Prepare for your travels with the best apps for study abroad trips! Get around, communicate and manage money with these useful apps for young and intrepid travellers.
If you’re about to leave for a study experience abroad, it’s understandable that you might have some concerns about possible obstacles or inconveniences you may encounter in a country far from home.
You might feel homesick, struggle to make yourself understood or to understand what others are saying. Or you might just want to share your emotions and adventures in real time with your family and friends back home.
The good news is that you can set off with peace of mind thanks to technology. In the digital age we live in, there are countless smartphone-based solutions that can simplify your stay abroad – especially if this is your first experience.
There are tons of apps available for Apple and Android users that can help you solve these problems and much more. So grab your phone, start downloading, and get ready to explore the world with the best apps for travel, study and leisure abroad.
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The best travel apps for getting around
When you’re in a new city, finding your way around is never easy.
Asking passers-by for information is an effective and natural way to improve your language skills, but to feel more confident it’s really useful to have these apps on your smartphone.
Citymapper
With Citymapper, you’ll feel like a local in no time, getting around the new city with ease.
Just select the city you’re in and choose the location or type of transport you prefer. Citymapper is a travel app that gives you clear, detailed directions on how to get to your destination in the fastest and smoothest way possible, whether you’re walking, taking a taxi or using the bus.
Citymapper also gives you easy step-by-step guidance and sends alerts if there are any service disruptions on your route. The app covers cities all over the world, from the United States to Canada, from Latin America to Europe, from the UK to Asia and Australia. Wherever you are, you’ll never feel lost.
Google Maps
Google Maps is indisputably the best mapping app on the market, and it becomes a real lifesaver when travelling thanks to its fantastic offline features. You can download the map of the city or area you’re heading to before going out, so even if you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data, you’ll still be able to use the map to find your way around.
Uber
If you need to reach a specific destination quickly and conveniently, or if you happen to get lost in the city, Uber is your friend. Just open the app and book an Uber: an experienced driver will arrive in a few minutes, ready to take you wherever you want to go.
With Uber, you know the fare before you even book and pay directly through the app. During your study trip abroad you’ll always be with a tutor and your travel mates, but having Uber handy can give you peace of mind – just in case.
The best apps for studying
If you love learning foreign languages, you probably already have some of these apps on your smartphone. However, during your study holiday, you’ll need to work hard to learn as much as possible. Here are the apps designed for you.
(How to) Pronounce
Do you know how to pronounce foreign words correctly? With (How to) Pronounce, you don’t need to worry anymore! This translation app lets you hear the correct pronunciation of words, helping you repeat them accurately.
Thanks to support from Google Translate and Bing Translate, (How to) Pronounce covers 53 different languages. Just type in the word or phrase and the app will pronounce it for you. Being understood won’t be a problem anymore.
Duolingo
Want to learn a new language in a fun and effective way? Duolingo is the app for you! This app helps you learn to read, write, speak and listen in over 25 languages using a gamified approach to make your studies more engaging and enjoyable.
Google Translate
Ever struggled to understand posters, leaflets or written materials in other languages while abroad? With Google Translate, that won’t happen anymore!
This app lets you instantly translate text from one language to another using your smartphone’s camera. Just scan the text and convert it into your chosen language. With over 100 languages available, you’ll be able to communicate and understand the world around you better with Google Translate.
Google Keep
Heard a new expression and want to jot it down so you don’t forget? Google Keep is the perfect app for you! This intuitive app lets you take notes in a variety of formats – simple text, map notes, drawings, images and much more.
Evernote
Gone are the days of frantically taking notes during lessons. With Evernote, you can take notes on your laptop, phone or tablet and access them offline at any time.
A big advantage of this app is that you can take notes simultaneously with your classmates, then share and collaborate on them.
The best apps for communicating
Communication apps are essential when you’re abroad and want to stay connected with your family and friends back home. With these communication apps, the distance will shrink and your study abroad experience will turn into a shared adventure with the people who matter most in your life.
Messenger
Messenger is a very popular messaging app thanks to its strong link with Facebook.
Messenger has many features that will help you share your experiences with your family and friends while studying abroad.
Unlike Messenger, WhatsApp encrypts messages end-to-end. This means only the users in a conversation can access the messages. Plus, it works smoothly in areas with weak signals – it even works on 2G networks!
Skype
Skype is an app often used for work. It lets users make free video and voice calls. You can also use it for instant messages and file sharing. Skype works on all devices and in web browsers.
Discord
Discord offers a range of features that let you organise group chats and share common interests. You can express yourself freely by formatting messages and using custom emojis, all while connecting with new people who share your passions.
The best apps for managing your money
Here are some apps that will make managing money during your study period abroad a breeze! Thanks to these apps, not only will you save money with low-cost currency exchanges and zero fees, but you’ll also have full control over your finances.
Wise (ex TransferWise)
Regular banks charge high fees for payments and cash withdrawals made abroad. Wise, on the other hand, offers a debit card that lets you send money abroad without fees and with excellent exchange rates. Students are entitled to a free Wise card.
XE Currency
XE is a currency converter and money transfer app. It’s available in over 120 countries, so no matter where you are in the world, you’re covered. With the app’s real-time exchange rates and money transfer options, you can be sure conversions will be accurate.
Plus, this handy app can help you plan your budget and long-term finances.
Mint
You know how important it is to keep your budget under control while studying abroad. That’s where Mint comes in – the budgeting app of choice for students. With an intuitive interface and attractive design, Mint helps you create a custom budget and sends you spending reminders.
If you’re planning a trip with friends, Mint calculates the costs in advance so you can get ready for the adventure without any surprises!
Your study trip abroad will be easier thanks to these apps
Before saying goodbye to home and heading off on the exciting adventure of a study holiday, prepare yourself in the best way by using technology to help you while abroad. The ones we’ve introduced are essential tools to make your time abroad easier.
You’ll be able to move around easily in a new city, stay in touch with family and friends, manage your money smartly and so much more.
Don’t let homesickness or language barriers hold you back! Make the most of your experiences abroad with the help of these apps that will accompany you every step of the way. These apps are your virtual travel companions that will keep you connected to the world and support you in every situation.
