The document provides guidance for students considering studying abroad. It outlines 5 key steps: 1) obtaining necessary documents like a passport and student visa; 2) choosing a destination country based on language skills, safety, and political climate; 3) deciding on housing like a host family, campus, or apartment; 4) selecting an academic program based on goals and credits; and 5) preparing for cultural differences and logistics like phones, emergencies, and transportation. Studying abroad provides an enriching experience through living in another culture and is worth pursuing through the various program options available.

1. Studying Abroad By Abby Wagner and Jillsa Aringdale

2. So you want to study abroad? Studying abroad is a fantastic experience every student should have! At first, taking care of all the details seems a bit scary but we’ll tell you everything you need to know and how to get it all done!

3. Step One: Where do you start? Two things you have to take care of before studying abroad…. Passport Student Visa for Country of Destination

4. How? Apply for your passport immediately because it can take up to 12 weeks. Talk to your study abroad counselor about your destination country’s law regarding student visas. Some countries require it, others don’t. Find out about your country.

5. Step Two: The Hard Part, Picking a Country

6. Things to Consider When Picking a Country What languages do you speak? Is there a language you want to learn? Is the country safe (for women/men/Americans, etc…)? What is the USA’s current political status with the destination country?

7. The Importance of an Open Mind When studying abroad you will see and experience many cultural aspects that you are not used to. If want to study abroad you must have an open mind to new and strange things!

8. Step Three: Where Should You Stay? Host Family- You can stay with a native family in your destination country and experience the culture and language everyday!

9. Other Housing Options On Campus Housing -This is another good option if you are trying to learn the country’s native language. Just make sure you request a roommate who speaks that language and not English! Off Campus Apartment -Students have to set this up on their own which makes it difficult and it’s also not the best option for students wanting to absorb the native language.

10. Step Four: Choosing a Program Many schools have sponsor programs and affiliate programs. It’s important to choose a program that will meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.

11. Choosing a Program: Things to Consider What are your goals for your study abroad program? How many credits do you want to take? Do you want to be studying alongside many other Americans? What do you hope to take away from your program?

12. Different Agencies to Choose From If you feel too limited by the programs offered by your university, there are plenty of credible, well-established study abroad agencies to go through.

13. API: Academic Programs International Mission Statement: “Each program is designed to offer a program of culturally enriching and academically stimulating experiences, along with opportunities to live, interact and learn in a new environment.”

14. Semester At Sea Semester at Sea is one of the favorite programs for study abroad because students sail on a ship all semester and get to stop at ports in all different countries, while taking classes on the ship.

15. AIFS: American Institute for Foreign Study “ Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) has more than 40 years of experience in organizing study abroad programs. We have helped more than one million participants realize their dream of international education and cultural exchange. AIFS provides study abroad programs in 16 countries.”

16. More Programs Besides these highlighted programs, there are many others that are worth the time to investigate in order to find the best fit for you. These include: American Intercontinental University Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad AustraLearn Council on International Educational Exchange CEA – Global Education Solutions Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University Institute for the International Education of Students International Studies Abroad interstudy The School for Field Studies School for International Training Study Abroad And so many more…

17. Step Five: Smooth Transition In order to make your international move as smooth as possible, here are some important things you will want to be aware of before arriving…

18. Cultural Practices As we said before, it is important to keep an open mind. It would be beneficial to have some knowledge of these before arriving in the country so you do not appear to be rude by acting shocked by them or by not adhering to them when you get there!

19. How to Use a Phone This may not be something you are thinking about, but you sure will be when you need to use one and find out how different phones can operate around the world!

20. What to Do in Case of Emergency 911 is only 911 in the United States… make sure you know what to do in your destination country in case of an emergency!

21. Electronic Information Many countries have different voltages for electrical sockets. This means you will probably need a converter for any electronics you bring from America, or else you’ll end up with a fried computer… or worse!

22. Transportation How are you going to get around in your destination country? Many European countries have excellent public transportation options, so explore your choices and consider purchasing a long-term subway pass or other way to get around.

23. Make it a reality! No matter where you want to go, and no matter what you want to study, there is a program that will fit your needs. Studying abroad will greatly enrich your educational experience, and is well worth the time and effort it takes to get there.

24. STUDY ABROAD!!! … and have the experience of a lifetime!