Decisions, decisions, decisions. Will you study abroad, work abroad, or both? Where to go? What to study? How will you pay for it? By working? Getting a scholarship or grant? Joining a student exchange program? Buying a volunteer tour? Taking a "learning vacation"? Where will you stay? How will you get around? What should you take? Here, you'll find a range of information and resources to help you answer these questions.




Europe has always been the top choice of students studying abroad – more than 60 percent. London, Rome, Paris, and Greece are the top destinations, but growing numbers are opting for Latin America, Oceania, Africa, and Asia. Once you've decided, learn everything you can about your destination in advance. Read up on the culture, people, customs, laws, history, economy, health conditions, and political situation. Along with your school's resources and country-specific books and websites, look into:

• The U.S. State Department website, with information on everything from passport applications and visa requirements to security briefings and vaccinations.
• Country-specific fact sheets from the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs
• The Bureau of Public Affairs' Background Notes, covering the people, land, history, government, economy, security, and politics of almost every country.

Depending on where you're going and what you'll be doing there, you'll need some or all of these documents:

• Passport
• Tourist visa
• Work visa
• Residence visa
• Immunization record
• International driver's license.

All of this takes time! Your passport, for instance, can take up to six weeks (but can be expedited if necessary). So avoid delays by starting this process as early as possible.

Passport Info
General passport info
How and where to apply
Find current routine processing time
Check status of your application

Visa Info
A visa grants official permission to enter a foreign country, required by many, but not all, countries. Different types of visas are based on the country in question, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Click here to learn more.

International Driver's License (IDP)
If necessary, get an IDP before you leave. (The latest country-specific fact sheets should have this information.) The IDP translates your ID information into multiple languages and is recognized by more than 150 countries. Print the IDP application, follow the instructions, and bring it with your state driver's license and two passport photos (signed on the back) to a local American Automobile Association (AAA) office. To apply by mail, send this information with a check for $15 to:
Immunizations
Your body needs four to six weeks for certain immunizations to take effect, so plan ahead. Visit the U.S. Government's Centers for Disease Control website for complete information about vaccinations and relevant health issues in the countries you're visiting.

Once you have all the necessary travel documents, make two copies of everything and leave one set with a parent, relative, or trusted friend. Make copies of the fronts and backs of any credit cards you're taking as well as your airline ticket. Always keep travel documents with you when you fly, never in checked luggage. Keep your documents separate from your cash, and consider buying a money belt, as it can be concealed inside your clothes. If your accommodation has a safe, use it for things like passports, travel documents, cash, and travelers checks.

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It's always smart to learn a little of the mother tongue of any country you visit. Even just the basics – "hello," "good-bye," "please," and "thank you" – will endear you to locals.

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Not only should you leave all your contact information with family or friends at home, you should also register your overseas contact information with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. You can easily do this by visiting the State Department's travel registration website and filling out a simple, private form documenting where you'll be during your trip. U.S. embassies and consulates are there to help if you run into problems during your trip. Once you know where you're going, visit that country's website and get the contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Keep that info on you at all times. If you have legal, medical, or financial problems, or there's an emergency in the region or back home, your government can help in various ways. (Helpful Hint: If you're arrested, you have the right to contact the nearest U.S. consulate office. Although they can't bail you out, they can contact a local lawyer and anyone else you specify). Registering also entitles you to a free account providing the latest country-specific travel and health alerts and other useful information via email.

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Click here for tips on staying healthy and here to weigh different insurance options. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

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You probably don't want to be saddled with too much luggage on your trip, so pack as lightly as possible. Make a list of the minimum you think you need. Take dry laundry soap. Avoid wearing flashy items – like expensive jewelry and watches – that may attract unwanted attention. Learn about packing principles here and find a packing checklist here, (although it may include more items than students need).

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Accommodations may be part of the package if you're an exchange student or part of a study group, but if you're traveling alone, look into budget hotels, bed and breakfasts (often in private homes), pod hotels (tiny rooms, often with shared bathrooms), youth hostels, and campsites.

Youth hostels (also called "backpacker lodges") are safe and very affordable, and are a great way to meet like-minded, young adventurers. Hostels consist of shared rooms with multiple beds (although single rooms are sometimes available), as well as shared bathrooms and cooking areas, so everything is very social. Many have common areas equipped with televisions, telephones, computers, games, and vending machines.

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Internet cafes, global cell phones, satellite phones, WiFi – with all that's available, it's easy to stay in touch while you're traveling. Plus, when you book your flight at netTrav, you can connect with like-minded travelers and start your own blog in the netTrav Traveler's Lounge!

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The opportunity to study abroad is an increasingly common aspect of American academic life. When seeking guidance and exploring available programs for study and/or work abroad, start with your school, then consult government and travel-related resources. Here are a few good starting points:

Ed.gov
Students.gov
Institute of International Education
U.S. Network for Educational Information
Council on International Educational Exchange