3 steps to plan ahead for your study abroad 🌎 📚

Thinking about studying abroad, but not sure where to start? Already wondering if it's even worth it?

Many college graduates say NOT studying abroad was their biggest regret during college.

You can avoid that regret by planning early for your own studies abroad!

Sunglesses shaped like hearts, with photos of different countries flash in the lenses

Do Your Research

Study Abroad is two words — so make sure you research the STUDY part of your experience as thoroughly as you research the ABROAD part.

Start making plans 1 or 2 semesters before you want to depart.

Here are some questions you can ask your advisor or program provider:

Academics

Which courses will apply towards your degree?
What paperwork do you need to fill out to get the necessary course credit?
How will your grades come back?

Programs

Which countries can you travel to?
What programs does your school offer?
How much will it cost, and will your financial aid apply?
How do you apply, and when are applications due?

Man says 'I have several questions'

Did you know?

Many universities and colleges have an office full of professionals dedicated to helping students study abroad. Find this office or person when you first come to campus!

Consider Your Host Location

Congrats, you've picked the country you'll spend the next few months in!

Now it's time to find out...

Do you need a visa to study there?
What are your options for housing?
What are some things you should know about your host country?
What are some clubs and activities that are available on your host campus?

checking boxes on a list

Quiz

Anna wants to study abroad in a big city, but she's nervous about traveling alone. What can she do to prepare? Select all that apply.

Convince her best friend to go

Find out about student meetups offered

Talk to a student who's been there

Ask about clubs at her host program

Did you know?

If you aren't fluent in another language, you don't need to limit yourself. MANY universities abroad offer their courses in English, even if English is not the first language of that country.

Plan Your Departure

packing a backpack with clothes, shoes and passport

Now that you're ready to leave, don't forget to...

Plan your arrival and bring some extra cash in your host country's currency for when you arrive!
Tell friends and family how you'll stay in touch.
Notify your bank you'll be traveling (so they don't block your card!)
Make sure you have health insurance that will cover you abroad.
Pack light, so you have room to bring back souvenirs of your travels!

Take Action

Are you ready to plan an amazing college experience abroad?

Make an appointment to discuss studying abroad with an advisor on campus — check out these tips for making this a productive discussion.

Work with your university to find out how academics will work.

Talk to someone on your campus who has studied abroad.

Plan your once-in-a-lifetime experience! Don't procrastinate!

Check out more Bytes on this topic: How to save money for college, How to stay connected with your parents, Strategies to manage culture shock.

a plane takes off

3 steps to plan ahead for your study abroad 🌎 📚

Do Your Research

Here are some questions you can ask your advisor or program provider:

Did you know?

Consider Your Host Location

Now it's time to find out...

Quiz

Did you know?

Plan Your Departure

Now that you're ready to leave, don't forget to...

Take Action

Are you ready to plan an amazing college experience abroad?

This Byte has been authored by

D'Jeane Peters