By Brian Whalen

Choosing to study abroad as part of an undergraduate education is more common in today’s global society than ever before.  Students, professors administrators, and corporate and government leaders understand the value of the distinctive and important outcomes of a study abroad experience.  However, these outcomes and their benefits depend in great part on the student.  Education abroad continues to become more popular each year, yet the number of U.S. students who participate is still a relatively small percentage (3-7%) of all college and university students.  Students who do choose to study abroad  therefore have a special opportunity of which they should try to take full advantage.

How can students make the most of studying abroad?  Below are some practical suggestions based on my 20+ years of advising and discussing study abroad with students.  I should say also that I am the parent of two college students, one of whom has studied abroad (not surprisingly) four different times.  What I have learned about what makes study abroad most rewarding I hope is helpful to you.

Know Thyself

For most students who study abroad, the experience becomes a significant part of their overall college education as well as an important life event.

Know Your Home Institution’s Policies

Your college or university most likely has policies and procedures in place regarding study abroad, and it is essential that you understand them.

Know Your Program or Host Institution

Most students who study abroad do so under the auspices of a formal program or a host institution overseas.

Discuss Your Plans with a Study Abroad Advisor and Your Academic Advisor

Study abroad is first and foremost an academic experience embedded within an intercultural context, and discussing how you will approach this situation will help you to get the most out of it.

Study Your Host Society, Culture and Language

You will be a guest living in another society during your time abroad, and you may plan to visit others as well.

Write Down Your Goals and Clarify your Expectations

You probably will think of many reasons for studying abroad, but may not spend enough time exploring the “why” question.

Follow Health and Safety Guidelines

The most basic and important requirement for your time abroad is to be healthy and safe, just as it is on your home campus, or anywhere else.

Manage Your Finances Wisely

Planning for and managing the financial aspects of study abroad is challenging.

Decide on how much Technology you Really Need

Will you want or need to Tweet every day?  Have Internet or wireless access wherever you are?

Anticipate What it Will be Like Being a U.S. Citizens Abroad

When you travel outside of the United States you become a different U.S. citizen, one who represents U.S. culture, politics and society as a whole.

Learn How to Learn Differently

Study abroad is first and foremost an academic experience, and likely it will be a much different one than what you have been used to on your home campus.

Document Your Learning

Whether it be a traditional hardbound journal notebook or a collection of your e-mails written to family and friends back home, choose a way to document your experiences and what you learn from them.

Anticipate Difficulties

Leaving your familiar home environment for a foreign one will challenge you in ways that you cannot fully anticipate.

Maintain Your Sense of Humor

Or, cultivate it if you do not have one.

Ask for Help When You Need It

Studying abroad may be one of the most challenging experiences of your life that tests you in a multitude of ways.

Take Responsibility for Your Experience

Perhaps the most important aspect of your study abroad experience will be for you to be responsible and independent, to “own” your experience if you will.

Continue to Learn From Your Study Abroad Experience After You Return Home

Students who return from abroad often express a desire to return to their study abroad site.

Brian Whalen is President and CEO of The Forum on Education Abroad.