So you’ve decided to go on a high school study abroad program...but you’re not really sure how to get ready for it. After all, the hardest part was just deciding to go, and then picking your program, right?
Lucky for you, we have some expert tips on just how to prep for study abroad high school. Follow this advice, and you’ll be ready for your international adventure in no time!
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Our favorite helpful tips for high school students going abroad
From making sure you’ve packed your best shoes to sorting out any last-minute visa questions, these tips will help you prepare for study abroad high school so that you look like a pro from the minute you get ready to leave to the minute you arrive.
1. Docs on Docs on Docs—Get Your Docs in a Row
In the wise words of Dr. Seuss, Oh, the places you’ll go. :’)
Before you board that plane, you’re going to have to get some of the boring paperwork out of the way. Boring though it may be, your paperwork is your key to getting abroad!
First and foremost: your passport.
If you don’t have one, you’re going to need to get one. There is literally no country in the world that will allow you to enter without a passport, so be sure to apply for a passport with the state department early enough for you to receive it before boarding your plane. Processing times can vary depending on the time of year, but you’ll want to apply at least six weeks before you’re set to leave for your study abroad for high schoolers experience.
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Next you’ll need a visa
Many students who study abroad must apply for and obtain a visa to legally study in their study abroad country, especially if you’ll be staying for longer than three months. Visa requirements vary country by country, so be sure to do your research. To really prepare for high school abroad, don’t be afraid to reach out to the country’s local consulate or embassy to ask for assistance on how to go about the application, as there can sometimes be a lot of red tape. Speaking of red tape - some visa application processes can take longer than others, depending on the country you’ll be studying in, so be sure to start the application process earlier rather than later!
Many high school students study abroad need to have medical insurance so they may participate on the program. It’s always smart to have medical insurance, just as a safety and a backup as you explore new places and things.
[Your Roadmap to High School Abroad]
2. Notification Central—Who to Tell You’re Leaving
Czech out the great programs in these countries for some major Prague-ress in your life!
Don’t forget to tell people you’re leaving on a high school study abroad program! No, we don’t just mean bragging to your friends and family. You’re also going to want to alert a few, choice people and organizations that you’re heading out of the country for a grand international adventure.
Be sure to alert your high school that you’ll be studying abroad. Even if you’re going on a program that is not connected to your school in any way, you need to let them know that you’ll be undertaking a high school study abroad program. You’ll also definitely want to check to see if you can receive academic credit for the courses you’ll be taking abroad.
It’s a good idea to alert your home country’s government that you’ll be traveling abroad whenever you travel abroad, but it’s especially important when high school students study abroad. You can register through your home country’s state department, such as with the U.S.’ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a good safety precaution, in case of any natural disasters or emergencies, so that there is a record of your whereabouts.
[Watch this: High School Study Abroad is LIT]
One of the most important things for high school students who study abroad to do is to alert your bank that you will be traveling abroad. Banks are always on the lookout for suspicious activity, and they’ll immediately assume someone has stolen your debit or credit cards if they see purchases being made abroad. Be sure to tell your bank where you will be traveling and for how long!
3. Fundraisers, Doctors, Phone Plans, Oh My!
Kuwait a minute! Find the best program for you and get ready for your adventure abroad.
There’s also some basic prep work to get done before you head out the door that can help you make the most of your time abroad.
There’s no way around it: studying abroad can be expensive. Before you leave for your high school program abroad, be sure to save up plenty of money outside of tuition costs, so that you may fully explore while abroad. If you need assistance in funding your time abroad - whether it be the program fee/tuition or spending money, you can get free money (yes, that’s right, FREE MONEY) through a number of scholarships, listed in the GoAbroad Scholarship Directory. You can also fundraise money through websites such as FundMyTravel.
Get your shots! No, really. To prepare for high school abroad, it’s always a good idea to get a physical from your doctor to check up on your health and get all of your necessary shots and immunizations. Some countries, in fact, require specific immunizations, so be sure to research those beforehand.
Speaking of health, make sure you have all of your prescriptions and plenty of refills. Not all countries allow all prescriptions, so it’s important to come with plenty of your own supply, as there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to refill your prescriptions while abroad.
[Experiential Travel Advice for Not-So-Average Teens]
Don’t forget to research international phone plans! While abroad, it’s always a good idea to disconnect from constant phone use and to not let yourself get overly immersed in social media posts from back home. However, having a phone while abroad is also helpful in staying in touch with friends and family, as well as connecting with new friends in your study abroad country! Also, you might have to Instagram a few of those amazing pasta dishes you’ll be having in Rome.
4. Plan Out Your Sweet New Digs!
High school study abroad programs aren’t worth it?? I wouldn’t Bolivia.
Most high school study abroad programs will provide housing arrangements for their students, to make their experience abroad a much smoother one. However, some programs may give you a choice of what sort of housing you’d like to have.
You can live in student dormitories, and make friends with local students your own age. There is often also the option for student apartments, which you will share with your fellow study abroad students. Or, most rewarding of all, most study abroad high school programs offer the option for a homestay, in which you will live with a local family. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the local culture of the country in which you are studying, homestays are incredible and rewarding experiences that will give you a real look into the daily life of the people around you.
5. To Pack It or Not to Pack It...That is the Question
You must be Russian to start the study abroad process, no worries... it’s easy to begin!
Perhaps the most intimidating task before you as you prepare for your high school study abroad program: packing your suitcase. Of all the tips you take with you, these are some of the most important.
The importance of comfy walking shoes cannot be repeated enough. Regardless of where you study abroad, you will absolutely need to walk many miles as you explore your new study abroad country. Fashion is important, but not at the expense of your feet! Trust us when we say: high heels are not your friend. Investing in some comfortable walking shoes will literally change your life while on your high school study abroad adventure.
Is your suitcase overflowing? Do you have fifteen pairs of shoes set out for just your one month abroad? Packing lightly is crucial when studying abroad. You should always bring less than you think you’ll need! After all, you’re going to need room in that suitcase for souvenirs.
[Our 2018 Study Abroad Gear Guide]
Three words: roll, don’t fold.
If you can, it might be smart to invest in some RFID wallets or bags before you leave, which will block hackers from scanning your credit cards from afar and stealing your identity and money.
Remember that you can buy certain things, such as toiletries, while you’re abroad, so there’s no reason to pack three tubes of toothpaste.
6. Do Your Research on Your Study Abroad Destination
There’s Norway you’ll ever regret an experience like this.
If you’ll be studying in a country where you don’t speak the native language, it’s a great idea to prepare for high school abroad by brushing up on your vocab before hopping on that plane! How else will you communicate with the locals vendors, with your homestay parents, with your new friends, if you don’t know the language?
Before you dive headfirst into your high school study abroad program, it’s important to learn a little bit about the country you’ll be traveling through. Read up on the history of where you’ll be living, the culture you’ll be immersed in, the customs you might have to adhere by. The more you know before you go, the better prepared you’ll be to really explore your new country and take advantage of all it can provide.
Here are a few other GoAbroad articles on study abroad for high schoolers to get prepare you for high school abroad, and get you ready and excited for your international adventure!
[Download This Checklist to Keep Yourself on Track With Your Preparations]
Study abroad for high schoolers takes some prep, but it’s worth it
Preparing to study abroad in high school may seem intimidating. After all, most of your classmates are focused more on their summer jobs scooping ice cream, instead of how you’re going to navigate Seville’s bus system.
Don’t be afraid and don’t get overwhelmed! Although getting ready to study abroad make take a lot of prep work, it’s worth all the research and hours spent deliberating over how many pairs of socks you’ll need. This is the kind of opportunity that will change how you see the world and your place in it! It will be an adventure beyond comparison. Just remember to prepare for high school abroad in advance, and show up to the airport on time so you don’t miss your flight!
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