All you need to know about traveling as a college student.

Is it logical for teens and twenty-somethings to leave their home to go abroad to study or take a gap year? Our answer is: Yes.

There are very few times in your life where you have so little to do. Make the most of your time.

RankMyService believes education can only come from travel. Travel is the best way for us to learn about the world and its people. Students who wish to travel should seriously consider all options and have support from their parents.

Students travel can present many challenges. Our team has been there and wants to help. These are their top tips for students who travel abroad.

1. Your finances shouldn’t be a hindrance to your freedom.

Traveling is expensive, just like many other good things. It might surprise you how affordable it is to study abroad or take a gap year. If you contact your school to arrange to study on-the-spot or to conduct independent research, financial aid may be available to pay for your travel expenses.

While I was a college student, studying abroad was not on my radar. I was under the impression that you had to come from a well-off or wealthy family. It was possible, however, it became clear to me. It was possible because I saw others doing it. If this is their priority, it is possible for anyone living in a country of the first world to reach this goal.

2. Take control of your education.

Don’t make excuses. You have greater control than you think over your education. You are in complete control of where and how you study. The difference between people who want to travel and those who actually go there is the ability to take action.

Some schools may require you to study abroad. Consider obtaining one if your school doesn’t. Take control of your education. Consider the example of President Obama’s son, who took a year off to study before he went to Harvard. Harvard recommends that all students take time off after graduation. Are they sure they have anything? – Facilitator Riel Marroquez

Travel is the best way to discover what you are looking for. You can travel, meet new people, taste new foods and enjoy the culture of other countries. You can’t learn everything from books. You’ll also learn a lot by doing it yourself.

3. Talk to someone who has done it.

Talk to someone who has been abroad before to get an idea of what you can expect. Many universities are happy to connect students with alumni.

Each person’s story is unique. It can be comforting, however, to hear about someone else’s experience.

Parents and students sometimes find it beneficial to speak to someone who has been there and knows how to prepare. It can help ease the nerves of those who are nervous about large trips.

Students who are considering going abroad should make friends and be friends with exchange students. I went abroad after making friends with an exchange student from my hometown.

4. Stay longer.

It may seem that a semester of living, studying and traveling abroad can take forever. Once you get used to your routine and start exploring the world, it will go by much faster than you expected.

“Gap year or exchange students–if possible, go for a full year. After six months, you won’t be able to go home again. If you stay for a full year, you will have more opportunities to travel, study, and learn new languages. Some of my fellow participants were disappointed to have to leave after six months. It is so short.

5. Locals are great friends.

It is a great idea to meet other American students, especially if you are traveling in a group or to a tourist destination. The easiest route is not always the best. There are many benefits to mixing with locals, such as the chance to learn more about the area and its culture and the possibility to improve your English skills.

“Get out there! It is easy to find American students abroad. Make sure to meet local students. They can show you and teach about the culture.

6. Consider a backup device.

Although it sounds absurd, traveling with additional devices can prove dangerous. Even if your backup device is just a tablet or flip phone it can still be useful in an emergency. You might be able to get a cheaper phone in your destination, but would you risk your trip money to buy a new one.

No matter how many mobile devices you have, ensure they are all wireless-enabled.

“Almost everyone has lost or stolen their phone abroad, including me. It is worth buying an Ipod touch or cheap backup device that can connect to wi-fi. It is possible to use your cell phone plan in other countries. This allows you to communicate with family and friends using iMessage, Viber, and WhatsApp.

If you plan to stay in one country for several weeks more, you might consider a pay as-you-go sim. This will help you manage your phone bill.

7. Talk to Your Bank.

It is enough to make you nervous to think about stepping on a plane and visiting a foreign country. Before you travel, it is essential to notify your bank. This is a great way to find out about international payments, and what to do if your credit card is stolen while you travel.

These are the three lessons I have learned from my experiences.

• Make sure you visit a bank before you travel to get currency (in cash) for the destination country.
• Let your bank know where you are going to be.
• Talk to your bank if your card is subject to fees when used abroad.

8. Register for your ID.

Everybody knows that international travel requires a passport. This is not surprising. But what about your student ID? You might also need this, it turns out. Why? Discounts. You should also be aware that your ID from your home university may not be considered official in certain countries. Better is a student ID that includes ISIC.