Using The Study Abroad Handbook Website
The content on this website is divided up into four sections:
Below you will find summaries of the main sections. We suggest that you read the full-text version by clicking the link that follows the general summary.
> Selecting the Right Program for You It is important you find a program that matches your academic needs and your personal objectives. There are several personal factors you need to take into account when choosing the program that's best for you. Finances are one such factor. Before deciding on a study abroad program, it's important to identify the type of relationship your U.S. college or university has with your study abroad program provider. By knowing who runs your program you can determine who will help you if you need assistance. In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, study abroad costs. But in some cases, it will not. Learn how to better cover the costs of study abroad and print out a budget ledger to help you keep track of expenses. Do you have serious academic goals? Are you mature and flexible? Will you be able to succeed while studying abroad and abide by your program's regulations? These are just some of the questions you might have to answer on your program's application to study abroad. Make sure the personal statement portion of your application looks its best. Need writing tips?
> Pre-Departure Planning Are you having trouble buying your airplane ticket, deciding which guidebook is right for you, finding out what documents you will need, or what you need to buy before departing for your program. Let us help you. You can unknowingly get into serious trouble by not understanding how another country’s laws apply to you as a foreigner. Find out what you should know about other legal systems, and what you can do if you get into trouble with the law. While you are abroad it is important that you stay in touch with your program's administration, and with your family and friends at all times. There are several ways to communicate internationally. Learn how to communicate from wherever you are; creating an internationally accessible email account is a good first step. Communicating through email is a vital resource. There are many types of housing options available through most programs. Finding the right housing arrangement is extremely important. Where you choose to live will determine what you eat, where you sleep, and to what level you will immerse yourself in the language of the country. Learn what option is best for you.
You should learn to expect the unexpected. Rule number one: living abroad will be different. Anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help you better prepare for your life in another country. Learn about some of the changes you can expect.
> Basic Health and Safety Find out about health and safety issues you should be aware of while studying abroad including: infectious diseases, physicals and check ups, food safety, prescriptions, fitness and exercise, transportation and the use of alcohol and drugs abroad. Do you know how to avoid being a target of crime while abroad? In this section, we'll tell you. Being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to dress, and knowing what kind of body language is inappropriate can help keep you safer. If you are a U.S. citizen, a woman, non-heterosexual, disabled, or a member of an ethnic or religious minority, you may have special concerns about traveling to a foreign country. You may not be treated the same way in another country as you are in the United States. You might want to prepare yourself by becoming more familiar with the language and the country’s cultural norms. Handling a crisis is more difficult in a foreign environment. In the event of a serious medical emergency, or a natural disaster, you will have to cope with communication and cultural barriers. While abroad, you may also encounter minor crises like pick-pocketing, petty theft, and/or minor illness or injury. The key is being prepared! Read our tips on knowing how to cope during a crisis. Also be sure to check out our Emergency Card and other resources available in this section. You are not alone! Most students that go abroad will experience some form of culture shock, homesickness and stress. In this section, you will learn how to identify and cope with some common symptoms of culture shock.
> Airport Safety, Duties and Customs Now more than ever, airport security is tight. You will have to check for new updates and stricter requirements enforced by airports and airlines. In this section we'll tell you how to do so. Chances are you'll want to buy gifts for your family, but do you know what you can and cannot bring back from your time abroad? One of the biggest challenges for students who study abroad is re-adapting to reality in the United States. Upon return, you may find many things are different from how you left them. In this section, we'll tell you how to recognize reverse culture shock and cope with the process of returning home. Once you've had the time of your life and made it safely back home, how do you keep the memories alive? There are many ways you can continue your international experiences at home. 
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