5 Tips for an Amazing Study Abroad Experience

A semester abroad is a great highlight on your resume and can give you a cultural experience that, according to Penn State, less than 5 percent of U.S. students are able to have. It's a way to distinguish yourself as a go-getter and to see the world, while possibly learning a language. But it's also an investment. And like any investment, you'll want to be smart and make choices that make your experience worthwhile, but also enriching.

1. Choose the right study abroad program

Study abroad involves studying; it's not an international vacation disguised as something else. But not all academic programs and international schools are created equally. Will a summer, semester or year-long program benefit your academic and career goals? Penn State recommends early planning so that you and your academic adviser can choose the school, the timing of your trip and the general education classes or electives that would work best without delaying your graduation.

Two tips from TransitionsAbroad.com include: Be sure to know how your classes are taught in your destination country, and know the level of academic risk. If the courses are in another language or if the courses are more difficult or competitive than you expect, your GPA could suffer.

2. Make smart money choices

Wearing a money belt, leaving expensive jewelry at home and not flashing cash can help you avoid being ripped off when traveling abroad, but it can be even more difficult to be ripped off before you arrive. Be sure you know the accurate cost of the program. Does the price tag include tuition and fees, room, board and student visa fees or you will have pay for any of those additionally?

Look into avoiding those private loans to pay for a semester abroad instead by working with your school's financial aid office to find smarter, more cost-effective options. Some schools, like Texas Tech University, offer need-based and merit scholarships for students who want to study abroad. California Lutheran University allows students who are receiving financial aid on campus to use that same aid abroad.

3. Keep an open mind

Proper preparation can benefit you in many ways. Pick up a country-specific guidebook or two that contain crucial information for travelers. You might also find some geared at the budget tourist. These can answer questions like:

• What laws and cultural customs dictate what you absolutely should not do?
• What will happen if you plug in your blow-dryer overseas without a converter?
• What types of clothes and language are better left at home?

Have your school put you in touch with a student who has recently traveled to the same country and ask them for tips on how to make your experience a success.

4. Remember the folks back home

Very few things would be more embarrassing than your family calling your new school or the embassy because no one has heard from you. Your cell phone plan might not work overseas and international calling plans can be expensive. The University of Chicago tells its students to consider Skype, Google Talk or iChat to stay in touch. You may also want to follow Kansas State University's recommendation of keeping a blog while abroad. Your posts will let everyone back home know you're okay, give you a way to chronicle your adventures and inspire you to document your travels with photographs. Don't forget about your school back home, either.

"Set an example," the Texas Tech website reads. "Remember you are an unofficial ambassador for the United States. You take with you not only your physical presence, you take the entire image of the university."

5. Take advantage of study-abroad opportunities

Nothing would be more shameful than traveling across the world and not seeing anything but the inside of a classroom. You can learn about the other enriching opportunities that are in your area from your budget guidebook, and in most countries you can buy a train pass or find cheap flights to visit nearby provinces and countries. When planning your jaunt abroad, include a few travel adventures into your budget and study schedule.

Studying in another country is one that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Be sure you--and others who are kind enough to remind you--remember it for all the right reasons.