Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity that many people around the world take part in each year. However, the pre-study abroad process can be difficult as it's filled with forms, payments, and decisions. Here are some ways to ease your nerves about studying abroad.
1. Start planning as early as possible
When I decided that I wanted to study aboard someone told me that it was fine to plan everything the semester before. However, if you're paranoid that all of your documents won't get in on time like I was, I highly recommend planning everything as far in advance as possible.
2. Go to your university's study abroad office
This is the best places to find out all your options for studying abroad. They'll give you lots of helpful information and notify you of all the requirements.
3. Talk with your family to see what your price range is
Studying abroad can be really expensive so it's best to go into the process knowing what you budget is.
4. Do tons of research
Figure out everything you can about places you may potentially want to go. Don't just focus on things like the price and housing. Look at little things like what the weather is like and if it's easy to travel to and from. Nothing is going to disappoint you more than finding out the sunny paradise you had envisioned is actually dark and gloomy for the 4 months that you're there.
5. Talk to your advisers
Talk with your academic adviser to make sure that studying abroad is a good choice for you and that you won't be behind academically once you return. Also make sure you talk to your study abroad adviser as they will be able too answer any questions you have.
6. Figure out what types of program you want to use
There is a big difference in price depending on whether you decide to use a provider program or go on exchange, so researching these and other options available to you is paramount.
7. Make sure your program has your major or something similar
It would really suck if you spent lots of money to go abroad just to not get any credit from it.
8. Pick your location
Look back on all the research you did and pick what place makes you the most excited.
9. Be aware of deadlines and submit your forms on time
Make sure you're aware of the submission deadlines for your forms and payments. Additionally, make programs require a health clearance form from your doctor which they will only sign if you've had a physical within the last year.
10. Make sure you have a valid passport
These things take forever to process so make sure yours had not expired at the beginning of the process.
11. Check whether or not you need a visa and if so, how to get one
These also take forever to get and sometimes require you to go the country's embassy so do your research on whether you need one in advance.
12. Book your flight asap
Airfare gets super expensive the closer you book to your departure date so make sure you book your flight a few months in advance.
