Language Study Abroad Checklist | Make Sure You're Ready Before You Leave

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

Before heading off on a language study program, an overseas study program, or a working holiday, there are many things to prepare.

If you leave without checking a checklist in advance, you may run into trouble once you arrive at your destination.

That's why it's important to make a thorough preparation list before departure and pack all the necessary items without missing anything.

< Must-Have Items >

0. Passport & Visa

Your passport and visa are the most important documents.
It's a good idea to prepare about two copies for peace of mind.

1. Flight Ticket

With an e-ticket, a paper printout isn't required, but
we recommend printing one just in case.

Also, be sure to check in advance whether your ticket is one-way or round-trip, along with its terms of use.

2. Cash (Already Exchanged)

Prepare a small amount of cash you can use locally.

You don't need to bring a large sum, but having enough to use right after arrival will give you peace of mind.

3. A Credit Card Usable Overseas

Prepare a credit card such as VISA or Mastercard that can be used abroad.

4. Mobile Phone

These days, options include:

• Buying a temporary SIM before departure

• Signing up for a SIM locally

• In some countries, activating it in Japan beforehand

are all possible methods.

If possible, it's reassuring to prepare this before departure.

5. Overseas Insurance

In some countries, having insurance is mandatory.

For example, in the US, health insurance is often required, and you'll need to enroll in the insurance designated by your school.

Comparing student insurance plans can also help you save on costs.

6. Clothing

Prepare clothing suited to the climate and season of your destination.

For long-term stays, rather than bringing everything from Japan, it's a good idea to bring only the basics and buy the rest locally.

It's especially convenient to bring extra underwear and socks.

7. Stationery

It's best to bring just the minimum amount you'll need right after arrival.

8. Regular Medications

If you're currently taking any medication, be sure to bring enough with some to spare.

It's also reassuring to bring a small amount of headache medicine, cold medicine, stomach medicine, and digestive aids.

If you need to continue taking medication regularly, preparing an English-language medical certificate will make it easier to find medicine with the same ingredients locally.

9. Various Documents

• Letter of acceptance

• School information booklet

• Departure guide

• English transcript

• English certificate of graduation

Be sure to prepare any documents specified by your school.

< Handy Items to Bring >

These aren't essential, but they're handy to bring along.

• Glasses / contact lenses

• Plug adapter (converter)

• Folding umbrella

• Nail clippers

• Spare shoes / slippers

• Laptop / electronic devices

• Shaver / hair dryer

• Cutlery such as chopsticks and spoons

In Summary

How well you prepare before departure has a huge impact on the success of your language study or working holiday.

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you set off.

On Awork Academy's official website, we've organized easy-to-understand information about working holidays and language study by country.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime.