How to Study Abroad: Part 4-Getting Ready to Go

The biggest thing you need when preparing to go abroad is preparation.

BE PROACTIVE! Really, it helps. As soon as you submit your application go online and look up the visa requirements. Do what you can for that before you get your official or unofficial acceptance. Sometimes the process can take a couple of months to complete. If your application is due in mid March and you leave Mid July (as I did for South Africa), you only have 4 months for preparation to begin with. It's possible you will need medical clearance, signed documents, immunizations, bank statements, criminal records...you don't want to miss your trip because you couldn't get a doctors appointment on time. Get lists of pre-approved courses at your school, if possible, so you don't get back only to find that you are a semester behind.

BE ORGANIZED! Make a list of all of the important dates for your study abroad process. Know when you register for classes, sign up for housing if you'll be on campus, when you need to arrive/leave (visas have expiration dates; make sure your flight is before that date!). If you're living off campus, figure out what neighborhoods are best (safest, most cafes, easy access to public transportation, etc.). If you'll be with a host family, what is customary to give as a thank you gift (and do you give it as you arrive or leave)?

DO YOUR RESEARCH! Know what you need to pack and don't leave all of your errands for the last minute. Remember: the southern hemisphere has opposite seasons; many places have monsoon seasons; Asia and Africa can get VERY hot. So do your research, know what you will need to pack to be comfortable and fit in culturally where you are going. Learn a few key phrases if you don't already speak the language ("I don't speak ____" can be very useful. As can "food" "please" "thank you" "bathroom" "hello" and "goodbye"). Try to learn a little bit about the country you are going to. You must know something at this point since you worked so hard deciding where to go, but try to dig a little deeper. Listen to their music, watch their tv shows, watch their sports games, try some of their cuisine; go with whatever part of culture interests you most.

PLAN! What do you want to do while you are abroad? If you're going to South Africa, you might want to go on safari, shark cage diving, or bungee jumping. If you are going to Rome, you might want to try real gelatto. When in China you might want to see the Great Wall, or the Terracotta Soldiers. In Australia you might want to see the Great Barrier Reef. These are just a few ideas, but if you know what you definitely want to do it makes it easier.

Coming soon: What to pack!! (Including things you might not think of until you arrive but will then really wish you had)
KM