuard is here to help both your finances and all your college tips.

BIO: Kate is a passionate writer who likes sharing her thoughts and experience with the readers. Currently, she works as a real estate agent at https://hu.flatfy.com. She likes everything related to traveling and new countries.

Other Safety

The Most Common Myths about Studying Abroad

June 18, 2017

What’s your biggest motivation for studying abroad? Of course, you want to get a high-quality education, but be honest: is that the only thing? If you’re like most other students, you want your studies to be the best adventure of your life. If a university accepts your application, you’ll get a chance to be part of that country’s culture.

You’re not wrong thinking this will be one of the most exciting adventures of your life. However, you’re probably thinking other things that will turn out a bit differently in reality. There are common myths about studying abroad, which we’ll unveil today.

People Won’t Like You

If you browse through the Internet, you’ll start thinking that people from other countries don’t like international students that much. There’s a never-ending debate on this issue. As a foreigner, you’ll be contributing to this country’s economy, but some people will think you’re taking the seat of a native who deserves to be in that university.

This is not the impression you’ll get on campus. People will write anything online. In reality, international students contribute towards the diversity of the campus, and that’s what every university in the world wants to achieve. You’ll make the natives aware of the problems other countries face, and you’ll help them consider different points of view. International students are great contributors in productive classroom discussions.

It Will Be Hard to Make Friends

Do you have the impression that foreign students stick with their own clique? That will be true only if you allow it to be. You can locate people from your country and the countries close to it, so you’ll feel the connection to your culture. However, that doesn’t mean that the native students will be hostile towards you. They will be very interested to know more about your country. You just need to give them a chance, and you’ll make friendships for life.

“I’ll Just Do What Everyone Else Is Doing”

You’ll attend classes, take exams, write projects… how hard could it be? Everyone else will be doing the same thing, so you’ll handle the challenges, too. It may not be as easy as you perceive it. Think about it: the native students already have the needed foundation for writing academic papers. You, on the other hand, will have to write in a foreign language and adopt a different manner of expression.

Cathy Laurens, a writer for BestEssays, explains that international students face real struggles with academic writing. “They are just not ready for it, and the universities are not giving them the support and training they need. These academic papers are not impossible to write, but an international student has to invest double the effort a native puts in.”

You’ll Have the Fun of Your Life

Think about it: you’ll be attending classes every day, and you’ll be studying like a maniac for tests and exams. You’ll have to write dozens of important projects each semester. Do you think you’ll have time to act like the college students you’re seeing on movies? Think again!

You will get enough time for friendships and hangouts. However, if you’re truly committed to your studies, you’ll need to shift your definition of fun. You can’t expect to attend wild parties every weekend and get sober just on time to study for the upcoming exam.

It’s an Expensive Adventure

It will be if your family is taking care of all the finances. There’s an opinion that international students are rich. They can afford to pay thousands of dollars for tuition, and double that amount to cover their living expenses. In reality, many international students are getting top-level education thanks to scholarship programs.

The universities themselves include these types of financial aid to attract more international students their way. In addition, there are many other scholarship programs provided by governmental and private organizations.

It’s Not Safe

You think your own town is the safest place on Earth? We all have the same feeling, simply because we don’t know what it’s like to live elsewhere. There are always parts of the world you’d like to avoid if you want to be safe, but you’re not signing up to be a photographer on a battlefield. If the country is relatively safe, you can expect the university campuses to be really safe. It is also worth knowing that the GradGuard renter’s insurance program that is most likely offered through your college and university provides world-wide property coverage. So in case your backpack is stolen or damaged you will have coverage.

As long as you’re choosing a country that’s labeled as ‘safe to travel to,’ you’ll be just fine.

Did we help you form a more realistic vision of studying abroad? It’s an adventure and you’ll definitely face unexpected things. However, it will be a beautiful adventure when you’re prepared for it.

Author’s bio: Karen Dikson is a blogger and college instructor from New Jersey. Her works have been published on several education resources, including HuffingtonPost. Karen also participated in a teacher exchange program with Australia. Connect with Karen via Twitter.

Adulting Other

Traveling Abroad This Summer?

June 16, 2017

Studying abroad can be a fun and enjoyable experience for students. It’s the chance to broaden your horizon and experience how living in another country compares to the United States. In all of the fun that goes into traveling, do not forget to consider the safety measures.

When traveling internationally for school, or even just for fun, accidents happen and having insurance can save you and the people you travel with. Travelers insurance covers not only emergency and medical costs, but it includes your property if it gets stolen. This is very helpful when traveling with expensive items.

Before heading on your adventure here’s some serious things to consider:

1. Inform close friends and relatives of your travel plans and give them all the details. Provide your living arrangements, numbers you may be reached at (a cell phone is not enough), departure/ arrival dates and times, etc. Preparing this in a nice neat packet is a good habit to create.

2. Discuss your travel plans with a physician. Within your doctor’s visit be sure you are medically prepared and have at least the following:

-an up to date physical

-immunizations required for your destination and any layovers you may have

-sufficient prescriptions for the entirety of your trip

3. Research the area you are visiting. Chances are there is a part of town you should avoid, restaurants you must try, and sites you have to see. Knowing what to expect when you arrive will ease your traveling stress.

4. Not only should you dress for the weather, but dress for your destination. Dress conservatively, do not wear expensive jewelry or those designer jeans. You will look like less of a tourist, making your trip not only safer but more enjoyable.

5. Look into travelers insurance. As many insurance policies do not apply to overseas trips. Travelers insurance protects you should a medical emergency occur and your belongings should they be stolen or lost.

6. Make sure your passport and other travel documents are in order. The U.S. Homeland Security recently revised passport regulations requiring additional checks and new procedures. Be sure to check your passport will be accepted when you leave and re-enter the country.

7. Do not leave before you are certain you can afford the trip. Make sure you have a cushion in your bank account, accidents and hidden expenses are more common than you may think. Check that you will be able to access your bank account at your destination as well.

8. Be sure to only drink bottled water! Traveling can be exciting but staying hydrated is important.

If you are a student traveling abroad enjoy yourself but please, prepare accordingly.The world is yours to conquer, don’t let it conquer you!

Other Safety

Spring Break: Important Safety Tips

March 11, 2017

It’s that time of year again—time to pack up and get pumped for your upcoming spring break. Throw textbooks and worries to the wind as you enjoy your much-needed break from hectic college life. While this is definitely a time for celebrating, you shouldn’t be quite so carefree as to forget about safety. Before heading out, be sure to look over this list of tips for spring break safety.

Leaving your dorm or apartment:
First thing’s first: before leaving for spring break, you’ll need to secure your room and belongings. Follow your dorm regulations with the basics like defrosting your mini fridge and taking out the trash, but also take measures to keep your belongings safe. Take your valuables with you or store them out of sight in your room. You can also consider renters insurance to help protect your personal property. And of course, remember to lock up!

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