- Why should I study abroad?
Studying abroad is an enriching and eye-opening adventure, where learning extends far beyond the classroom. The experience will expose you to new ways of thinking, living, and viewing the world. Benefits include the opportunity to learn about another culture firsthand, learn an entirely new language or become fluent in one you have already studied, you can travel, fulfill major and minor coursework requirements, and develop new intellectual pursuits, skills, and perspectives. By living within another culture, you are likely to gain a new understanding and its way of life. You can also expect to make friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime. By studying abroad, you will learn life lessons that could never be taught in class, read in a book, or even taught by your parents.
- How will a study abroad experience enhance my employability after I graduate?
Employers increasingly seek graduates who have international experience, and a study abroad experience will enhance your employability. International knowledge, cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances are skills enhanced through study abroad that are important to employers in various fields.
- When should I start planning to study abroad?
Early planning is the key to successful study abroad. Hundreds of study-abroad opportunities exist; they differ in location, duration, curriculum, language, and degree of cultural immersion, cost, and many other factors. In order to find the program that is the right “fit” for your personal and academic objectives, you should begin planning your study abroad experience at least one semester before you actually depart.
- Is credit transfer possible?
Yes, it is possible. Credits taken in your home country can be applied to your major, minor, elective, or general education requirements to abroad. Talk to our academic adviser to identify specific courses that could be targeted for study abroad. Some countries accept it and some may not too.
- What’s a passport?
A passport is an international form of identification showing a person’s nationality. It is required of all individuals traveling internationally. If you still do not have a passport, you should obtain one now. Obtaining a Nepalese passport generally takes about 1-4 weeks. Not having a passport can also jeopardize your chances of going abroad since you can’t travel anywhere without one.
- When should I apply for a passport?
If you have not already applied for a passport, apply now! It can take 1 to 4 weeks to receive your passport and you will need it in order to obtain your student visa. You can apply it from your birthplace or can get it from Kathmandu on special recommendation from government officials.
- What’s a visa and will I need one?
A visa is a stamp or other notation generally placed in your passport that will allow you to enter and temporarily reside in your host country during your program. A visa is required for all Year and Semester Programs and for many of the Summer Programs.
- Are visas hard to obtain?
The answer to this question depends upon your destination. For some countries, the process is straightforward and relatively quick, but for other countries, obtaining a visa can be very time-consuming and quite expensive. Please note that some visa applications require you to apply in person at your destination country’s regional consulate. You may be required to travel to the consulate in order to do so. Also, if your program requires you to apply for a student visa, you may have to submit your passport to the consulate along with your visa application and other required document. For this reason, we suggest that you do not plan any international trips in the months prior to your departure.
- So if I need a visa, where can I get one?
Visas are obtained through the Consular Offices of a country’s Embassy. While most Embassies are in Nepal, there are a number of Consulate Offices located in Kathmandu City. Nowadays some countries’ visas are issued from India so we need to make visa applications to their respective authorized courier service will help your document to reach the respective embassy and return back with a decision to you.
- How much will they cost?
It costs about Rs. 5000 to obtain a passport. It will cost more if you need to receive it faster. Visa application fees can range anywhere depending upon the destination country you have chosen. It is important to remember that in addition to the actual fees charged by the Consulates, some applications require that documents be translated, notarized, and/or legalized. You will be required to pay for these services as well. If you are concerned about visa costs, talk to our Application Advisor about programs and countries with visa fees.
- How will I choose the program that is right for me?
The possibilities for study abroad are abundant. Before researching programs you will want to have made some preliminary decisions as to the type of experience you want to have. Start by realistically assessing your academic and personal preparation and your objectives. Consider the following questions to help you think about the kind of study abroad experience that would be the right “fit” for you. Then read the short online article How to Decide Where to Study
- How do I apply for study abroad?
Once you have either decided on a program or made some preliminary decisions about the type of program you are interested in contact our Study Abroad Coordinator (Counselor), for an appointment. If you have any further questions or want to have instant answers you can even connect to your Facebook network at https://www.facebook.com/musashiintlinstitute
- What can Musashi do to help me?
We provide the service of career counseling under it we examine students’ qualifications and experiences, profiles, preferences, socio-economic background, and purpose of study and conduct the process of recruitment, counseling, and enrollment. Also, we support visa documentation and provide updated visa information. It is very critical to be up to date on the visa policy because requirements can change suddenly.
- What if the visa is not issued by the time the program departs or is not issued at all?
Unfortunately, at times these scenarios do happen. Since Consular Officials issue visas, Musashi has no control over these situations or the overall process itself. When these situations occur and aren’t the fault of the student Musashi will help you to resolve the issue and reschedule your intakes. If you are denied a visa, Musashi will do everything possible to offer you an alternative program at that time. Since you will not be able to travel before you have secured your visa. In the end, we are sure you will agree that the experience of complete immersion in another culture was worth your efforts.
- When does the program tuition have to be paid?
Some countries have a policy to pay the tuition fee and secure a place then apply for a visa like New Zealand, the UK, etc. and some country has a policy that once a student secure a visa need to pay the fee like the USA, etc.
- How much luggage can I take?
We recommend that you pack a small carry-on bag with a change of clothes, a towel, and personal toiletries. In some cases, access to your luggage is restricted during the arrival orientation and it’s important to have these items with you. For safety reasons, most airlines have introduced stiffer carry-on baggage rules. Keep your carry-on bags limited to a backpack or something similar in size. The carry-on bag is limited to 8 inches x 16 inches x 21 inches; and has a weight of 32 kilograms. Most airlines will permit passengers to carry a purse, umbrella, or camera in addition to one carry-on bag.
- Who will support me while I am there (Abroad)?
Your respective college/universities, alumni, volunteer association, and legal adviser information center will be there to support you while you will be abroad.
- I’m insured by my family’s medical plan. Why do I need secondary medical coverage?
It is part of our commitment to your safety and welfare. This additional coverage ensures that, in an emergency, you can be treated as soon as possible, anywhere in the world. This secondary medical coverage is a prerequisite for your participation and is included as part of your program tuition.
- How do I do my banking while abroad? How much money should I bring?
The answer to this question depends on individual preference, as well as one’s individual bank. Many students find it easiest to use a Debit card from their home bank, however, be sure to research ATMs or other fees associated with your bank in your country of study. Other students find it easier to open a new bank account in their destination country. Once you get closer to departure you can research this independently. The amount of spending money needed also depends on student habits as well as the exchange rate in their destination country. Generally, spending money needed ranges from $200-500/month. Students should bring enough money to cover incidentals during travel and the first few weeks of their stay, in the event they are not able to go to a bank immediately upon arrival. They can exchange money for their new currency at their home bank or upon arrival.
- Is there anything I won’t be able to do abroad?
Yes. All participants must be law abiding in their host country. There may be country-specific rules that apply. There also are limits on traveling independently. In a new environment, it’s important to be more aware than you might be at home. And remember: you are a student ambassador for the destination country, so it will be important to act respectfully toward others and to give extra attention to being culturally aware. Students may be sent home for breaking rules or laws, or for persistent behavioral issues.
- Can I come back to the Nepal for holidays?
Yes you can because you will have multiple entry visas but we recommend you to spend time abroad and with your host family during the holidays will give you a unique perspective on the cultural values of your destination country.
- Can my family and friends visit me during the program?
Normally they can visit you during your study but it is recommended that they visit you at the end of your study for convocation day or any special events.
- Can I travel to other countries from the destination country?
Travel to other countries is permitted but you need to check for the requirement of a visa from the website of the respective government website.
