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 each 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. In this section, you will learn how to help cover the costs of study in the United States. It is important to take into account all program costs to ensure you have enough funds for a healthy and safe experience in the United States. Check out our scholarship database. Do you have serious academic goals? Are you mature and flexible? Will you be able to succeed in the United States and abide by your college, university, or program’s regulations? These are just some of the questions you might have to answer on your program's application to study abroad in the United States. 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 the United States? Read our tips. You can unknowingly get into serious trouble by not understanding how U.S. laws apply to you as an international student. Find out what you should know about the U.S. legal system, 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 family and friends at all times. There are several ways to communicate internationally. Learn how to communicate with home from the United States; creating an internationally accessible email account is a good first step. Communicating through email is a vital resource. Many types of housing options exist in the United States. 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 American culture. Learn what option is best for you.
You should learn to expect the unexpected. Rule number one: living abroad in the United States will be different. Anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help you better prepare for your life in the United States. Learn about some of the changes you can expect.
> Basic Health and Safety Find out about health and safety issues in the United States, 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 target of crime while abroad in the United States? 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 woman, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, disabled, or a member of an ethnic or religious minority, you may have special concerns about traveling to the United States. You may not be treated the same way in the United States as you are at home. You might want to prepare yourself by becoming more familiar with U.S. cultural standards. 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 in the United States, 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.
> Reverse Culture Shock One of the biggest challenges for students who study abroad in the United States is re-adapting to reality at home. 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 in the United States 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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