If you have a hankering for adventures abroad and thrive in the face of exhilarating change and the rush of uncertainty, a study abroad might be for you. Be warned that trekking across untraversed tourist-friendly locations isn’t an excursion for the faint of heart. With thousands of new faces whirring by, unfamiliar public transportation systems to navigate, and homesickness to conquer, ensure you’re up for the challenge ahead.
For those ready to roll up their sleeves and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you fare to improve your language skills, beef up your resume, expand your professional network across borders, and soak in the local’s culture and unique perspectives.
Former exchange students often describe it as one of the most formative experiences of their lives. Studying abroad provides unparalleled opportunities to learn about yourself and the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. Luckily, in today’s digital world, there’s an app for everything, including your globetrotting adventures.
Here are eight study abroad apps to help keep your jet-setting adventures at cruising altitude.
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The iPostal1 app
The iPostal1 app grants students 24/7, anywhere-in-the-world access to a digital mailbox. A digital mailbox is an actual address that receives mail on your behalf while you’re busy exploring. With the click of a button, you can view your mail and decide whether it’s stored, shredded, or forwarded to you.
Homesickness is no joke when you’re studying abroad, but this app can help you stay in touch with your friends and family via snail mail and care packages.
Google Translate
Google Translate is only one of many translating apps available. However, with over 100 languages at your fingertips, it’s one of the best apps for traveling abroad, especially if you have multiple countries on the itinerary.
The instant two-way translation is available for forty-three languages, and every mobile operating system supports Google Translate.
Enjoy the ease of communicating with people worldwide with this app (and ensure you’ll always be able to ask for directions, too).
WhatsApp is a popular chat app that users in different countries can enjoy. WeChat is a great option popular in China, but security is not their strong suit, making WhatsApp the best international messaging app.
Using WhatsApp, exchange students can voice call, video call, send voice notes and message each other. WhatsApp is beneficial for international students, as it doesn’t require you to have a phone number in your new country.
WhatsApp is owned by Facebook and is available on the Web, Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
ICE Medical Standard app
The ICE Medical Standard app is a premium health app that will keep your medical information all in one place. In case of emergency, it’s straightforward to access.
There are in-app purchases, but even a free version is a handy tool against the uncertainty of studying abroad.
This app is available for Apple and Android devices in their respective stores.
The Flight Tracker
Tracking flights is an excellent idea for any traveler looking to get back home. Additionally, there are benefits to having live flight updates right in the palm of your hand.
The Flight Tracker offers worldwide flight tracking that even operates in airplane mode. Sharing flight information is another feature of the app for students looking to communicate with their families.
Oanda currency converter
Being in a new place, it is often difficult to accurately gauge the currency conversion. With this popular app, students can eliminate the guesswork from their budget.
Save time, money, and stress by downloading the Oanda Currency Converter. It’s updated daily with conversion rates for almost ninety countries.
The Jet Lag app
Developed by a Harvard professor, the Jet Lag app uses neuroscience to help you get a better night’s sleep no matter how many red-eye flights you catch.
It offers suggestions of when to nap, when to sleep, and even when to expose yourself to light in a new place. It tailors itself to the timezones of the itinerary users specify.
Beating your jet lag will help you hit the ground running in your destination country.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is an app that offers a personal VPN for users on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android systems.
Encrypting your personal information and having a secure browser is vital when traveling through public spaces like airports and train stations. As a bonus, you can even use it to access your home country’s Netflix selection while you’re on the go.
Before you go
Studying abroad is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Download these eight apps to help make your travel abroad adventures a time to remember.
