If I have one recommendation for anyone with the option of studying abroad during college, it would be TO ABSOLUTLEY 100% GO!!! To make it a little easier and a little less scary, here are some things I learned before I went abroad to Australia.
Do your research. There are thousands of places to go and the best thing to do is to figure out where you will be most happy and which country would be best for you. Look up things such as school programs available, expenses (is it financially viable for you to go), travel opportunities, reputation of the university, living conditions, weather conditions, etc. The more you learn about the place you will be living, the easier the transition will be for you. Not to mention, the more you learn the more excited you will be to get on your way!
Find someone who has been there. Using connections through school, friends, family and work find someone who went through the same program you are planning to travel through or someone who stayed in the same place you are going to live. Ask their advice about what they thought, what they wish they knew before they left, or what things you should pack. This is a great resource to have especially when you are preparing to leave. You will come up with many last minute questions and they will be the perfect person to answer them for you.
Decide with your family and friends how you will keep in touch when you are gone. Make sure to exchange email addresses so that you can email your phone number when you get one. I recommend downloading Skype on your computer. This is a free way to communicate with anyone!
Pack light! Most likely you will be traveling A LOT. Not having your entire wardrobe will make traveling much easier and more enjoyable. Not to mention, you always want to leave room for shopping!
Go with an open mind! You are traveling abroad to learn about a whole new culture and experience all new things! This means be prepared to leave your comfort zone. The more people you meet when you are abroad, the better! Try and meet as many non-Americans as possible- you will learn the most this way and make your trip that much more memorable.
