Instructions
Student's checklist

There are certain things that need to be taken care of before, during and after your exchange to ensure that you can make the most of your time abroad. We have gathered this list to help you make your travel arrangements. You can find more detailed information about the subjects as well as links to other useful pages on the AE website.

Before departure

You will receive your initial acceptance letter by email from AE within a week of sending in your application. After receiving it you should start thinking about booking your flights, applying for a visa (and a new passport if necessary) and taking care of vaccinations and buying insurance. Ask about residence permits and visas from the target country’s embassy or consulate when you are applying for the documents. If you require regular medication, make sure you have enough medicine with you to last for the duration of your trip or find out if the medicine in question is available at your destination.

If you are receiving some form of student benefit, make sure to inform that you will be studying abroad whoever you are receiving it from, because studying abroad may have an effect on the amount of the grant. You can also apply for a scholarship from your home institution. The decisions about granting scholarships are made by your home institution. If required, have your study plan approved by your home institution in advance. You can find course catalogs and syllabuses on our website. Remember to inform your home institution of your studies abroad, because some institutions require students to register for the semester even though they will not participate in the classes in their home countries. Check with your home institution’s international office for more information. In addition to your home institution, you can apply for scholarships from other organizations.

If you have a student card from your home institution, we recommend taking it with you. Sometimes it’s also a good idea to get an international student card (e.g. ISIC or Euro <26) so that you will be able to receive student discounts at the destination at different events, exhibitions and concerts. You will also receive an Asia Exchange student card, which will entitle you to discounts from our partners at your target destination.

More information is available at www.isic.org and www.euro26.org.

Get to know your destination country and city beforehand. Make use of AE's website, Google, exchange reports written by students, literature and TV programs.
Ask your local register office and postal service about submitting a notice of migration and redirecting your mail. If you’re only going abroad for a short period of time you may not be required to submit a notice of migration and you can redirect your mail e.g. to your parents for the duration of your exchange. You might also want to register with your home country’s embassy, so that they know you are abroad.

We recommend the use of online banking and having a Visa Electron card, which is the most affordable way of withdrawing money from your bank account while abroad. You might also want to consider granting a friend or a relative power of attorney, so they can take care of your finances back home if needed.

During Your Exchange

The aim of studying abroad in Asia is to give you unforgettable life experiences. The most important thing is to be enthusiastic and active, so that you will have a chance to see and experience as much as possible. Get to know people, learn at least the basics of the language and don’t slack on your studies. A few months are not always enough time to absorb, so every day is valuable.

Studies completed abroad, and especially those completed in Asia, are a significant asset for students when competing for jobs after graduating. You should make the most of your studies and prepare for international challenges as well as broaden your language skills during your studies. Try and find a local student who can help you learn the language and teach you about the local customs. If you understand why things are done a certain way, it will be easier not to feel frustrated when you face cultural differences and if things seem difficult to take care of.

University staff and local students at your study abroad location are very hospitable and appreciate international students. Show your appreciation for them and for the teaching you receive. Remember that you are a representative of your home country and carry out your task with pride. If you have overwhelming difficulties in making practical arrangements (e.g. due to the language barrier) at the start of your exchange program, contact the host university’s exchange coordinator, Asia Exchange or the exchange coordinator at your home university.

It might seem difficult to make friends outside the circle of exchange students, but you won’t get a true insight in the country you are studying in unless you break the circle. The easiest way to meet new people is by taking up a hobby. Keep your eyes and ears open and something good will come your way. Making an effort from the beginning on pays off. Take an active part in everything you do from in-class participation to finding accommodation.

You can make up your own mind about your accommodation. AE has compiled a list of accommodation options situated near your host university. Some host universities also offer on-campus housing. You can find more information under each study program.

In addition to e-mails, the most affordable ways of keeping in touch with friends and family back home are buying a local SIM card and using Skype. Calling from computer to computer with Skype is free and it’s also possible to call mobile phones and landlines at affordable prices. All you need is a headset with a microphone. You can download Skype at www.skype.com.

Your destination offers many free time activities for culture, sports and entertainment. You can find information about what to do and where to go from AE as well as online and at your destination from the university, fellow students, locals and tourist guides. Remember that you can always ask for advice and Asians are known to be very helpful.

Take course catalogs and brochures with you to your home institution. Not only will they help your institution make decisions about transferring credits, but also other students might be interested in learning about the university and possibly going there on exchange as well. Once you don’t need the brochures anymore, you can leave them at your home institution’s international office for other students to read.

After Your Exchange

Some host universities will give you your Transcript of Records when you leave, but most often AE will send it to you afterwards. You can use the document to apply for course credit transfer from your home institution for the courses you have completed abroad. Remember to write an exchange report for your home institution and for AE. If you have received a scholarship from an organization you should also send them a copy of your report. Ask your institution’s international office for more information.

The experiences you have gained in Asia will be sure to last you a lifetime. Share your experiences with fellow students and your home institution and recommend AE programs to other students who might be interested in going on exchange.

You will most likely travel back to Asia someday. Nothing is nicer and more heart-warming than returning to visit familiar surroundings and faces. The friendships you form during your exchange are likely to last a lifetime.