If you're preparing to live in another country for a semester or two, then you know it can be confusing and intimidating. Trust me, I'm right there with you getting ready to go to England for a year. Hopefully, with this guide, you can spend less time stressing over the paperwork and more time planning which beaches and museums to go to.

1. The earlier, the better.

If you feel even the slightest temptation to go abroad for a semester, then you should talk to an advisor from the Center for International Education as soon as possible. You don't need to go into your first appointment with a specific country or time in mind, but they are a wonderful resource to use and eager to answer any questions you might have about what the process entails. There is also a Study Abroad Fair held every year at the Union, in addition to seminars that the CIE holds if you're just looking to explore your options (or maybe too shy to meet one-on-one with an advisor so quickly).

2. Language barriers matter.

While I commend anyone who's willing to move to a country where they don't speak the language, I would not recommend it -- and neither would your advisor. If you speak multiple languages as fluently as English, then go for it! For those of us that took a few years of Spanish or French in high school and only remember how to ask for a glass of water or directions to the restroom, we're probably better off going to a university where the main language is English.

Your host university will ask you to provide proof of fluency in the language that is spoken when you apply (usually by submitting results from a language test and a recommendation from a tutor / professor). The only exception I have encountered is in the event that you are an American citizen applying for an exchange program to an English speaking university.

3. Passports are a necessity.

If you don't have one already, then make sure to get your passport as soon as possible. The CIE offers a service to get one for you without having to leave campus. There's also a discount day once a year where they waive the delivery fee that you should keep an eye out for if you're looking to save a few bucks. If you do have a passport, then make sure that it is valid as least six months after you are planning to come back from your study abroad.

4. Save your pennies.

My personal recommendation would be to start putting away money into a savings account at least two years before you plan to leave (if you're going for a year). You could get away with a year's worth of savings if you plan on being abroad for a single semester.

A helpful tool that all universities provide is a list of estimated expenses on their websites (this will usually include housing, travel, tuition and emergency funds). You should also keep in mind the cost of flights as they vary wildly depending on the time of year and airline you use. Student Universe offers discounts for students on flights and hotels, so make sure to check out their mobile app and website often for deals.

5. Brush up on your geography.

Don't be the ignorant American going abroad: make sure you know where every state / province of your native country is, in addition to brushing up on your world geography. It would also benefit you to stay updated on the current events of your home, as well as your host country (and continent). Try downloading your favorite news outlet's app and set up your phone to receive notifications for international and political updates.

Now stop worrying and start packing!