Story By: Bailey Ketcham

Whether you’re planning on spending a year in Rome studying the culture and language, or you’re just spending a summer studying on the countryside of France, studying abroad is not simple; it takes a lot of careful planning in order to be prepared for the trip of a lifetime.

Studying abroad all starts by dreaming, and that dreaming should take you to the Study Abroad and Exchange Program on Missouri Western’s web page, where you can schedule an appointment to meet with Tammy Glise, the head of the program, to make plans.

It’s a given that planning is the most important part of the trip, and according to Glise, it should start at least a year in advance. Glise explains that sophomore and junior year are the ideal years to study abroad because you’ve been a student long enough to know the ropes, but you’re not yet trying to finish up for graduation.

Another concept to keep in mind is that studying abroad is not cheap. It’s a good idea to check with the financial aid office about your situation to find out if they are able to help. Otherwise start saving up money, ask family for money as gifts or give up eating out during the week. Little things will add up over the course of a year, and it will all be worth it in the long run.

According to Seventeen Magazine these are some great tips to keep in mind before traveling from Study Abroad Programs across the country:

  • Educate yourself on where you are going, look at crime rates and read the cities online newspapers.
  • Bring multiple copies of your passport.
  • Pack up on medicine and bring at least a month’s supply.
  • Having a small cross-body bag is essential, because it’s easier to keep close to your body.
  • Research credit and debit card options before you go.
  • Learn about foreign traffic safety laws.
  • Always stay hydrated and, depending where you go, most of the time, choose bottled water.
  • Know where American embassies and consulates are.
  • Talk to your cell provider to understand all usage charges.
  • Always have a buddy with you.
  • Learn the country’s basic lingo and phrases.
  • Dress smart and blend in with the crowd, don’t stand out.
  • Travel with minimal amount of jewelry to avoid thieves.
  • Don’t draw attention to yourself when you’re out in public.
  • Avoid making rash decisions, listen to your gut.
  • Get an insurance policy that works overseas.
  • File your trip.
  • Experience and feel each moment.
  • Hostels are a good place to stay to save cash.
  • Pack light so it’s easy to carry your entire luggage at once.

Along with these tips, Glise has listed a series of serious questions you need to ask yourself to prepare for your trip:

  • Why do you want to go?
  • How will this fit into your degree program? Your career goals?
  • Do you speak a foreign language – or do you want to speak one?
  • Do you have a passport? Will you need a visa for this country?
  • Are you comfortable going alone, or do you want to go with a group?
  • What type of place do you want to visit?
  • How long do you want to be gone?

All these tips will help when preparing, but also keep in mind that studying abroad is known to change people’s perspective, and according to Glise you need to be prepared to adjust your worldview and be open to new experiences because they will arise with every step you take. Another important tip that Glise explains is the importance of being respectful of the culture in the country you visit; you will lean much more that way, and you’ll leave your hosts with a good feeling about you, the University and the U.S.