Study Overseas

Dear Studying In America,

I am seriously considering studying in America, but I am worried about what will happen if I am injured or become seriously ill while I am away from home. Will I need insurance? - Afia Ahumibe, South Africa

While the prospect of studying in another country can often be a scary thought, the fear of what might happen during your travels should not keep you from experiencing all the world has to offer. With a little proactive preplanning before your trip, studying in America can be a worry-free, healthy, and fun experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Although the healthcare system in America is one of the best in the world, there is no national or socialized health system available for international students. In order to receive healthcare in the United States without paying high costs out of pocket, you will need some form of insurance. Most university-based study abroad programs require students to be covered by insurance, and often an insurance plan is built into the cost of the program itself. Be sure to check with your respective university about any plans they offer, and ask for a document containing an explanation of benefits. Make sure you understand your benefits fully, as well as the necessary process involved in making a claim. If you have any questions, make sure to have them answered before you leave in order to avoid possible delays in treatment. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of your benefits with you when you travel, along with contact numbers for the insurance provider and your policy number just in case you should need to make a claim while you're abroad.

If your university does not offer an insurance policy, or the coverage offered is not sufficient, you may want to consider getting your own private insurance. There are several companies that specialize in providing insurance to study abroad students. A good way to find out which company and which policy is right for you is to do some preliminary research online. Many websites offer easy-to-read explanations of benefits. Use these to compare policies until you find the one that fits your needs.

Also, be sure to put aside part of your budget for any outlying healthcare costs, such as doctor visits and prescription drugs. While insurance coverage absorbs a great deal of healthcare costs, it often does not cover the entire bill. Saving some money towards these costs in advance will save you a lot of time and worry later.

Dear Study In America,

I think that studying America would be fun, but I am afraid that I will not be able to make new friends and fit in. As a student from another country, I'm worried I'll feel isolated from everyone else. What can I do to make sure I'll connect with people in America? - Henric Bjornberg, Sweden

Traveling away from home and familiar surroundings can be quite exciting, but it can also mean feeling stranded and lonely. Not to worry. Students in America are generally very friendly and are just as anxious to meet people from other countries, as you are to meet them.

One way of easing yourself into a new culture is traveling with a group of students from your home country. Often, it is easier to meet people in groups rather than approaching new people individually. Having familiar people around can make you more sociable, and you will also have guaranteed friends around in case you're having a rough time meeting people initially. Check with your university to see if there are any group study abroad programs available. Just be sure that you don't rely solely on the members of your group. The most important and beneficial experience gained from studying abroad is learning to push yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to grow as an individual. If you feel awkward at first, don't worry. In time, you will be enjoying meeting people so much you'll forget to be nervous.

Another great way to meet American students is to get involved in as many activities as you can. American universities sponsor a multitude of social activities, from sporting events to language clubs. Attending planned activities that interest you ensure that you will meet people with similar interests. This is a great way to break the ice. Getting involved in an activity with other people makes befriending them easier, since you are building a sense of shared experience together.

However you decide to go about meeting people, just be sure to stay active. Don't wait for people to approach you. Be hands-on about introducing yourself, and don't limit yourself to just one particular group of students. Use your trip abroad as an excuse to expand your understanding of people and their culture, and don't let yourself worry too much. The fact that you're even considering a trip abroad shows that you're ready, willing, and able to make new friends. Just be yourself, and remember; sometimes all it takes is a smile.