This book is designed to prepare the reader for a successful study abroad experience. Although study abroad programs usually have a pre-departure orientation, most of these are only a couple hours and are not able to sufficiently cover the myriad of questions that students and their parents have about study abroad. Our book is designed to fill that gap and inform the reader on many crucial elements that can make the difference between a fantastic study abroad trip and a lackluster stay. While this book is principally designed around the idea of study abroad, it can also serve as a guide for travelers planning an extended stay abroad.

From the authors’ own experiences as study abroad participants, study abroad program leaders, and study abroad researchers, the reader will learn vital information about every step of creating an outstanding study abroad trip, from pre-departure to the return home. We cover the following list of topics: choosing the right program, understanding practical elements (for example, obtaining health care while abroad), deciding what to pack, dealing with culture shock, setting realistic goals and outcomes for the program, understanding necessary language preparation, studying abroad beyond college, maximizing time while abroad, making the shift back to the home country, and using study abroad experiences in one’s future career.

In our work with students, we’ve seen first-hand that without the proper preparations and continued support while abroad, students may flounder and find the experience less than what they dreamt. It is our hope that by considering the advice in this book, students can go abroad with goals, strategies, and information that will help them make study abroad the experience of a lifetime that we know it can be.