Your Practical Guide to Studying Abroad
This page brings together useful resources for students, from language tests and accommodation options to academic support tools and complementary services. If you are unsure which resource is best for you or, if you need personalised guidance, feel free to contact us. Explore the sections below to discover all the options available.
Language Tests
Language Tests
Official certifications for English, Spanish, French, and more.
Proving your language level is a mandatory step for most universities and embassies. As each test has its own format, cost, difficulty level, and validity period, it is important to always confirm with the educational institution before booking.
English — The most requested
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic
is the most popular exam in Europe. If your destination is the United Kingdom, Australia, or a European university, this is the test of choice. It assesses all language components and includes a face-to-face speaking test with an examiner.
Ideal for: University admission and visa applications.
Validity: 2 years.
⚠️ VISA ALERT (UKVI): If you are going to study in the United Kingdom, make sure to check whether you need the IELTS UKVI. It is the same type of test, but taken at an approved centre with enhanced security required by UK Immigration. The standard IELTS may not be accepted for visa purposes! ⚠️
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT
Although highly prestigious, the TOEFL is now primarily aimed at students whose destination is the United States or Canada. It has a validity of 2 years.
Focus: Pure Academic English, simulating real classroom and campus situations.
Levels: B1 to C2
Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE)
Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE)
These exams are the favourite choice for anyone looking for a lifelong certification. Unlike other tests, Cambridge certificates do not expire.
B2 First (FCE): Essential for the job market.
C1 Advanced (CAE): The standard level for most international bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
C2 Proficiency (CPE): Proof of full mastery of the language at a native level.
Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test
The “new favourite” among university students due to its convenience. It is a fully digital test that you can take at home, at any time, making it much more economical than traditional options.
Ideal for: Quick applications and limited budgets.
Levels: B1 to C1.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
It is known for its unbeatable speed, making your results available almost immediately within 2 days. It is widely accepted globally and also has a UKVI version for UK visas.
Ideal for: Anyone looking for speed, accuracy and a fully computer-based format.
Validity: 2 years.
LanguageCert Academic
LanguageCert Academic
One of the most flexible options on the market. It allows you to take exams online with real-time invigilation or at exam centres, making it a very popular and economical choice for visas and universities.
Ideal for: Fast-track processes and flexible scheduling options.
You can use the following discount code: C94841 (15% off)
Kaplan Test of English
Kaplan Test of English
A next-generation adaptive test, designed to assess your English level precisely and directly, widely used by global institutions.
Ideal for: Integrated assessments and specific academic pathways.
You can use the following discount code: WINGKRS25 (25% discount)
Spanish (Español)
DELE
DELE
It is the “gold standard” certification for Spanish. Issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, it is an official qualification with lifelong validity.
Ideal for: Erasmus students in Spain and professionals working with Latin America.
Levels: A1 to C2.
SIELE
SIELE
If DELE is the equivalent to “Cambridge”, SIELE is the equivalent to “IELTS/Duolingo”. It is a digital exam, which is faster, and the results are released in just 3 weeks.
Difference: The scoring is multi-level (you take one test and it determines your level, from A1 to C1).
French (Français) / DELF / DALF
Italian (Italiano)
DELF / DALF
DELF / DALF
These are the official French language diplomas. Since they are diplomas (and not just certificates), they have permanent validity and are highly valued by French-speaking academic institutions.
DELF (A1 to B2): Ideal for academic mobility and internships.
DALF (C1 to C2): Essential for research, or law and humanities courses in France or Belgium.
CILS / CELI
CILS / CELI
Official Italian certifications recognised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ideal for: Erasmus students in Italy or fashion and arts courses.
German (Deutsch)
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
It is the benchmark exam for anyone wishing to study in Germany. All German universities recognise this test as proof of language proficiency for courses taught in German.
Focus: Academic and scientific context.
Levels: B2 to C1.
Goethe-Zertifikat
Goethe-Zertifikat
Goethe-Institut certificates are recognised worldwide and cover all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Ideal for: Proving general German language skills for your CV or internships.
StudyWing Preparation & Support
Are you finding it difficult to choose or book your exam?
Do you need preparation classes?
Don’t worry. If you are not sure which test is ideal for your visa or university, or if you are having issues with scheduling, contact us.
Translations & Authentications
Translations & Authentications
Certified translators for your diplomas, transcripts and visa processes.
To apply to a foreign university or submit your visa application, all your official documents (such as your graduation certificate, academic transcript or criminal record) need a certified or sworn translation to be legally accepted in the destination country.
To move forward with this step, you can choose our direct solution or handle it independently:
Translate with StudyWing
We offer a certified translation service. Simply send us your scanned documents. Our team will send you a quote, with no obligation.
External Suggestions
If you prefer to manage your own translations, we recommend that you always use properly accredited professionals or entities:
If you prefer to manage your own translations, we recommend that you always use properly accredited professionals or entities:
Portuguese Association of Translators (APT): You can consult their directory of member professionals who specialise in legal and academic translations.
Notaries, Lawyers or Solicitors: Professionals qualified in Portugal to stamp and certify the legal validity of translations and certified copies.
Embassies and Consular Services: Some more specific destinations require the translation to be completed by sworn translators approved by the destination country’s own embassy. Always check this rule.
VERY ⚠️ IMPORTANT (Hague Apostille): ⚠️
Before sending any official document for translation, confirm whether the destination country requires a Hague Apostille on the originals.
If required, you must request the apostille first and only then submit the document for translation.
If you do it the other way round, the translated document will have no legal validity abroad!
International Accommodation
International Accommodation
Find your new home in student halls or shared apartments.
Securing a safe place to live is one of the most important steps in preparing for your journey to study abroad. To help you with this mission, we have gathered the best and most reliable student accommodation platforms on the market.
StudyWing safety tip: Always book through verified platforms and avoid making deals directly on social media to ensure you do not run the risk of fraud.
The platform allows tenants to find rooms, studios, and apartments for medium-term stays in major European cities.
Use the discount code (UP50STUDYWING) to get a 50% discount on the service fee.
Specializing in student residences in multiple international destinations,
offering a huge variety of rooms and studios located near major campuses.
The ideal option for those seeking true cultural immersion.
This platform allows you to book a room in the home of a local family or host, making it a fantastic choice to practice the language daily
and have a welcoming environment (often with meals included).
An excellent global platform for finding premium and budget student accommodation,
with a strong presence in university cities and personalized support during the booking process.
One of the largest networks of student residences in Spain, with a presence in major student cities (such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia). It offers modern studios and rooms with all expenses included (water, electricity, and internet) and excellent common areas, such as a gym, study rooms, and social spaces. Use our discount code (STUDYWINGMIC) to get a 50% discount on the service fee.
A reference agency specializing in homestay accommodation in the United Kingdom and Ireland. All hosts are rigorously selected and audited (following the British Council’s quality standards), ensuring a safe, welcoming environment, ideal for you to practice your English on a daily basis.
Allows you to book houses or rooms without in-person viewings, because the platform itself sends professionals to film, photograph, and verify the authenticity of the actual home. It is available in several countries.
A platform focused exclusively on student residences.
You will find modern, safe options with all expenses included (water, electricity, internet).
For those looking for modern and high-quality student residences in the United Kingdom.
The buildings offer a complete lifestyle experience, including 24-hour security,
a gym, cinema rooms, study areas, and all expenses included, all close to university campuses.
One of the largest accommodation platforms for students and young professionals in Europe, with an overwhelming presence in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy. The advantage is the secure booking system, which holds your money and only releases it to the landlord 48 hours after you move into the home, ensuring that the space corresponds exactly to what you contracted.
Can’t find accommodation for your destination?
If you are going to a country with very specific market dynamics or if you need help finding the ideal option, we are here.
By choosing StudyWing support, we send you a selection of platforms dedicated and exclusive to your destination country, ensuring you have access to the best local tools.
Tips for Flights
Tips for Flights
Tips and platforms for traveling to your chosen destination.
Buying the flight to your study destination doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are the best tools and “secrets” to save on your trip:
Onde pesquisar e monitorizar preços
The most powerful tool for comparing prices.
It allows you to set price alerts to receive an email when the flight to your destination is cheaper,
and it shows you a graph so you know if the current price is high or low.
Excellent for searching flights with flexible dates (you can search by “Cheapest Month”)
and for finding combined routes between different low-cost airlines.
Very visual aggregator that allows you to find low-cost flights by combining different airlines.
Excellent for predicting whether prices will go up or down based on historical data.
Extra Tips
Turn on Incognito Mode:
Turn on Incognito Mode:
When searching for flights, always use an incognito window in your browser and clear your cookies. Travel websites track your frequent searches and tend to slightly inflate prices if they see you are highly interested in a specific route.
Key Days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays):
Key Days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays):
Avoid flying on Fridays or Sundays. If you have flexibility at university, mid-week flights (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) usually have significantly lower fares.
Use your ESN Card (if you are an Erasmus student):
Use your ESN Card (if you are an Erasmus student):
If your destination is in Europe and you are going through the Erasmus program, buy your ESN Card as soon as possible. It gives you huge discounts.
The Booking “Sweet Spot”:
The Booking “Sweet Spot”:
Contrary to popular belief, buying 6 or 9 months in advance can be more expensive because promotional fares haven’t been released yet. For international flights, the ideal time to buy is usually between 2 to 3 months before the trip.
The Secondary Airport Trick:
The Secondary Airport Trick:
Many low-cost airlines fly to secondary airports that are more than an hour away from the city center (e.g., Beauvais in Paris or Hahn in Frankfurt). Before buying, calculate how much you will spend on transportation from the airport to your new home, sometimes, the more expensive flight to the main airport is worth it.
Strategic Hand Luggage:
Strategic Hand Luggage:
In the cabin bag that travels with you, always carry a change of clothes, your chargers, adapters, and, above all, all your original application and visa documents. If your checked luggage gets lost and delayed a couple of days, you have your life safeguarded with you.
The “Low-Cost” Baggage Trick:
The “Low-Cost” Baggage Trick:
When moving to another country, always focus on the included baggage allowance and not just the base ticket price. A flight on a low-cost airline might seem like an initial bargain, but when you add the cost of two large checked bags (essential for anyone moving abroad), the total ends up being much more expensive than a flight with a traditional, all-inclusive airline.
Transfers and Arrival at Your Destination
Transfers and Arrival at Your Destination
From the runway to the front door of your new home.
Landing in your destination country is an incredible feeling, but the first few hours can be challenging. To make sure you don’t feel lost in the middle of the airport, here are some tips for a smooth and hassle-free arrival.
Leaving the airport: your transportation options
The University Pick-Up Service:
The University Pick-Up Service:
Before hiring any private service, check your host university’s website. The overwhelming majority of international institutions offer an Airport Pick-up Service for international students during “Welcome Week”. A university bus picks you up from the airport and drops you off directly at the residence. Heads up: it requires booking weeks in advance!
Mobility Apps (Uber, Bolt, Lyft, Grab):
Mobility Apps (Uber, Bolt, Lyft, Grab):
They are an excellent option in most countries. Crucial tip: download the app that dominates the destination country (e.g., Lyft in the US, Grab in Southeast Asia, Uber/Bolt in Europe) and set up your payment card (like Revolut or Wise) while still in your home country. Many airports have specific, signposted areas for picking up app passengers (the so-called ride-share zones).
Private and Verified Transfer Services:
Private and Verified Transfer Services:
If your university doesn’t offer transportation or if your flight arrives outside the official dates, the safest and most comfortable way is to book a private transfer. A driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal with a sign with your name, help you with your bags, and drop you off at the exact address.
Public Transportation (Train and Metro):
Public Transportation (Train and Metro):
Ideal if you are traveling with little luggage and to cities with excellent public transportation networks (like London, Madrid, or Tokyo). Research beforehand which line connects the airport to your neighborhood and buy the ticket directly from the automated machines in the terminal.
The airport circuit
Passport Control / Immigration
Follow the signs that say All Passports or Non-EU Citizens (if you are traveling outside of Europe). Keep the physical folder with the originals in your hand luggage: Passport, University Acceptance Letter, Proof of Accommodation, and the Visa Approval Letter. The immigration officer may ask to see these documents.
Baggage Claim
Check the screens to see which carousel corresponds to your flight number. If you are the last one to leave immigration, your bags may have already been removed from the carousel and placed to the side by the ground crew. If any bag does not appear, go immediately to the airport’s Lost Baggage counter before heading out to the public area.
Activate your Internet (Crucial!)
Don’t leave the airport without mobile network service. You can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to let your family and StudyWing know that you arrived safely. If you bought an international eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly), activate it as soon as the plane lands. If you prefer a local physical SIM card, there are always booths for the main carriers in the arrivals area.
Money and Cards
Always have some physical cash in the local currency for small emergencies (like a taxi that doesn’t accept cards). Avoid withdrawing or exchanging large amounts at airport counters, as the exchange rates are the worst on the market. Use your Revolut or Wise card directly at the official automated teller machines (ATMs) of a bank inside the airport.
Money and International Cards
Money and International Cards
How to manage your finances abroad, avoid bank fees, and pay like a local.
Using your traditional Portuguese debit card abroad (especially outside the Eurozone) is the fastest way to see your money disappear in conversion fees and international commissions. To avoid this, financial technology (Fintech) now offers free and digital solutions that are indispensable for any international student. Here are the best tools to look after your wallet:
The Best Digital Cards (Free)
Revolut
The true “Swiss Army knife” for international students. It is a free digital account that you control completely through a mobile app. It allows you to make payments in any currency at the real exchange rate (with no hidden fees) and withdraw money from ATMs abroad without commissions up to a certain monthly limit.
Wise
If you need to send money from Portugal to pay your tuition fees or accommodation abroad, Wise is the undisputed queen. It offers the lowest and most transparent transfer rates on the market. It also provides an excellent international debit card for traveling and managing balances in dozens of currencies simultaneously.
Golden Tips to Save Money
Always Pay in the Local Currency:
Always Pay in the Local Currency:
When you go to pay for a coffee or groceries at the supermarket abroad with your Revolut/Wise card, the payment terminal may ask if you want the transaction to be charged in Euros (€) or in the local currency (e.g., Pounds £, Dollars $, Crowns kr). Always choose the local currency! If you choose Euros, it is the merchant’s bank that handles the currency exchange at whatever rate they want (and it will be terrible).
Watch Out for Weekend Exchange Rates:
Watch Out for Weekend Exchange Rates:
Platforms like Revolut apply a small safety fee (usually between 0.5% to 1%) for currency exchanges made over the weekend, because global financial markets are closed. Tip: If you are going to travel or make purchases on a Saturday or Sunday, convert your balance in the app on the previous Friday!
Avoid “Tourist” ATMs:
Avoid “Tourist” ATMs:
Avoid at all costs withdrawing money from independent and purely tourist ATM networks (like the famous Euronet network with yellow and blue screens). These ATMs charge exorbitant withdrawal fees. Always look for automated teller machines (ATMs) that belong to official and physical banks of the country you are in.
The “Plan B” Rule:
The “Plan B” Rule:
Never trust your life to a single card. Keep your main digital card on your phone for everyday use, but keep the physical card stored in your wallet. In addition, always bring your traditional Portuguese bank card and some physical cash hidden in your bag in case of an extreme emergency.
Technology and Useful AI for Studying
Technology and Useful AI for Studying
Your digital ecosystem to master academic papers, organize your routine, and accelerate your learning.
Studying at an international university requires autonomy, critical thinking, and excellent time management. Fortunately, Artificial Intelligence and modern productivity tools have changed the rules of the game. If you use them smartly, you will be able to study fewer hours, but with triple the performance.
Here are the indispensable tools you need to install before classes start:
Academic Research with Artificial Intelligence 🤖
Perplexity AI
Forget generic Google searches that make you waste hours. Perplexity works like a smart search engine that answers your complex questions and, most importantly: cites the sources and scientific papers where it got the information. It’s perfect for starting to structure the bibliography of your essays.
Consensus
An AI search engine focused exclusively on scientific papers. You ask a question (e.g., “Does intermittent fasting improve cognition?”) and the platform analyzes thousands of peer-reviewed papers to give you a summary of the current scientific consensus.
Claude (Anthropic) ou ChatGPT
Your 24/7 private tutors. Don’t use them to write your papers for you, but rather as brainstorming partners. You can ask them to: “Explain this macroeconomics concept to me as if I were 10 years old” or “Help me create an outline for an essay on behavioral psychology.”
✍️ Writing and Language Improvement
Google Translate (Camera Mode) for Everyday Use
In the beginning, you will come across posters on campus, notices at the secretary’s office, or cafeteria menus in a language you don’t yet master. Open the Google Translate app on your phone, activate camera mode, and point it at the text; the app translates everything instantly right over the real image. It is a true lifesaver for your first few weeks in the country.
Grammarly
Even if your English is excellent, writing university-level academic essays is a whole different ball game. Grammarly evaluates the grammar, tone, clarity, and vocabulary of your text in real time, ensuring that your papers look like they were written by a native speaker.
DeepL
When you need to translate technical terms or complex sentences, forget Google Translate. DeepL uses advanced neural networks to understand the context and cultural nuances of language, offering the most accurate academic translation on the market.
📅 Organization, Notes and Productivity
Notion
The headquarters of your student life. Notion allows you to create a complete dashboard for your semester: you can take lecture notes, create calendars with assignment due dates, manage reading lists, and organize your monthly budget. There are thousands of free templates created specifically for university students.
Anki
If you are going into a course that requires a lot of memorization (like Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Languages), Anki is a must. It is a flashcard application based on spaced repetition and active recall. The app’s algorithm calculates exactly the day you are about to forget a piece of information and forces you to review it at that moment, locking it into your long-term memory.
Golden Tips
Watch Out for AI Detectors (Plagiarism):
International universities are extremely strict with academic integrity. Using AI to generate and copy entire blocks of text for an assignment will trigger university detectors (like Turnitin). Use AI to research, structure, and learn, but always write in your own words.
The Automatic Backup Rule:
Don’t trust your laptop’s local drive. Losing your computer or spilling coffee on the keyboard the night before submitting your thesis happens more often than you think. Write your papers directly in the cloud, whether on Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, and make sure you have automatic synchronization enabled.
Free Online Certifications
Free Online Certifications
Enrich your international resume, gain new skills, and stand out in the global market.
For those who are going to study abroad or want to apply for international internships, having extra skills on your resume is the tie-breaker. Many of the world’s largest companies and universities offer top-level courses with completely free digital certificates. It is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your free time and enhance your academic profile.
Here are the best platforms to get globally respected certifications:
Marketing, Business, and Digital Strategy
Google Skillshop
Google’s official platform where you can get certifications highly valued by companies worldwide. The most sought-after courses are Google Analytics, Google Ads, and the famous Digital Marketing Fundamentals course (which includes a certification recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau).
HubSpot Academy
The absolute global reference when it comes to content marketing and sales. They offer dozens of free courses that include a certificate (such as Inbound Marketing, Content Marketing, or Social Media Marketing). HubSpot certificates are an excellent addition to your LinkedIn profile.
Technology, Programming and Artificial Intelligence
Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)
It is completely free and was designed to teach the basics of Artificial Intelligence to anyone, without needing to know how to code. It is one of the most praised and respected certifications in Europe.
Microsoft Learn
Microsoft provides free learning paths focused on cloud computing (Azure), artificial intelligence, and data analysis (Power BI). Although official professional certification exams are sometimes paid, all the preparation and digital completion badges for the modules are entirely free.
freeCodeCamp
If you want to learn how to code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python), this platform is one of the largest communities in the world. The teaching is fully practical, based on real projects, and each successfully completed learning path entitles you to a free official certification.
Major World Universities (Harvard, Yale, MIT)
OpenLearn
(The Open University):
An amazing British platform that offers hundreds of short, free courses created by academics. You can study fields ranging from Political Science and Law to Project Management and Academic Writing, receiving a free digital certificate of completion without having to pay absolutely anything.
The Financial Aid Trick on Coursera and edX:
These two platforms bring together courses from the best universities in the world (like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale). You can watch almost all classes for free by choosing the “Audit Course” option at the time of enrollment. If you truly need the official certificate for your CV and cannot afford it, look for the link that says “Financial Aid available” right next to the enrollment button. By filling out a short form explaining your student situation, the platform usually approves the issuance of the certificate with a 100% discount.
StudyWing Tip for your LinkedIn:
As soon as you receive the PDF file of your new certificate, don’t just save it on your computer. Go to the “Licenses & Certifications” section of your LinkedIn profile, enter the exact name of the course, the issuing organization, and the verification link. International recruiters use specific keywords to search for candidates, and having these keywords validated by certificates immensely increases the visibility of your profile.
Your Adventure Starts Here
Studying abroad is one of the most defining decisions of your life. Having the right tools helps immensely, but planning an international move involves many bureaucratic details, academic deadlines, and strategic decisions. You don’t have to walk this path alone.
At StudyWing, we transform the complexity of studying abroad into a simple, secure process focused on your success. From choosing the ideal course and preparing your application to support with visas and accommodation, our team accompanies you at every step of the journey.
Do you want to turn your international dream into reality?
Click on the button below, share your goals with us, and schedule a meeting. Let’s plan your future together.