When you study abroad, you learn to be independent. Without friends or family, or the safety of the familiar, you have to get comfortable in your own skin. You learn to adapt to new situations and roll with the punches. It could just be the laidback Aussie style rubbing off on me, but it’s important to say “no worries” when little things don’t go your way.

There are so many program options and every one of them will be a little different. If you want to go the easy way, like I did for my first trip, then pick a program that your university organizes. They will iron out all the details—-like what college you’re attending and what classes you’ll take—-and all you have to do is pay for it!

Everyone needs a passport. This process is easy in the states, simply taking a few photos and sending a form, but it can take months to receive it. Get it sooner rather than later.

Depending on where you’re going, you may need a visa. Australia requires a student visa, though it was easy to apply online. The only painstaking part was paying for it!

If you’re arranging your own program, then you’ll have to fill out applications for the study abroad company, then for the host university, and usually your home university will require an application as well.