Deciding to study abroad and finding a study abroad program that is the right fit can be a fun, but daunting task. There are so many factors that go into selecting a program and destination. Having studied abroad for 2 semesters, I know that preparing for your time away can be especially time-consuming and at some times confusing.

To help with the process, follow the below steps to prepare you for the best semester you can imagine.

1. Start saving

Studying abroad is NOT CHEAP.  Even if you are planning to study in a country that has a low cost of living, chances are you will want to travel around and experience as much of the surrounding areas as possible. The plane ticket alone to your destination will likely set you back $500-1000 so think of that as a starting point!

If you need some help with saving, this article can help point you in the right direction.  Start saving as soon as possible, and as much as possible, so you don’t run out of money while you are away.

2. Apply for a passport (if you don’t have one)

Regardless of what country you will be studying in, you will need to have a passport. Applying for a passport is a relatively simple process, as long as you are prepared. Most U.S. post offices have passport services although some are by appointment only. You can find out how to apply for a passport here.

3.   Research destinations

Determining where you want to study abroad is such a personal choice. You should decide on a location based on whether they offer a program that supports your major but also somewhere that you are actually interested in.

Also, think about what type of experience you want to have while studying abroad.

• How important is it to immerse yourself in the culture?
• Do you speak or want to learn a new language?
• Do you want to live with a host family?

Also please keep in mind—this may be one of the only times in your life where you have an opportunity to live in another country. Do this for YOU and let yourself fully enjoy the experience!

4.   Research requirements for your major and find an approved study abroad program by your college

This is such an important step and something that can make or break your path to graduation.

The international programs office at your college will likely have information on approved programs as well. If you find another study abroad program that isn’t on their list, don’t be afraid to ask if they would consider it. Meet with your academic advisor as well to review the courses you are interested in taking to confirm that they will transfer.

Another point to consider is how payment will be applied to your tuition while you are abroad. In some cases, you will pay your normal tuition and then your college will arrange payment to the study abroad university or management program. There are also cases where you will not pay your tuition for that semester but will pay the study abroad university directly. Make sure you are fully aware of all tuition and financial related aspects of the study abroad program you decide on.

5.  Research visa requirements and apply for a visa

Some countries have much stricter visa and immigration policies than others. Give yourself enough time to get a visa as sometimes this can take longer than expected. Expediting the process can be expensive and can be avoided if you plan ahead.

Also, if you are planning on studying abroad for a second semester, take into consideration those visa requirements as well. Some countries require you to take additional steps that may be required for you to be in your home country. For example, if you need to have an interview with a consulate 2 months before you leave for your program, you will likely have to take the meeting at your local consulate office (which won’t be possible if you are in another country at that point).

6.  Start learning/perfecting the local language

If you are studying in a country that speaks a foreign language, it is time to start brushing up on your skills. Knowing the language will make your experience so much more positive and will allow you to really immerse yourself in the culture. Yes, being in the country will help you learn the language faster but having a solid foundation beforehand will be extremely beneficial.

For example, I took Spanish classes throughout high school but didn’t study much prior to arriving in Spain for my first semester abroad. When my host family picked me up at the airport, I was very unprepared. They did not speak English, and my Spanish skills at that point were not strong enough to even hold a conversation. I was embarrassed and it could have been prevented if I would have focused more on honing my speaking skills before arriving.

7. Get vaccinated and confirm medical insurance

If you will be studying at, or visiting, a country that requires specific vaccinations, make sure to get those before you leave for your semester.

You will also want to get medical insurance that covers you while abroad if your current plan won’t fully cover you while you are away. Your college or study abroad program may have some recommended insurance plans that you can purchase. While it will be an upfront expense, having insurance will allow you to receive medical care while you are away without having to worry about the bills.

8. Make a budget

This may not be a fun step, but it is so important to know how much money you have to spend while you are away. Figure out how much you have saved so far and work from there. The biggest chunk of your budget, after your primary airfare to-and-from your destination, will be any trips you plan to take while you are abroad.

Research airfare to some destinations you are considering to visit and budget accordingly. Use a budget tracker while you are away too to ensure your spending is aligned with your resources. Consider using budget airlines and staying at hostels whenever possible to get the most out of your budget.

You can access a budget tracker I created here to use for each of your trips (or you can build off of this tracker to cover your full semester).

9. Create a packing list

This step can be surprisingly challenging. You are going to be away for 4+ months but can’t pack your whole life with you. You may want to pack 2 massive suitcases but think about how that will be dragging along the cobblestone streets of your new city? A good rule of thumb: don’t pack more than you can carry.

For clothing, try to pack a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe includes a limited number of versatile pieces that are easy to wear. You can follow the guide from Be More With Less here to make the most of those items you are taking with you. Although this article applies to your whole wardrobe, these points can easily apply to your packing methods as well.

This isn’t a full packing list—but make sure to pack:

• power converters
• any medication you may need while away
• a smaller bag for any weekend travel
• feminine products 
• copies of all documents (see point 11)

10. Find a gift from your home state for your host family

If you are going to be living with a host family, try to find a sentimental gift from your town or home state. It will be a nice ice breaker when you arrive or you can wait to give it to them towards the end of your stay to thank them for all they have done for you.

11. Call your bank and credit card companies & buy currency

Let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be living abroad so you don’t run into any issues while you are away. Something else you may want to consider is getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Definitely do your research before selecting a new credit card and be responsible with paying your bills.

Contact your local bank to order currency before leaving for the semester. You will want to have the equivalent to a couple of hundred dollars in cash in case you run into any emergencies and can’t use your credit card.

12. Make copies of everything

Make copies of all of your travel, visa, credit card, and school-related documents. Take 3 copies of everything with you and leave 1 copy at home for your parents. Keep your copies in different bags in case anything gets lost. Things will be so much easier if you run into a situation where you need to provide documentation for something.

13. Research your new city

Stay current on the news in your new city as well as the history of the city and country. This is going to be your home for the next few months, so get to know it before you get there! You might even learn of some recent happenings in the news that you can bring up in conversation with your host family or new friends.

Get ready to ENJOY THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!

Seriously though, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Enjoy all of the ups-and-downs throughout the semester and get yourself out of your comfort zone. Now is the time!