As an initiative to help the growing number of students going overseas for higher studies, ICICI Lombard held a Webinar to empower them with handy tips on overcoming the challenges of studying abroad. This Webinar targeted students who had already secured their admission and completed their post-visa formalities.
Key Pointers:
Research is very important:
Right from hailing a cab to crossing the street, everything is going to be different, so study the place well. Learn the laws and ways of the land.
Use the internet :
The internet can be your greatest resource for researching your new home while you study, use it to its full potential.
Airfare and offers:
When students and studying is concerned, chances are you can avail discounts on your travel. Find out which Airlines are offering you the best package.
Health insurance:
Most universities offer insurance coverages that take care of hospitalisation expenses due to medical emergencies. You have a choice to buy the insurance either from the university, a recognised healthcare provider within that country, or comparable insurance from India.
Stay in touch:
Make provisions for getting in touch with your family back in India, as soon as you land. Remember, they will be anxious to hear about your safe travel.
Essentials and Non-essentials:
Do not carry grains and pulses from India. Carry voltage converters for compatibility with your electrical appliances.
Medication:
Even basic medicines might be expensive there, so carry what you can from here, but make sure you do so as per the permitted amount and only in sealed packs. Also, check that they do not fall in the banned category list. Make sure you carry your prescriptions, as medicines are not sold over the counter without them. Keep the prescriptions handy as you might be required to produce it in the security checks at the airport.
Top Questions at the Webinar:
INSURANCE
Why should you opt for insurance from India?
It is cheaper to buy it here, as you pay for it in rupees but get covered in dollars. Insurance bought in India is available at a fraction of the cost of similar insurance bought abroad. Coverage begins the minute you enter the airport for leaving to your university.
What does Student Medical Insurance cover?
It covers Medical emergencies that require hospitalisation or a visit to the general physician.
How is ICICI Lombard Student Insurance better?
Our student insurance covers both medical and non-medical emergencies, including loss of baggage/ passport loss/sponsor protection. It also covers study interruption in case the student misses a semester on medical grounds and takes care of the medical bills and the tuition fee for that semester. The policy can easily be extended online, as and when required.
How do you file a claim with ICICI Lombard?
We have tie-up with leading healthcare providers globally and we offer cashless hospitalisation worldwide. All a student has to do is call the toll free number to register the claim and get information on the nearest hospital. Even the parents in India can file a claim on behalf of the students.
How can you check the university requirement for health insurance?
You can either search for your university requirements on www.icicilombard.com or call our Toll-free helpline 1800-209-8888 for assistance. We have at a our disposal a University Tracker that features over 500 universities, which let you identify the health insurance requirements for studying there. In case, you are unable to locate a particular college, you can even add it to our database, by sending in a request.
TRAVEL
Are there any student specific travel offers?
Jet Airways has a special package for students called the Edujetter, which consists of an air ticket, travel insurance, a calling card and special allowance for excess baggage. The baggage exemptions allow students to carry up to 50-60 kgs for the US, up to 50 kgs for EU, and up to 30 kgs for the Far East. In addition, by means of a tie-up with FedEx, students can courier forgotten documents or note books at a discounted rate, from India to their university.
COMMUNICATION
Why should you opt for a Matrix Calling Card from India?
The first thing you want to do after you land is inform your family back home of your safe arrival. Without a calling card at your disposal, you would have to depend on airport facilities, or searching for an ISD booth yourself. Also, since making international calls is expensive, when you opt for a Matrix Calling Card, the parents can pay the bills from India and even set a bill limit.
What should you keep in mind when communicating back home and locally?
Students should not only compare rates for calling back home, but also for making local calls. While calling home may be a priority in the first few months since you might feel home sick, later on your focus might change on making more calls to your friends on campus. So, look for a plan that is flexible and customizable accordingly.
How viable is the Matrix Calling Card compared to other internet alternatives?
First, to use the internet you would require a PC and an internet connection. Secondly, most universities do not allow VoIP on their network, and might ban or fine you if caught doing so.
GENERAL TALK
What should you do before you land?
Check for different modes of transport from the airport to the university. Pre-arrange for an airport pick-up. Find out more about the city where you are going to study.
How much cash should you carry?
Be prepared for major expenses in the first month, as this is the time when you will have to shell out for an accommodation deposit, a laptop and other stuff to settle in. Carry 3-4 months living-cost in cash. Avoid carrying lots of cash and big denominations, as they are harder to break for change.
How should you plan your expenses?
Take advantage of student discounts there by checking student boards and forums. Opening a bank account can be a long procedure, so opt for a Travel / Cash Card, which works just like a prepaid credit card. Alternatively, you can carry an activated international debit card from India.
Should I buy clothing from India?
Avoid carrying too many clothes and woollens from India as the fashion and weather is different. Besides, they will just add to your weight and you might end up paying for excess baggage.
What can I do to blend in?
Speak in English, as it is a universally accepted language. Use this opportunity to make friends and learn about different cultures. Try to be punctual always, as unlike India it is considered rude to be late even by a few minutes. Remember to be courteous, polite and well mannered.
July 20, 2011 at 2:55 am |
I think a Matrix calling card is just a horrible option…I would suggest that you find a local sim card in whichever country you arr going to…I have had a very bad experience with Matrix and they keep so many costs hidden and not only that..search for best deals with local providers,…some of them hv really gd calling rates and sms charges, plus a better network…
July 20, 2011 at 10:08 am |
while we approve of your opinion, we still feel it is better that you leave India with a matrix or similar calling car so that you can stay in touch with your family and friends back at home as soon as you reach… as getting a prepaid connection almost immeidately after you land, might not be feasible…
Andrew