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If you have recently been accepted to a study program abroad, you must be nervous but also so excited! But while you might want to start packing your favorite things immediately, there is something more important to keep in mind: collecting all the necessary study abroad documents.

To help you out, here is a list of all the documents you need to prepare for your study abroad experience.

☑ A Passport

The very first thing on your study abroad documents list should be your passport.

Processing times can take several months, so make sure you apply for your passport as soon as possible. Expedited services are available, but they will cost extra and often require in-person appointments.

If this is your very first passport, the application is slightly different from what you’ll need if you’re renewing your passport. Make sure you select the correct form online.

In addition to completing the required form, you’ll also need to include a headshot and a check when mailing in your passport application.

☑ A Student Visa

If you are going to be studying in a foreign country for more than three months, you will likely need a student visa.

The length of your program will determine what type of student visa you need. If you’re unsure, get in touch directly with your study abroad coordinator or host university.

Just like when applying for your passport, student visa processing times can vary so make sure you take care of your visa early on.

☑ Diplomas and Academic Certificates

Whether you plan on applying to a job abroad or participating in any university projects or volunteer opportunities, your diploma and academic certificates can come in handy.

If English is not your first language, you may also want to have a copy of your IELTS passing grade paper.

In most instances, digital copies of these study abroad documents is acceptable.

☑ Translations of All Your IDs

If you will be studying in a country where your language is not the native tongue, you might want to look into getting some of your study abroad documents translated.

Looking for a translator in a foreign country can be a hassle and often quite pricey. There is nothing worse than searching for a professional translator while trying to settle into your new life abroad. ULS makes the translation process simple and straightforward, so you can concentrate on the upcoming semester.

Translating certain study abroad documents in advance and keeping copies can save you from a lot of trouble. These include your passport, student visa, and any other identification documents.

☑ A Well-Written Resume

A well-written resume is always important to keep in your file. This is especially true if you are thinking of applying for a job or internship while studying abroad.

When preparing your resume, remember to check for spelling and grammar errors. Tools and services like Grammarly, Supreme Dissertations, and Hemmingway Editor can help you correct these errors easily and effectively. This will save you a lot of time when it comes to translating these study abroad documents.

☑ Letters of Recommendation

If you have any letters of recommendation, you should keep these alongside your resume. Just because you’ve been accepted into your study abroad program, doesn’t mean you should forget about your letters of recommendation until you graduate.

These letters can include any and every letter from a past employer or professor that confirms your work ethic. Having papers that verify your work experience can prove helpful when applying to jobs and internships.

☑ Passport-Sized Photographs

Last but not least, have some extra passport-sized photos on hand. These might not seem that important, but there will be many instances when you will need them. For instance, when getting your student ID at your host university or when applying for a public transportation student card.

These pictures take very little time and money to produce, so make sure you prepare them in advance.

Remember to Always Double-Check Your Documents

This list of study abroad documents is not exhaustive. Every university is different and may require additional documents.

Make sure you check your host university’s requirements online. You can always send an email asking for advice when you’re unsure or want to double-check that you have everything you need to study abroad.

Even if you believe you have everything ready, double-checking your study abroad documents is a smart move. You might find the smallest detail has been written incorrectly, and that small mistake could cost you both money and time.

Making sure everything is prepared correctly in advance will help you feel less nervous and avoid difficult situations in the future.

Which country have you chosen for your studies? Let us know in the comments below!

How ULS Can Help

As you prepare to study abroad, turn to ULS for all your translation needs. From diplomas and transcripts to birth certificates and medical records, we provide professional, certified translation services in more than 200 languages.

Contact us today to learn more about our translation services. Call 1-800-419-4601 or simply fill out our free quote form.

About Donald Fomby:Donald is a professional writer and editor for TrustMyPaper. He loves to help his audience learn more about fulfilling their study goals and becoming successful. In his spare time, he loves to listen to audiobooks and spend time outdoors with his friends.

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