Tips for living in a new country

Familiarize with the relevant rules, laws, living conditions etc of the foreign country for the purpose of study and subsequent job prospects.

Take personal responsibility for your travel choices, your safety, finances and behavior overseas, including obeying the laws of the country you are visiting.

Make sure you have the right visas for the countries you are visiting and check any other entry or exit requirements.

Obey the laws of the country you’re visiting (even if these appear harsh or unfair by Indian standards). Don’t expect to be treated differently from the locals.

Try to be polite towards everyone and use polite words between the communications.

Doing a bit of research can make moving abroad much easier and help you pick a place that’s right for you. Arrange affordable accommodation considering travel facilities.

 Prefer self cooking instead of ordering, take away or eating out.

While it’s important to find new friends, it’s also the time to enjoy your new independence.  Take signals from the people around you to get to grips with local customs.

Visiting a gallery, going to the movies or taking a walk in the park are all great things you can do alone without feeling awkward.

Take appropriate travel and comprehensive medical insurance that covers you for any unexpected costs; make sure you have sought medical advice for health concerns, have up to date vaccinations.

If you’re carrying pharmaceutical products or medicines from India, make sure they are allowed in the country you are visiting.

Passport is your identity abroad. Protect your passport and report it promptly if it is lost, stolen or damaged.

Get the insurance coverage when you buy costly things and claim in case you lost it or damaged.

Make sure your passport is valid and will not expire when you are overseas.

Carry extra passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need to replace it while you’re away.

Make copies of your passport (including visa pages), insurance policy, visas etc.  Carry one copy in a separate place away from the originals and also leave a copy with someone at home.

Keep in contact with friends and family back home and leave a copy of your insurance policy details and your overseas itinerary with them.

Organize your finances to cover your planned travel and ensure a source in cases of emergency.

Make sure that you got a bank account and use bank cards for transaction instead of carrying big amount of money.

Never wander around alone especially at night in a lonely place or street. We never know how some strangers behave when you are alone.

Try not to lend money to friends or familiar people. Because we cannot trust anyone in the money matter and end it with trouble often.

In case your stay in a foreign country is for a reasonable length of time, register with the local Indian Embassy /Consulate before leaving India or soon after arrival, to get better access to consular assistance and updates. If you get arrested or detained for some reason, insist on Consular access to a representative from the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.