If you've ever considered studying abroad for a summer or even a semester, now is the time to act on your whim. Finding an international study program that will suit your needs and educational requirements is definitely possible - if you know the right questions to ask and are willing to do a little research.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to pursue the opportunity to study abroad. Do you love to travel? Do you feel that an international study program will help you to enhance your knowledge in the field you are studying? Are you willing to learn another language, or are you in the process of doing so already? How long do you wish to stay? Do you want to spend a semester abroad studying Spanish in Barcelona or a year living and working in Rome, or even just a summer break learning some Chinese in Beijing? Knowing the answers to these questions is essential to effectively planning your international study program; knowing your objectives will also help you to get the most out of your educational experience, especially if you plan on going to school in another country.

Once you decide that studying abroad is definitely something that you want to look into, you should talk to your academic advisor about the programs that are available for your major. As with all academic programs, it helps to have your GPA intact; do your best to keep your grades up in order to prove to your professors that you are serious about your studies, whether local or in France. You should also ask your academic advisor about the study abroad programs affiliated with your college or university, and be sure to get all the literature you can on each program so that you can make an informed decision. Also, make sure that you can meet all the necessary requirements for the study abroad programs you're considering (i.e. exams, such as the PRAXIS or GREs, and language tests). Financial aid programs are also available for students who are participating in international study. Be sure to ask your professor about scholarships you may be eligible for. In addition to financial aid offered by your educational institution, you should also get your personal finances in order before considering studying abroad. Planning your academic travels as far in advance as possible can help you to become financially secure before you begin traveling. Try to work as many hours as you can (while still keeping up with your studies) and set up a savings account that is exclusively for your international study. Remember that you may want to splurge on a beautiful Prada bag while studying Italian in Milan or a fabulous Hermes necktie while learning French in Paris. Also, talk to your academic advisor about how to receive credit for your class work while participating in academic study.

When thinking about your financial limitations and opportunities during an international experience, be sure to review and debunk the following study abroad MYTHS:

• I can only receive academic credit for study abroad programs offered by my college or university - WRONG! The vast majority of US and Canadian universities will grant credit for transcripts from accredited foreign universities. Moreover, many study abroad programs issue transcripts from US accredited universities.
• The more expensive the program, the better it is - WRONG! There is little relation between a program's price and a program's quality. Often several different providers work with the exact same foreign university and prices vary considerably. Moreover, different providers include different services, excursions and extras.
I can't get financial aid for studying abroad - WRONG! Sometimes it takes a bit more work and research but financial aid is available for studying abroad.

When you choose a program that will be most beneficial to you make sure to keep a record of all the deadlines that are set for submitting the required materials. Be sure to mail everything at least a month in advance. This will ensure that your paperwork does not arrive late. In most cases, you'll need to send a copy of required test scores, transcripts, and a letter of interest, along with recommendations from your professors. If possible, make arrangements to have your test scores sent directly to the place you're applying to study internationally; this is much more convenient, especially if the program you have selected requires official copies of test scores.

You'll also need to apply for a passport and take care of any immunization required to leave the country. Passports should be applied for at least three months in advance. Also remember to check the visa requirements for the country you plan on studying in. Remember that different countries can require different paperwork, so if you are going to be studying French in Paris do not go by the deadlines of your roommate who will be studying Spanish in Barcelona - keep track of everything for your trip and your host country, and when in doubt, ask an advisor or call an embassy or check online. Schedule a visit to the doctor's office for a physical before leaving, and to obtain a copy of your medical records, so that you can carry your records with you overseas. You will also need to apply for international medical insurance if your plan does not cover you on your overseas semester. Nothing can ruin a beautiful experience studying Italian in Florence faster than a bad flu or a bad batch of pasta, and having adequate medical insurance will help guarantee that you spend less time in bed and more time studying languages and cultures! You can also apply for an international student card before leaving, so that you'll be eligible for student discounts, regardless of which country you study in or visit.

If there are information sessions scheduled for the international study program on your campus, do your best to attend them, or to at least get all the literature about the event from your academic advisor. Some informational interviews can also be conducted via email or over the phone, so if need be, schedule such meetings with an expert in the international program you're applying for. Lastly, remember to keep in touch with your academic advisor throughout the application process to ask about program changes and provide recommendations. And talk to language teachers! Many of them have been international study abroad students just like you, and their input on topics from what to wear to tour the Sistine Chapel during a summer abroad in Rome to what to pack before you leave for a year studying Spanish in South America can be invaluable!

Remember, the more prepared and organized you are before you leave for your overseas classes, semester, or program, the more relaxed and able to have fun you will be upon your arrival in your new, if temporary, home.

To get started, here are some links to study abroad organizations, language schools and study abroad directories:

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