• With astute planning, anyone can afford study abroad. To economize, study in a country where the U.S. dollar is especially strong and/or study for a shorter duration.
• Study abroad is for everyone, not just language majors. In fact, many employers and graduate and professional schools welcome applicants with overseas experience.
• If you aren't sure about how you'd fare alone, consider going abroad with a close friend.
• Study the political climate of the country to determine if it is safe to visit.
• Learn about museums, architectural landmarks and other famous sites, and then explore them.
• Attend all program orientations. They're a great source of information.
• Research the host country's culture, religion, history, current events, and economy. This will help reduce subsequent culture shock and home sickness.
• Learn about traditional day-to-day behavior. What may be polite in one country—i.e., tipping—may be offensive elsewhere.
• Try to learn a few handy local phrases of the local language. The more you know of the language, the better you'll adjust.
• Record the address and telephone numbers of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and keep this information with you at all times.
• How expensive or difficult is a local Internet connection? Online access lets you contact family and friends via email, and keep informed of events back home via the Web. All this will help reduce culture shock and home sickness.
• Keep a journal. When you return, your journal will remind you of interesting sites and events you might otherwise have forgotten. Moreover, your journal may be a helpful resource if you subsequently write about your experiences or advise future study abroad students.

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