Somehow you’ve learned about study abroad. Maybe from a friend, a classmate, or a teacher. Maybe a parent or other family member traveled abroad during college. Whatever your story, it will be helpful if you take advantage of the following list of Things to Do Before Studying Abroad. It’s quite extensive, but this article only touches the surface of all the things you’ll need to know and do to insure you experience an exciting, educational and worthwhile Study Abroad
The List of 80 Things to Do Before Studying Abroad Offers Three Important Stages that Includes Researching Study Abroad Opportunities, Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience and Finalizing Last Minute Details Before the Big Day!
Stage One – Research Study Abroad Opportunities
Gather Information
1. Visit Your Study Abroad Office
The best way to learn about study abroad options at your college or university is to ask the people who have the best information about programs, destinations, costs, and credits toward graduation. They are the professions and it’s their job to help students learn about the available programs.
2. Talk to Friends, Family, and other College Students About Their Study Abroad Experiences
You will be amazed at how many people in your circle friends, family, and classmates have experienced a study abroad, or know someone who did. Mention your desire to study abroad during long conversations or brief encounters and you will learn interesting information about study abroad. My dad was traveling in California, met a guy in an Albertsons’s grocery store in the beer section. He mentioned my original desire to study in Dublin, Ireland, and work for Guinness, and the man mentioned that he knew a big shot regional sales manager for Guinness and offered to make introductions. Although I finally ended up going to Spain, the encounter was memorable.
3. Make an Appointment with a Study Abroad Counselor
After you’ve considered study abroad and asked questions, it would be helpful to set time aside to visit with a Study Abroad Counselor. S/he will be able to answer most, or all, of your questions. My first visit was enlightening and it helped me wrap my mind around the idea of all the possibilities for my study abroad experience.
4. Discuss Your Ideas with a Faculty Advisor
It’s important to discuss your desire to study abroad with your Faculty Advisor. In order to stay on track toward graduating on time, it’s vital to ensure whatever you decide will offer you the experiences you desire AND will allow you to earn degree relevant college credit for your efforts.
5. Determine If Study Abroad Credits Will Transfer to Your University
It is always good to understand just how many credits you have on the books and what classes you need that are offered during a potential study abroad program. You do not want to waste your study abroad program enrolling in classes that do not help you move closer to graduation. While still at my home university, Texas Tech, I specifically avoided taking the three classes I knew would be offered during my study abroad. In addition, there are some study abroad programs that may offer credits for your specific experience, but your college may not accept credit transfers for your degree. Make sure that you will get credit before finalizing any specific program.
6. Discuss with Parents
It’s always a good rule of thumb to get your parents involved as early as possible on your desire to study abroad. If they’re not supportive then you’ll know and you can choose to forget it, or you can make plans on your own. Hopefully your parents will be supportive.
7. Determine Costs and Available Financial Aid
There are many factors that determine to cost of your study abroad experience. The length of time, tuition, fees, credit hours, destination, travel expends, and so on. Once you have a general idea, you can begin looking into the financial aid possibilities. Make sure to visit your college’s Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible. Deadlines can be brutal if you don’t plan far enough ahead.
8. Check on Deadlines for Applications, Enrollment, Travel
With most things in life there are deadlines that must be met. We’ve already touched on financial aid deadlines, but there are many others. Probably the most important is completing the application for your desired study abroad program. It is crucial to get all of the paperwork in on time or early. If you’re normally a procrastinator, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE when it comes to completing your application.
9. Pick the Program that Excites You and Moves You Closer to Graduation
You can’t finalize your application paperwork, financial aid, and any travel planning until you’ve made your final decision. When it’s time, do it. Make the leap. Follow your heart but consider all the options and information you’ve learned during your research phase. Once you do, it’s time to get busy!
Apply for Your Study Abroad Program of Choice
10. Gather Information Required for the Application
The Study Abroad Office at your university will have a packet of information you will need to pick up to apply for a study abroad program. Often the packet will require you to complete some forms and may require you to ask family, friends, mentors, employers or college personnel to write letters of recommendation. The forms may also include a general information form that include emergency contacts, academic information, degree information, etc. You may also have to provide a health clearance form.
11. Write Paper if Required
Some college and university study abroad programs require applying students to write a paper detailing their interest in study abroad. If there is a requirement at your college, take the time to pull together your thoughts and write a paper that will make you proud, and will convince any reader of your desire, determination and ability to enjoy a successful study abroad experience.
12. Complete Application Before the Deadline
Deadlines are the bane of my existence. They may be yours, as well. Whatever the case, in this case, it is wise to befriend all of the study abroad deadlines so that you may enjoy a great study abroad. Buy or print a calendar that you look at each day. Write every deadline related to your chosen study abroad experience: application deadlines, financial aid application deadlines, tuition and fee deadlines, etc. Losing out on an exciting study abroad program because you missed a deadline is unthinkable. But it happens. Don’t be that person. Plan ahead.
Gather Travel Documents
13. Passport
The first order of business is to apply for a passport. In the U.S. the primary form of official identification is a driver’s license. When traveling to a foreign country, a passport is required. Applying for a passport is pretty simple, but it often takes weeks before it arrives in your mailbox. It’s best to apply as early as possible. Call or drop by your local post office and ask if they handle passports. It’s always easy to perform a quick internet search as well for local passport providers.
14. Apply for a Travel Visa
Although a passport is required, a travel or study visa may also be required by the foreign country, or countries. Visas do not normally take as long to get as passports. Your study abroad office can help you with this. Make sure to follow all guidelines and understand the visa requirements for your country or countries. Paperwork is important and you want to ensure that every “I” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. Make sure everything is in order.
15. Order Extra Passport Size Photos
It’s a safe bet that your college or university abroad will want one or more small photos of you for a campus I.D. or some other paperwork. When you get your passport photo taken, you will probably be asked if you want extra photos. Answer yes and order a couple of extra. They are not expensive, and they will come in handy later on.
Plan Your Travel
16. Check on Flight Schedules and Costs
During your research phase of selecting a study abroad program, you may want to check on airline pricing to each potential country on your list. The earlier you can book your flight, the cheaper it should be. But the prices you learn will give you a benchmark as you plan the financial piece of your travel abroad.
17. Check on Local Transportation from Airport to Final Destination After Arrival
Traveling to my Study Abroad Program in Seville, Spain, the cheapest flights required me to:
- Fly from the U.S. to Madrid, Spain.
- Take a taxi or Uber from the airport to the train station
- Travel from Madrid to Seville on the train
- Walk, or take a taxi/Uber from the train station to my Host Family’s apartment near the Texas Tech University campus in Seville
Each leg of the journey was new and exciting for me. But if I had not planned ahead, I’m sure I could have lost time, stressed out, or suffered a mental breakdown if something I wasn’t expecting had occurred. Once again, plan ahead.
18. Group Travel Plans Usually Include All or Most Transportation From the U.S. and Back to Place of Origin
If you are part of a group study abroad program, your transportation will be a part of the package. You will most likely be required to meet up with your group at an airport in the United States. Some programs require you to meet at another specific destination: foreign airport, hotel, etc. Make sure your travel arrangements match up with the itinerary. Guard your tickets. Double check that you have them and your passport at all times.
Learn Your Housing Options
19. Living in an Apartment
Many study abroad students choose to live in an apartment while studying abroad. It is a familiar setting with the freedom some students need.
20. Live with a Host Family
This is the option I chose. I knew that Texas Tech offered the option of living with a host family in Seville, Spain. I felt the experience would force me to become a better Spanish speaker. My host family spoke very little English and in order to communicate, I had to improve my language skills. It was always a challenge, but it was fun to engaged on a daily basis with wonderful people with very different backgrounds. I still refer to them as my “Spanish Parents.” My parents and sister wanted to visit Spain, so at the end of my semester, they came to Seville. It was a joy to introduce my Spanish Parents to my real parents. I didn’t know what to expect, but we had a lovely time together, with food and wine served for an afternoon meal.
21. Campus Housing
Another housing choice is campus housing such as dorm rooms. This was not an option available to me. This is another option that offers students a “familiar” experience of living on campus in close living quarters with other students.
22. Hotel(s)
Since hotels are usually expensive, this option is usually reserved for short-term study abroad programs that offer a multitude of locations in various cities and/or countries. This is not the best option for longer study abroad programs.
23. Other Housing Options
It’s been known for study abroad programs to offer students living quarters that are only available due to the specific location. For example, when studying in remote areas, students are often forced to live in tents for some duration of the program. There may be other programs offering similar experiences using other forms of housing. Be sure to understand your study abroad program housing options before signing up.
Financing Your Study Abroad
24. Get Your Finances in Order
It is never too late to understand your financial obligations when planning a study abroad program. Do you have money available for a study abroad? Where will it come from. Family? Financial Aid? Savings? How much does your study abroad of choice cost? Can you afford it? If it’s expensive and you can’t afford it, is there another one that costs less but offers an experience you would enjoy. Lots of things to consider.
25. Parents and Family
The first place to start is your family. Are they willing to chip in for your study abroad? Are they convinced that the opportunity is worthwhile and worth the money? It’s your job to convince them. The more that they can chip it, the less you have to raise using other means.
26. Savings
Have you saved for a study abroad experience? If so, you’re ahead of the game. If your study abroad experience is still a year or two away, begin saving now. Put every available nickel and dime in a savings bucket (jar, piggy bank, bank account, etc.) and you’ll be better prepared to pay for your study abroad.
27. Financial Aid
Colleges offer financial aid for many study abroad programs. Research available funds and apply early.
28. Wages from a Full or Part-time Job
Do you have a job? Can you set aside some or all of your paycheck to pay for your study abroad? If you can, great.
29. Fundraising Options
Students have been known to get extremely creative with raising funds. Some host garage/yard/tag sales to generate extra income. Others sell items on Ebay, Craigslist, or just to people they know. I’ve seen a number of online efforts using a student’s social media network to promote their cause. A few examples include:
Bonfire – A T-Shirt Fundraising Site
This site allows students to raise money by selling custom t-shirts. You design your message and select the styles, fits, and colors. The site also lets you set the prices for your items. The costs associated with the program are reasonable.
Fundly – A Crowdsourcing Website
Fundly is a relatively inexpensive fundraising website that offers many helpful features. You are assigned a fundraising page that can feature your personal photos and videos highlighting your desire to study abroad. The more appealing and inspiring you can make your page, the better your fundraising will be. There are small fees associated with this program.
GoFundMe – A Crowdsourcing Website
Stage Two – Prepare for Your Study Abroad Experience
Book Travel
30. Airline Travel
You’ve done the research, you’ve been accepted into the program of your choice, you know when it begins and ends. Now it’s time to arrange your travel. Airline tickets are best purchased three months in advance when possible. Save more money by reserving early.
31. Finalize Local Transportation: Train, Bus, Taxi, Uber, other
Establish a transportation plan for when you arrive at the airport closest to your final destination. Is the university or educational location near the airport? If so, a taxi or Uber should be able to pick you up. If your final destination is not in a location with an airport, you may need to get to a train station for the next leg of your trip. Whatever your options are, plan ahead and do as much as you can as early as you can.
Reserve Housing
32. Finalize Accommodations
By now you should know where you plan to live. Make your choice and follow up with whatever is required to secure your place to stay for the duration of your study abroad.
Communications
33. Explore phone plan options
Learn the available cell phone options for international travel. Determine if your carrier offers a reasonably priced plan in the country you will be studying. Be aware of roaming charges as well. Whatever you decide, there are a variety of Apps available to communicate with family and friends. They are not as convenient as cell service for calls and texting, but you can still manage pretty will. GroupMe, Whatsapp, and others offer free messaging, calls and video chat.
34. Unlock your cell phone
Before leaving the U.S. it would be wise to have your cell phone unlocked. A locked cell phone will not allow you to localize your cell service while abroad. This may require you to pay off whatever amount you owe for your individual phone. I had to pay off my iPhone so that I could get it unlocked. Then I purchased a SIM CARD in Spain so that my calls in Spain were not charged international rates.
Learn more about your cell phone options available in the country you will be traveling. By the time you travel back home, you’ll be an expert at finding WiFi hotspots do perform whatever communications you need.
35. Download helpful smartphone apps for travel.
It’s amazing how many Apps are available for travelers. There are Apps available that quickly convert money values from dollars to whatever currency is used in your country of choice. Others convert from U.S. standards to metric standards (temperature, fuel, speed, mileage, etc.). City maps are also available on multiple Apps. Take some time to review available Apps for travel and read my article specifically on Apps here.
Money
36. Familiarize Yourself with Foreign Currency
Almost every country uses currency different from the U.S. standard of dollars. You should take time to understand the currency used in the country you plan to study abroad. If possible, get a sample of the money before you travel. Study the bills and coins to make sure you’re aware of their value, especially if you do not speak the language. It’s crucial that you understand the conversion rate from dollars to local currency. The European Euro is probably the simplest. The “Euro” is valued pretty closely to the U.S. Dollar. It is usually valued above the dollar, but it is pretty easy to remember that an item that costs one Euro is priced between one and two Dollars.
37. Contact Your Bank
Discuss the options available to you by your home bank. Determine the costs of getting access to your money while living abroad. Will the bank charge an exorbitant fee to use a foreign ATM? If necessary, you may want to open an account with a bank that offers favorable services. Beware of fees, commissions, and other costs associated with accessing your money. Personally, I withdrew enough money to last a week or two each time I used my ATM card. The fees were higher than I wanted to pay, but a $2 or $5 or $10 fee per withdrawal was easier to swallow when I withdrew $200 than when I withdrew $50.
Gather Travel Documents
38. Update Your Online Banking Password
It is better to update your online profile at your banking institution while in the U.S. rather than attempt to do this while abroad. Take the time to get all of your money-related ducks in a row.
39. Contact All Credit Card Providers
Make sure to notify the provider of any credit card you plan to use while traveling abroad. Inform them of your travel plans and any relevant information, including cities and countries you will be in. More than likely your card will be put on hold for fraud protection if you do not inform them before you leave. Save yourself the trouble and do in now.
40. Consider Opening a Foreign Bank Account
If you plan to be in a foreign country longer than a month, consider the option of opening a foreign bank account. Check into your options, but if you can save money, it might be worth the effort. If it won’t be any cheaper, don’t bother. Just use your current account(s).
Travel Documents
41. Make Copies of All Your Important Documents
Paperwork can get misplaced, stolen or destroyed. Make sure you have copies of all documents, especially your Passport and Travel Visa. If lightening strikes and you lose or misplace them, you can get replacements much quicker if you have copies available for the authorities. It would be prudent to have physical copies, and digital copies either in your email or on a cloud server for easy access.
Prepare for Emergencies
42. Health insurance
Most study abroad programs require some form of health insurance before allowing students to finalize their study abroad paperwork. It’s a smart move. It’s not expensive and can save a bundle if you incur some injury or get sick.
43. Travel insurance
Flights get cancelled. Other travel related things happen that could cost you money. It’s a safe bet to get some form of travel insurance before leaving the U.S. Ask your insurance agent and ask your study abroad office to recommend the best options for travel insurance.
44. Save Emergency Numbers in Your Cell Phone and Elsewhere
Remember the fire drills when you were in elementary school? The school administration wanted the entire school population to undertand the procedures in case of emergency. You can bet the office had every emergency number at their fingertips. I suggest you have all emergency contact numbers for police, fire department, the U.S. embassy, your college, the local taxi or Uber provider, and anyone else you can think of located in the city you plan to reside while studying abroad. Be prepared.
45. Know what to do in case of an emergency.
Not only should you have the relevant emergency telephone numbers, but it would be wise to think ahead of the possible challenges you might face in an emergency. Do you know the emergency exits of your building? How about where the closest police station is located in case you need to get there? Pay attention to your surroundings and make alternative plans just in case.
Health-Related Decisions
46. Medications and Prescriptions
Make sure that you have all prescriptions necessary so that you can get them filled abroad, if necessary. If possible, take enough to last you the entire time you’re abroad. Sometimes you can get a prescription filled in a foreign country. I’ve heard stome students who had to get their parents to ship medications to them at their foreign address. Plan ahead.
47. Get a Physical.
It’s always wise to determine your health before traveling abroad. Although health care may be available where you’re traveling, it’s safer to understand any challenging issue that you may not be aware of before leaving the U.S.
U.S. Embassy in Host Country
48. Register with the Local U.S. Embassy in your Host Country
It takes about five minutes to register online with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The service is free. A couple of benefits of registration include helping your family and others contact you in case of emergency. The embassy also sends information about the safety conditions in your host country.
I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the various U.S. Embassy locations in your Host Country. For example, when I traveled to Spain, I learned that the actual U.S. Embassy is located in Madrid, Spain. But there are six other Consular offices located throughout the country, in Barcelona, Fuengirola (Málaga), Sevilla, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, and Las Palmas. I learned on the Embassy website that “Visa services are provided only at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, and only by appointment.” I also learned that “Emergency passport services for U.S. citizens traveling in Spain may only be available at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona.” Finally, I learned that “the telephone number for any emergency involving an American citizen outside of normal business hours is 34-91-587-2200.” Go to your host country’s U.S. Embassy website I find out as much information as you can.
Purchase the Necessary Items Before Departure
49. A Voltage Converter (if necessary) and Electronic Adapters
Many countries around the world use different outlets to power their electronic devices. Most countries in the western hemisphere use 110-120v outlets. Others use 220-240v outlets. It’s wise to invest in a voltage converter. They are easy to find and do not cost much. Also be sure to bring extra power supplies for your computer and cell phones.
50. Buy a Limited Amount of Essential and Non-Essential Items
I recommend that you pack what you need for a few weeks, but plan on shopping for most items while abroad. Unfortunately, many countries do not have the same brands available that you may prefer, but you should find a suitable item as a replacement. There are some items that Americans prefer to take with them, like feminine hygiene products, but I suggest researching this topic more.
51. Purchase a Basic Medicine Kit
Jet lag, stomach problems, and headaches are common for first-time international travelers. Make sure you have a medicine kit with your favorite remedies for these, and other issues you might have while traveling. It’s also good to have some band-aids, a tube of antiseptic medication to ease cuts and scrapes.
52. Good Walking Shoes Are Essential
Yes, walking shoes. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes, or a couple of pair. You will probably walk more abroad than you normally do, unless you’ve grown up in a city that requires a lot of walking. Take care of your two best friends – your feet.
53. Appropriate Clothing is Necessary
Packing a parka for a study abroad experience in the Amazon River Basin is probably not the wisest choice of clothing. My point, I’m sure, is obvious. If your current wardrobe is not appropriate for the environment, culture or program, you may need to shop for the best clothing options for your host country.
Protecting You and Your Information
54. Do You Need a VPN for Your Electronics Gear?
I suggest discussing VPN with your study abroad program admins, or an IT professional that you trust. Basically, VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an app that you place on your laptop or cell phone. A VPN establishes a private connection between your computer and any website or application. A VPN allows you to encrypt your data, access apps that may be unavailable through a WiFi services, and also allows you to change your IP location. All of this helps keep your information private from prying digital eyes.
One interesting aspect of a VPN allows you to access some popular sites that may be blocked by the government in your host country. Some governments block sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix to hinder their citizens from viewing or accessing information they deem inappropriate. In other words, censorship.
55. How Do You Plan to Protect Your Valuables?
A VPN may protect your online, digital information, but you must make plans to protect your valuables: cash, credit cards, passport, visa, etc. Many foreign travelers use specialty wallets, purses and … to keep their valuables safe. I recommend researching the best options that you feel comfortable using.
Research the Foreign City/Country/Region in Advance
56. Learn Places that are Safe
The more you know about your host country, the better prepared you will be to take advantage of opportunities available. In addition, you can also find out about places and people to avoid while traveling. Some cities have safe areas of town, and some that should be avoided.
57. Become Aware of Cultural Sensitivities
Make sure you’re aware of social customs and stereotypes. Just like all Texans don’t own horses, or Californians live on the beach, the same is true of people living in other countries. For example, not all Spaniards love bull-fighting, dance the Flamenco, or eat paella every day. Learn ahead of time what’s important to the people you will encounter during your study abroad. Of course you won’t know everything, but at least you’ll know enough to begin a conversation, and hopefully avoid stepping on toes.
58. Seek Out Any Local Connections
Do you know anyone in your host country? Does your parents, neighbors, extended family members, or friends? If so, see if it would be appropriate and/or beneficial to get in contact with them while you’re abroad. You never know what great adventure you could have by contacting someone recommended by a friend or family member. As long as you feel safe about the interaction, it could be worth the effort.
Ask Yourself a Few Questions
59. Why Did You Pick Your Host Country?
You selected your study abroad program and the host country. Only you know your purpose for the selection. And only you know what goals you have for your study abroad experience. Make the best of it. Remember why you chose the program and prepare for the best challenge of your life.
60. What Interests You About Your Host Country?
Were you swayed by the language? Did you pick your program because of to geography, the people, the culture? Is your interest specific to the coursework you’ve selected? Whatever the case, there are options available to you that will give you a broad experience. Once you arrive, learn about those things you may not have expected. There’s a wealth of experiences waiting you just keep your eyes and ears open and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.
61. Should You Plan to Arrive Early or Delay Returning Home?
Some of my friends traveled to Europe in advance of our study abroad program in Spain. They traveled to places not on the itinerary of our specific program. Although I traveled to various spots in Europe during our extended breaks, I waited until the end of my semester to stay a little longer. My parents and sister arrived after my program concluded and we traveled to Portugal, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It was a wonderful conclusion to an outstanding, remarkable study abroad experience.
62. Does Your Study Abroad Program Offer Extra-Curricular Travel Excursions?
Many programs offer special, extra-curricular travel experiences during weekends and extended breaks. My group traveled to a variety of locations in Spain with faculty members leading the discussions. Check on your program and see if there are extra travel opportunities that are included.
63. Where Can You Travel During Weekends and Breaks?
I was able to travel to Amsterdam and Paris during extended breaks with a small group of friends. We also spent a long weekend on the coast of Portugal. It was a great time.
64. Who Would You Be Comfortable Traveling With?
If you’re traveling with one or more others from your college or university, you might see how compatible you are with them. If you get along pretty well, you may want to make plans for those dates available to travel on your own. But plan early because travel expenses are cheaper if you can reserve and purchase tickets early.
65. Are There Historical, Cultural or Significant Locations You Want to See on Your Own?
I’m a history buff, so I was enamored with the historical locations in Spain. You may want to determine what locations interest you and your friends. Plan a trip specifically around your interests. Let’s say you’re a music buff. Determine if there’s a big concert planned for some location near you. See if a friend or friends are interested, order tickets, and enjoy a great experience.
66. Are You Prepared to Speak the Language of Your Host Country?
I was not fluent in Spanish when I arrived in Spain. I’m still not fluent. But I took Spanish classes during my high school career, and I took a Spanish class while in Spain. I struggled to communicate at times, but that was part of the fun of living in a foreign country. If you have time, take classes before your travel abroad and work hard to learn as much as you can. Then when you arrive, do your best, smile a lot, and try your hardest. The locals will appreciate your effort, and your willingness to communicate on their terms, not on yours.
Stage Three – Finalize Last Minute Details Before the Big Day!
One Week Prior to Takeoff
Final Pre-Planning
67. Tie Up All Your Loose Ends
Whatever may be hanging over your head, it’s time to get them done. I won’t pretend to know all of the possibilities, but it’s time to check them off the list.
68. Check Your Flight Details Online
Double check your flight details to ensure everything is the way it’s supposed to be.
69. Charge Your Electronics
Although international flights offer a variety of entertainment options, make sure all your electronic devises are fully charged. You’ll want to keep in touch with your family and friends, post photos and texts on social media, and do whatever you do with your electronics.
Packing
70. Pack Smart. How? Pack Light!
Do not make the mistake of packing too much! It’s easy to do. Spread out your three recommended pieces of luggage. See my luggage recommendations here. Now pack your bags with your mind. Think through what items belong where. Shoes? Laptop? Electronics? There’s a place for some of everything you need. Notice I mentioned the word “need.” You don’t need everything. Take your pile of items and think about what you can leave behind. Set those items aside. IF you have room after you’ve packed the rest, you can roll dice or find some other way to select the remaining items that you would like to take. Remember, airlines like to charge extra for overweight luggage and extra luggage. Also remember, you’ll be lugging your baggage around alone. Can you do that with the bags you’ve picked? Don’t put yourself into a position where you’re carrying something unnecessary. It’s a pain.
71. Prepare Your Carry-On
Your carry-on is an important bag. If for some reason your Checked Bag is lost by the airline, you will have enough clothes to last several days until your bag arrives. Think ahead and pack enough items to help you survive those first few important days of your study abroad experience.
72. Set Aside your Travel Outfit
You may change you mind multiple times. But it’s time to settle on what you plan to wear during your first day of travel. Make sure your clothes are comfortable. You also may want to wear layers so you can add or remove clothing based on how cool, warm or hot your transportation is during your travels.
73. Do You Have Your Travel Documents
Sorry, but do not forget them! You’ll be sorry.
The Night Before
74. Do Not Stress Out
O.K. You’re about the travel around the world and I’m asking you not to stress out. For some, this suggestion will not be a problem. But for some students, stressing out is just a part of life. Try to relax. Think of the good things that you’ve been looking forward to. Remember all the effort you put into this great adventure. Don’t let a little stress ruin your last night at home.
75. Spend Time with Family
You’re about the leave home for an extended period of time. Why not spend your final night with family?
76. Get Some Sleep
You probably have a long trip ahead the includes at least one international flight. The more rest you have before departure, the better you will handle the stress of traveling abroad.
Final Thoughts
77. Plan to Say Yes When Possible
Some of my most memorable experiences happened when my initial, lazy response, would have been, “No,” or “Not now,” or “Maybe tomorrow.” I still remember regretting some of the times I didn’t go to an event, or out for a drink at a local pub with a group of friends. They often share great stories of something that happened that was hilarious or memorable or even a little scary, but they had a great time. Usually I was home doing nothing important. I’m not suggesting that you skip studying for a major test, failing to complete a project due the next day. I’m just saying that it’s often those “little things” that happen on the spur of the moment with friends that make life worthwhile. Just be aware of what you’re missing when you say no. Also, it’s also wise to say no when you think safety is a problem. That should always be a priority.
78. Plan to Journal Every Day and Snap Loads of Photos
One of the joys of studying abroad is reminiscing months or years later about the experiences you had in a foreign country. Some of the most fun times may be forgotten if you don’t remember to jot down something fresh on your mind after the event. Make a note of things that were unpredictable, little jokes, a funny turn of phrase, or a description of the group getting lost and figuring out “the way home.” These events will remain great stories to tell if you write them down in your journal, or diary, or notebook. And a few photos won’t hurt either. Remember that part of the reason to study abroad is to create great memories.
79. Plan to Call Home Often
Yes, plan to call your mother. She worries. All mothers worry. They may not say it, but they do. Others want to hear from you as well. Take some time to let others know what you’re doing, seeing, enjoying. Share a little. And remember, family won’t care about
time zones. And I expect your grandmother cares less than anyone else. Let your family know you’re safe and happy. If you’re homesick, they can help ease the pain. Remember, it isn’t weakness if you want to call home. I think it’s a strength.
80. Hope for the Best: You Can’t Plan for Everything.
Life is complicated. Foreign travel has its complications. Interacting with others is complicated. Something will go wrong. But with planning and preparations, the likelihood of a major complication is reduced. There might be a flight delay. Trains can be late. You might get lost. Whatever the case, stay calm, think clearly, and follow your instincts. Ask for help if you need it. Seek advice. Call your study abroad office back at the college if necessary. As long as you’re safe, then all else can be adjusted, re-scheduled, or made right. Just remember, these complications will serve as great stories to share for the rest of your life.
Remember, a Positive Experience Requires Your Participation
Your study abroad experience is yours, and yours alone. When you make the life-changing decision to study abroad, your focus should be on your desires, expectations and dreams. Go for you, not for someone else. Make the best of it. Remember, the stories you bring home to your family and friends can be boring and forgettable, or they can be filled with fond memories, hilarious and heart-breaking anecdotes, beautiful descriptions of people, and landscapes, and conversations and inspirational journeys to places only dreamed of by you, your family, and your friends. Make the best of it. Make your time abroad meaningful and remarkable and awesome. Only you can control your experience. Don’t just step outside your comfort zone, leap way beyond. Look both ways first, be safe, but leap! Your adventure is waiting.