Before going to study abroad, you will have to complete a series of procedures. Depending on the age, the type of study and the duration of these may be one or the other. It is not the same to be minor, make a language summer stay, participate in an exchange program, or go to study a master abroad. Also, depending on the country where you want to study, the procedures will be one or the other. Studying inside or outside the European Union implies essential differences. Both in terms of mobility facilities, as well as the possibilities of scholarships and programs for international students.
What is important for study abroad that you keep in mind, in all cases, that you must prepare it well in advance, since most of the procedures are slow, and you have to keep all the papers in order before you leave. If you do not do the paperwork on time, it may be that you miss the deadline to enroll in some studies, lose a plane ticket for not having a valid visa to travel. You have to wait another year to request a scholarship application or submit to an official language exam.
Each country and training center may require specific steps, but in general, they can ask you:
Visa as a student: Some countries require a visa, which can be of different types depending on the nationality, age, type of studies you want to do, the length of stay you request, etc. It is necessary to check the anticipated times to carry out the whole process of application and issuance of the visa because, according to the case. It will be required to allow enough time to gather all the required documentation, make an appointment, do a personal interview, a time of review of the application to determine if the resolution is positive or not, pay the fees, etc. They may ask you for documents to verify that you have sufficient financial means to make this stay in the country (such as a bank account or the resolution of the scholarship) or the criminal record certificate issued by the Ministry of Justice.
Medical insurance: during your stay abroad, it is necessary that you be covered by medical insurance. Nothing has to happen, but you must know what your rights are and what types of insurance exist depending on where you are going to study, so if you need it, you do not have to start doing more paperwork. Before traveling, check what type of insurance is mandatory. You can be informed about it at your destination center.
Residence permit: for extended stays of more than three months, you may have to process, in addition to the visa, a residence permit. This has to be managed in the country of destination, but it is preferable that before you ask the embassy or consulate what papers you will need so that you can prepare them.
Work permit: if you want to combine your training experience with a job abroad to help cover your expenses, you will have to apply for the corresponding license. In some cases, depending on your residence permit and student visa, there may be some restrictions on the types of jobs you can access.
