What to Do Before You Go

Interview people who studied in your destination country. Find out what challenges they faced, how they dealt with them. Get their practical advice, such as the cost of food and the logistics of getting around town. See Olivia’s Junior Update for some tips from her study abroad experience in Italy.

Learn about the country and area you are headed to. Learn about out the top political issues, main religions, status of the country's economy, and its geographical and cultural highlights. Also be sure you know where the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Prepare for everyday life. Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and download its mobile app. With it, you'll get thousands of discounts worldwide – including restaurants, tours, transportation, clothing, and more. Also having a debit or credit card while studying abroad can make your financial life easier, safer, and efficient. Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted at stores, restaurants, and online almost everywhere, and purchases are automatically converted into the local currency, often at favorable exchange rates. If you lose or misplace your card, it’s easy to freeze the card though your bank app. Be sure, however, that your card does not charge a foreign transaction fee, like 1FBUSA’s Student Credit Card. Also be sure to take copies of your travel and ID documents and keep them in a separate space from the originals. It’s also important to take clothing that is appropriate for the culture and climate and get any needed vaccinations. Research transportation options in your host city, if helpful.

Create and review a budget. Make sure you understand all the expenses involved in your study abroad experience. Outside of your tuition, room and board and books, what else will you need to pay for? Your budget should include your airfare, any other transportation costs, and any excursions or sight-seeing you’ll be doing. Understand the exchange rate so you’re clear on how much things actually cost.

What to Do Once You Arrive

Immerse yourself in daily life. If you are living with a host family or local students, you will have a great opportunity to experience daily life. It will be easy for you to try the food and join in local ceremonies and activities. If you are living with other study-abroad students, contact with locals may be more challenging, so make the effort to get out into the community (see below).

Make friends with some locals. Seek out social clubs, sports teams, musical groups, and service organizations in the community. Talk to local students in class, on campus, and at cafes and venues near your college. Just be cautious about getting too personal with people you don’t yet know and always keep your safety and well-being in mind.

Try to learn the language. Speak the local language as much as you can even if you are learning it for the first time and locals speak to you in English. Learning even bits of the language can help you better understand the culture and communicate with locals.

Explore your surroundings. Get to know your surrounding neighborhood and take side trips with local friends. Sign up for classes that expose you to the local culture whether through field trips or other activities.

Keep a journal. Many students say their journal was the best souvenir of their study abroad experience because it captured moments they would have otherwise forgotten. Consider a handwritten journal, which may be easier to take with you and allow you to jot down thoughts and experiences as they occur.

We hope these tips encourage you to be curious, embrace new opportunities, and make the most of studying abroad. Bon voyage!