Before Study Abroad, My Schedule is Filled with...
People around me ask, "How are your study abroad preparations going?" Well, they are indeed progressing. I have completed the procedures for obtaining a student visa, and though it might be a bit early, I have also finished applying for the SEV (Single Entry Visa).
So, you might think that my schedule has settled down, but that's not really the case. I'm quite busy with study abroad preparations.
Currently, most of my schedule revolves around visiting hospitals!
Being a full-time worker, it's not easy to find hospitals that I can visit after work. Even if there are hospitals open late, getting an appointment during those hours is difficult due to high demand.
Naturally, my hospital appointments end up piling up on Saturdays and Sundays.
In fact, I even had my wisdom teeth extraction scheduled on weekends.
As a result, I have to schedule other errands at different times than the hospital visits. It's been quite hectic, and I apologize in advance, but there are times when I have to decline certain plans.
The Difference Between Student and Working Adult Study Abroad
One thing I've realized about studying abroad as a working adult is the increased concerns and the need for additional medical examinations compared to when I was a student.
In my case, I regularly visit a gynecologist to receive medication for PMS and undergo check-ups to monitor any potential issues. While it's not a serious condition that would hinder my study abroad plans, it's important to consult with the doctor about whether it would still be manageable if I can't attend regular check-ups every few months.
During my student days, I also underwent regular cervical cancer screenings. However, now that I'm married and the possibility of pregnancy and childbirth is closer, and after hearing stories of people my age getting cancer, I've started to think more seriously about my health than I did during my student years.
This perception may vary from person to person, but looking back, I realize that I was much more carefree during my student days. If I had chosen to study abroad during that time, I might not have visited hospitals and taken precautions as much as I do now.
In this article, I want to share some things that I personally found beneficial to do before studying abroad, for those who are struggling with what to do before traveling overseas.
Hospitals I'm Glad I Visited Before Study Abroad
Dentist
I have been going for regular check-ups every three months for cleaning and dental examinations. By visiting the dentist and informing them about my study abroad plans, I can let them know that I won't be able to come for these check-ups anymore.
Some areas that were under observation with a "let's keep an eye on it" approach might require treatment before studying abroad. In foreign countries, medical expenses can be quite high, so it is considered more economically favorable to undergo treatment while still in Japan.
Therefore, if there are any teeth that need observation, it's better to visit the dentist in advance for peace of mind, as one or two visits might not be enough to complete the treatment.
Age-specific Medical Examinations
If there are medical examinations available through your company or local area, it's advisable to prepare and undergo them as soon as you feel the need.
In my case, I can receive a ticket for cervical cancer screening in the district where I live. Depending on the region and your study abroad plans, there may be certain actions you need to take, such as waiting for some time after the start of the fiscal year for the ticket to be sent or making a separate request. I recommend researching and preparing in advance.
Travel Clinic (Preventive Vaccinations before Traveling Abroad)
Depending on the destination of your study abroad, if you're concerned about infectious diseases in that country, it's a good idea to get preventive vaccinations. I have written a detailed account of my experience with this in another article, so I suggest checking that out.
It's also a good idea to prepare and bring your Maternal and Child Health Handbook, preferably the original copy. Before planning my vaccination schedule, I asked my mother to take pictures for me. However, due to her limited smartphone skills, I only received blurry photos that didn't cover everything.
Since I had received routine vaccinations during my early childhood abroad, I had separate documentation for those vaccinations. Unfortunately, the records of some vaccinations administered overseas were not captured in the photos, making it difficult to confirm them. I haven't seen how other people's Maternal and Child Health Handbooks look, so this might be a unique case.
Study Abroad Preparation for a Socially Active around 30's woman
Although I'm not much older than students, as an around 30's working woman, I have started taking my regular hospital visits and medical examinations more seriously. Therefore, I'm approaching my study abroad preparations with a focus on my health as well.
Recalling the stories of "senior" students at language schools that I mentioned in a previous article, I feel like I'm creating a slightly different set of experiences compared to my friends who studied abroad at foreign universities while they were still students.
With only two months left until my departure, I'll keep up the good work with my preparations!
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