The Ultimate Guide To a Fulfilling Study Abroad Experience

Imagine being sixty years old and reminiscing to friends and family about that semester (or year) when you studied in France….or Spain…or Finland… Although foreign study does require some impeccable planning and organization, but it can be almost as affordable as studying domestically!

Make This Memorable Experience a Safe Experience

There is always an element of risk involved every time you step out of your home. Realistically, you can injure yourself falling in your own bathtub! Nevertheless, it is wise to adhere to some safety suggestions when you travel abroad.

• Make sure your studies are being offered through an accredited university or organization. Check their insurance provisions and/or be sure your own health insurance/liability coverage is clearly in place.
• It is suggested that you visit this informational siteand select your country of interest to get an idea of critical safety parameters. There is also the U.S Embassy contact information on the bottom of each country’s page and should be copied in case of an emergency.
• If you are on prescription medications, your physician may be able to advise you regarding regulations packing and carrying these medications internationally. Also educate yourself about what your specific airline allows in the form of transporting current prescriptions, OTC medications, and other necessities such as EPI-pen, apnea equipment, etc.

When You’ve Made the Decision to Go

• Obviously, research thoroughly the country in which you wish to study. Learn about their language, their culture, their customs, and go over any reviews you can find online that have been written about students who have studied there before.2. Get your paperwork done early. This would include obtaining your passport and researching what type of VISA you will need for your destination country. Add plenty of time padding to your VISA request so that this will not cause you any stress in case your stay is extended for any reason.

  3. Pre-plan your coursework schedule, your flight to your destination, and where you will be staying! You will want to schedule time around your class schedules so that you can tour and sight-see, as that is part of the purpose of studying abroad! Keep in mind you will need to plan your mode of transportation to and from your classes as well as for practical purposes such as shopping and the aforementioned sightseeing. You may be visiting a country in which a bicycle or small motorbike rental will suffice. Remember the travel is just the opposite in Europe, even on motorbikes. If you have a driver’s license, be aware you will need to be vigilant about traffic flow and laws.

  4. Make sure you are educated and up-to-date about the currency exchange in your destination country. Some of the more seemingly affordable countries often have more volatility in their currency exchange rate, and the last thing you want to do is run short on spending money. Furthermore, in terms of fiscal security, it is highly suggested that you obtain student travel insurance, which covers incidents that are almost unpredictable, i.e. perhaps the country has a worse case scenario of a border closure and your plans must be aborted.

  5. Moreover, check with your bank that issues your debit/credit cards regarding international use and ATM fees. If possible, obtaining a traveler’s credit card to use is your best bet.

  6. Make sure your physical condition, including dental work, is the best it can be before you leave. This is also the time to make sure your parents’ health insurance, or your own health insurance, is aware of your travels and coverage would be extended in case of any accident. It is also highly suggested that you make sure you register your trip with the United States government. Regardless of cell phone coverage, etc., there is self-assurance in knowing the good old USA is aware of your location. It goes without saying that friends and/or family should be aware of where you will be so that you have several watchdogs “at home.”

  7. If you will be studying with a university that corroborates with your American university, then the transfer of credit hours should not be an issue. If your travels have been organized via a private tour group or online offering, be sure and do your homework to make sure your class hours are accredited and will transfer toward your degree.

  8. Common sense dictates that you pack the correct clothing for varying temperatures. Definitely pack according to the country’s climate, and keep in mind practical issues such as packing hiking boots and not just flip-flops should you wish to hike. By all means, don’t forget to pack the appropriate electrical adapter for your phone charger!

  All of this may seem very overwhelming, but remember that anything worth doing takes effort and time well-spent will pay off in the long run.