[Must-see for international students!] What to prepare in advance for studying abroad in Hawaii, a popular study abroad destination
Hello to everyone considering studying abroad in Hawaii.
Hawaii is characterized by beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and friendly people. Diverse cultures coexist, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds. There are many language schools and universities in Honolulu, making it an easy place to study. In particular, you can learn while relaxing in nature. It is also famous as a tourist destination, so you can enjoy both your studies and sightseeing. Here we will introduce in detail the points you should prepare in advance.
1. Obtaining a passport
When planning to study abroad, you must first obtain a passport. Make sure that it has enough validity left. If your passport expires during your stay in Hawaii, your visa application may not go smoothly. Generally, you need a validity period of at least six months from the date of your planned return. Applying for or renewing a passport can take time, so we recommend that you start the process early!
2. Applying for a student visa
You will need a visa to study in the United States. Usually, you will need to obtain a student visa ( F-1 visa). To apply for a visa, you will need documents such as a letter of admission ( I-20 ) and a financial statement. It is important to start the application process early. At the visa interview, be prepared to explain in detail the purpose and plan of your study abroad. There are many procedures involved in obtaining a visa, so it is important to plan ahead.
3. Consider getting a health check and purchasing overseas insurance
Medical costs are high in the United States, so you need to be especially careful about managing your health while studying abroad. We strongly recommend that you enroll in health insurance at your host university. Many universities offer student insurance, which can help reduce the burden of medical expenses. If you have a chronic illness, bring enough medication with you and a doctor's prescription written in English to feel safe. It is also a good idea to get vaccinations and health checkups in advance.
4. Money management
First, calculate the total cost of tuition and living expenses. Tuition includes not only tuition fees, but also textbook fees and facility fees. Living expenses include housing, food, transportation, insurance, daily necessities, etc. Check the university's website or study abroad information site for approximate costs and create a budget. The cost of living in Hawaii, in particular, is generally high, although it varies depending on the area and lifestyle. Urban areas such as Honolulu tend to be particularly high.
Next, think about how you will prepare your funds. If you have savings, you can base your plan on that, but if necessary, you should also consider applying for scholarships and grants. Many universities and organizations offer scholarship programs for international students. Scholarship information can be found at your university's international student office or scholarship information website. It is important to check the application deadline and application requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and apply early.
5. Housing arrangements
Choosing where to live in Hawaii is also important. You have the option of university dorms, homestays, apartments, and more. Dormitories are located within the university facilities, making it easy to commute to school and allowing you to interact with other students. Homestays have the advantage of allowing you to practice English and experience the local culture by staying with a local family. If you rent an apartment, you can choose one that suits your lifestyle. Be sure to also consider safety and the convenience of commuting to school when making your selection.
6. Transportation
We will explain how to secure transportation while studying abroad in Hawaii. Hawaii is relatively compact and has a good public transportation system, so you can choose the most efficient way to get around. This time, we will introduce the recommended transportation methods!
■ Public transportation
bus
In major cities such as Honolulu, buses are the main form of public transportation. There is a system called " The Bus " that covers a wide area at reasonable prices.
- Price : Standard fare is $3 one way.
- You can purchase an unlimited bus pass with the new HOLO bus pass . Discount passes are also available for students, and can be purchased each semester.
- Convenience : There are many bus stops that allow easy access to major tourist sites, schools, shopping malls, etc.
You can check timetables and routes on The Bus website or app.
Some universities and language schools offer shuttle bus services for students, so it is useful to check with your study abroad institution in advance.
■ Using a car
Having a car is convenient, especially for getting to suburban areas and tourist attractions.
- Car Rental : Renting a car is a convenient way to travel for short trips or sightseeing. Rental rates vary depending on the duration and type of car, but there are often discounts available on weekends and during holiday seasons.
- Car sharing : Car sharing services like Zipcar are a great way to save money by allowing you to use a car only when you need it, and some even offer student discounts.
- Buying : If you are planning to stay for a long time, you can consider buying a used car. You can find them in online markets or at local dealerships. Once you buy, you will need to take out insurance.
■ Ride sharing
Ride-sharing services like Uber are convenient and easy to use: just download the app and call when you need a ride.
- Cost : Prices vary depending on distance and time of day, but can be higher than buses or rental cars. Using discount codes and coupons can help you save money.
- Safety : It is very safe and convenient to travel around, especially at night or in unfamiliar places.
7. Means of communication
When studying abroad in Hawaii, securing a means of communication is an important item that you must prepare. There are ways to use your existing smartphone in Hawaii, such as a Wi-Fi router, SIM card, and eSIM (embedded SIM ). In particular, eSIM is a digital SIM that is built directly into your smartphone, unlike traditional physical SIM cards, and does not require replacing the physical card. You can start communicating immediately by simply configuring the settings online. There is no need to rent, carry, or charge a Wi-Fi router, which greatly reduces the hassle.
■ Benefits of using " eSIM " in Hawaii
We strongly recommend an " eSIM " (embedded SIM ) for your trip to Hawaii. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, an " eSIM " is a digital SIM built into your smartphone. This new technology eliminates the need to physically replace SIM cards, and allows you to easily start using communication services online. It also eliminates the hassle of renting, carrying, and charging a Wi-Fi router, as well as the hassle of returning it. It's sure to make your stay in Hawaii even more comfortable. Use an " eSIM " and experience the next generation of convenient and comfortable travel.
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summary
When studying abroad, it is important to think in advance about what you want to learn and what skills you want to acquire. For example, choose a field that is directly related to your interests and career, such as deepening your business knowledge, dramatically improving your English skills, or acquiring specialized skills.
By making these preparations thoroughly, you will be able to enjoy your study abroad experience in Hawaii with peace of mind. A life of study abroad filled with new experiences and learning awaits you. Get ready and start your wonderful life abroad! We hope you have a wonderful time studying abroad in Hawaii!
The contents of this blog post are provided based on information available at the time of writing. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you would always check the latest information for yourself.
