Have you always dreamed of traveling to places, meeting different people, and learning a language or two? Studying abroad is a way to gain those experiences. I bet you have heard people in the study abroad field telling you that it will change your life. You will come back a new person. I personally believe these words are true; it definitely impacts your life, both good and bad ways. Some students see it as an opportunity; some see it as a risk. I saw it both ways.

I have been taught to play my life safe for my entire life. In my childhood, I was never away from home more than a month. I had traveled to other countries on several occasions but never traveled alone and studied. Everything, however, changed when a close friend of my family brought up an idea of sending me to the United States for a master degree. He said that it would enhance my experience and education. More importantly, it would give me an opportunity to learn about myself. After a long discussion with my family, I was allowed to study abroad. We saw it as an opportunity and a risk because it could be good or bad. However, it would be undoubtedly a once-in-the-life-time challenge, so it was worth to give it a try.

I left for the United States in July 2003. Having been here on my own for three and a half years I can tell you that studying abroad certainly served as a catalyst for increased maturity, increased self-confidence, and long-lasting friendships. If you are interested in studying abroad, there are definitely steps you can take to maximize the benefits you receive from your time abroad.

1. Ask yourself the following questions and be honest with your answers.

- Am I willing to try new things-inside and outside the classroom?

- Am I comfortable making my own decisions or learning to make ones?

- Do I like to take risks or leave my comfort zone?

- Have I handled difficulties and new situations in the past well?

If your answers are yes, then studying abroad may be ideal. If you do not absolutely hate change but have a little anxiety of the possibility, try a short program such as a summer course to see the result.

2. Where to go. Find a program and apply. My advice for picking a school for study abroad would be to look for someplace that will give you as diverse an experience as possible. If you attend a big school normally, try a small one for studying abroad. It will give you a chance to learn a different lifestyle.

3. Get your documents ready. You will be asked to show your documents several times from the home airport to the destination. Keep them in a safe place but easy to take out if needed. The necessary documents are the following but not limited to:

- Passport

- Student visa and/or immigration document

- Acceptance letter from your foreign school

- Financial statement or certificate

- Travel health insurance

- Medical records

- Money

4. Stay healthy abroad. Physically-before departure, consult with your doctor about appropriate vaccinations depending on where you are going. See your dentist as well. Pack necessary products such as first aid kit, contact lens solution, couple pairs of eye glasses, and the like. Always drink bottled water and avoid raw foods. Emotionally-try to stay "stress free" as much as possible by getting support from family, friends, a counselor, or another experienced student. Writing in a journal is a good option to stay stress free.

5. Become informed about new cultures including weather, people and places. Make sure who to contact in case of emergency.

6. Spend your money wisely. Check the exchange currency rate and get some cash. Put the rest in a traveler's check. Open a bank account once you arrive. Think twice before spending your parents' money or yours on unnecessary items.

7. Seek academic help if you need one. Many students, including myself, who are seeking to gain competency in a second language will frequently choose to study abroad so that they can immerse themselves in the language. If your language skills are insufficiently advanced, get permission to bring a recorder to class. You might need it only a short time because studying abroad will quickly increase your fluency. If you do not understand your assignments or homework, ask your professors or classmates to explain. Do not wait until last minutes or get it done roughly. You will surprisingly find that most people are willing to help you overcome language barriers because they appreciate you are brave enough to study in a foreign country.

8. Behave yourself. People who behave themselves are more associable. Avoid sensitive topics in your conversation. Demonstrating appropriate respect for key institutions will make it easier to establish friendships with the local people.

9. Learn about cultures, people, and yourself. The experience of living and studying in another country is eye-opening. It is a way to broaden your horizons, increase your appreciation for other cultures and people, and allow you to see things from several perspectives, not from the tourist's viewpoint.

10. Take care of yourself. Always play your life safe abroad. Think of your family or those you love and care about. But don't overdo it; do try something new, yet never go native.

Have a great experience abroad!

Start is a Research Intern at Tero International, Inc. While working on a Master's Degree at Drake University in Des Moines, she helps with the research and development of Tero's curriculum designed to help individuals work cross-culturally. Start's homeland is Thailand.