College is a wonderful time to travel, especially if you're school offers a study abroad program! Take advantage of this because it is most likely the cheapest way for you to visit another country for as long as four months. Deciding to study abroad is a big decision that requires a lot of planning. Here are some tips to ease those who are clueless where to begin like I was:
1. Get your plane ticket at least 2 or 3 months before your trip.
Tip: Don't necessarily go for the cheapest flight with the most stops. Choose one that will make you feel most comfortable for your first time abroad.
2. If your trip requires a student visa, make sure to check where your country's closest consulate is.
Tip: You cannot apply for a visa until it is 90 days prior to your departure. Make sure to look online for available appointments because they fill up fast.
3. Plan where you are going to stay abroad as soon as possible.
Tip: Check with other students who have studied at the same university abroad and see if it is better to live on campus, in an apartment or with a host family.
4. Make sure you check with your advisor to see which classes will transfer to your home university.
Tip: Try to save your general education requirement courses for abroad. It is easier to find a course abroad that will cover your general math gen-ed rather than a specialized major-specific course.
5. Make sure to have copies of your debit card, driver's license or ID and your passport.
Tip: Make copies of these items to avoid problems if you lose your documents/cards.
6. Budget your money and have a goal of how much money you want to save.
Tip: Every time you have to say no to going to the bars with your friends, think about all of the places you can go abroad.
7. Look up the norms of the country
Tip: You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb while you're abroad. Make sure you check what people there typically wear or what people normally eat for meals.
8. Learn to pack lightly
Tip: Make a list of everything you will possibly need and cut back from there. Why care about how many pairs of heels you have when you can think about the amazing souvenirs you can bring back in your decently full suitcase.
9. Make sure to add an international plan to your cell phone, or make arrangements to get a SIM card in the country you are staying.
Tip: If you want to put a SIM card in your phone, make sure it is an unlocked phone.
10. Let your bank know that you will be out of the country
Tip: This will avoid the bank canceling your card because they see purchases in Monaco. Also, make sure to check your bank's international fees.
11. Don't let the stress of planning study abroad keep you from getting excited.
Tip: The planning will all be worth it once you're there, I promise.
