What should I know about internet access and VPNs?

I'm studying abroad for a semester. What should I know about internet access and VPNs?

Get a VPN service before departure - crucial for study abroad! Needs you'll have: access university library resources (often region-locked), online banking from abroad (banks block foreign IPs), staying connected with family via FaceTime/WhatsApp (some countries block these), accessing course materials from home university, streaming shows in foreign language for immersion. I studied in Japan for year, ExpressVPN enabled: access to US university library databases (needed for research papers), keeping my bank account working (Chase blocked me first week until I got VPN), calling family via FaceTime (cheaper than international minutes), watching Japanese Netflix with subtitles (language learning). Practical tips: install before leaving (VPN sites might be blocked), get long-term plan (semester/year plan cheaper than monthly), covers 5 devices (laptop, phone, tablet, family's devices to video call you), test it with your university portal before leaving. ExpressVPN works in most countries including restrictive ones. Cost $6.67/month - budgetable on student finances. Also helps: appear 'local' for booking travel within country (better prices).