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Do Your Research
Many students who are interested in studying abroad are discouraged because they believe they don't meet the requirements. Do your research before ruling out this amazing experience.

Think your GPA might not be high enough? Many programs require only a 2.5 GPA. And you don't have to be a junior or senior to  

Study abroad

 , either. As long as your home institution has no requirements against it, you can study abroad at any time. Melissa McAfee did it for all four years (keep reading to get her take). Although class level may determine which programs and host universities are available, there are a wide range of options you can pursue as early as freshman year.

Worried about the cost? Studying abroad isn't necessarily more expensive than staying at your current university. In some cases - for instance, if you attend a private university or are paying out--of--state tuition - you may actually save a little dough by studying overseas. Just make sure you plan your budget in advance so you can find a program within your financial means. There are also many forms of aid available to help you finance your foreign endeavor. Visit sites like www.studentaid.ed.gov, www.iefa.org, and www.scholarships.com to get started.

Take It From the Experts
Getting ready for a study abroad experience is not as easy as buying a new backpack, a handful of number--two pencils, and a new laptop computer. There are very serious issues you must tackle prior to departure. Travel Insurance Experts (www.travelinsure.com) advises study abroad students consider the following tips before leaving the United States:

• Back up your important records. Make three photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents (such as traveler's checks). Leave a copy at home, keep one with you, and give a copy to your study abroad leaders. Then, should you lose a document, replacing it won't be impossible.


• Prepare a budget, making sure you take enough cash to exchange upon arrival. Also check with your local bank to ensure you'll have access to your account through ATMs in your host country.


• Purchase international student health insurance. Neglecting to do so may put you at risk for high costs should you require emergency medical treatment while abroad. Affordable plans such as Study USA--HealthCare meet most program requirements while offering comprehensive coverage.


• Fill prescriptions to cover your needs while you're away. Also verify that prescriptions you're taking with you are not considered controlled substances in your host country.

Take It From the Students
Before you pack your bags, review these tips from students who have studied on foreign soil.

Student: Brenda Ning, Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) graduate
Destination: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Advice: Brenda reminds you that even though it's a study abroad experience, it's also a vacation. "Certainly meet the class requirements, but don't pile on too much," she advises. "You want to have time to take day trips or do some weekend traveling. Take advantage of the proximity of other foreign countries." Brenda visited Beijing and Shanghai, and her friends traveled to Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, and Singapore.

Student: Diana Garrett, University of Maryland (college Park, MD) graduate
Destination: University of Sydney (Sydney, Australia)
Advice: Get a job, advises Diana, who worked at a gelato store on the beach and a day care center during her study abroad experience. "[Don't] work like crazy while you're abroad, but part--time, flexible jobs are usually available. It can give you extra spending money," says the 23--year--old. "Whether you're working once a week at a gelato store or babysitting for neighborhood kids, working abroad is a great way to meet locals. It makes you part of the community instead of just a random traveler who happens to live there for a few months."

Student: Kristin Vogt, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) graduate
Destination: Center for Academic Programs Abroad (Florence, Italy)
Advice: Kristin provides unconventional tips you may not have thought of.
"Bring polyester clothes," suggests the 23--year--old. "You'll probably be washing everything by hand. Polyester won't wrinkle, rarely shows dirt, and dries instantly after being washed."

Kristin also advises, "Pack bungee cords. You can rig up a drying line almost anywhere. "Keep in mind, this tip may be invaluable if you're in a country where it rains often.

Student: Melissa McAfee, University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) graduate, originally from Canada
Destination: University of Queensland
Advice: Melissa asserts that study abroad students must "learn to call it 'uni' instead of 'university,' love thong sandals (it's all the students wear on their feet), and not fear wild brush turkeys - they're all over campus." It's all about becoming immersed in your new environment, familiarizing yourself with slangs and expressions, and being open to the unusual, she says.



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Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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