Be prepared!

Even if you never were part of the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, you still know that the main thing to do if you want to do well is be prepared. From having a good interview to winning an eating contest, there's nothing like preparation to ensure that you succeed. 

So to help you get ready, we've compiled some tips on getting ready to go abroad and links that'll lead you to much more information.  In addition, don't forget to check our boards on Pinterest, Like Us on FaceBook, Follow Us on Twitter and read Our Blog... we'll continue to share information on pre-departure tips and helpful hints.  Enjoy your journey!

Getting ready to go 

  • Research! Besides learning about the required documents needed to travel, learn more about the cultures, customs and geography of the country you are traveling to.  Also, be sure to check out the very informative MU (International Center) Study Abroad Orientation Manual for lots of great tips and hints on enjoying a successful study abroad experience.
  • Learn the requirements necessary to enter the country of your intended study. Also pay attention to the visas needed for countries you intend to visit or travel through and the requirements that are necessary.  Consider using CIBT Global Visa & Passport Professionals. Learn more and save with a 50% discount on visa and passport services through the Mizzou CIBT web portal.   
  • Attend our pre-departure orientation.  Once you've been approved to study abroad and prior to your departure, you'll receive the details on our required pre-departure group orientations.  We'll answer your questions and guide you to additional resources to help you prepare for an amazing experience abroad.
  • Consider health & safety abroad.  All students participating in MU Journalism Abroad programs with the Global Programs Office will be enrolled in health insurance for study abroad through HTH Worldwide.  Students will receive information on the details prior to departure and should be certain to print and carry a copy of their ID card while traveling.  In addition, students should review the HTH website as a resource relating to any health & safety abroad concerns.
  • Contact your bank:  Notify your bank that you will be traveling abroad to ensure you will be able to utilize your credit and debit cards. 

Research

It's a good idea to come to a new country having an idea of what's going on there, what it's about, what to expect. Don't worry – it won't get rid of the charm and novelty, it'll just ensure the locals won't think you're a fool.

Language, culture, history, practical things, food, things to do and see... all these things you can learn about before you go. If you do, you'll be able to come to your new country and start learning about the deeper stuff right away. We have the usual culprits for good places to find information: New York Times, WikiTravel, the links on Wikipedia pages, and Ellis Library. It's also a good idea to go to longform.org or byliner and search for your host country. The two sites have lots of amazing magazine articles on various subjects, and the country-specific ones can really give you an idea of the flavor of the place. 

Other good websites to review include:
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Think before you pack!

Communication

Just because you're abroad doesn't mean you should forget everyone back home! It's a good idea to keep in touch with your professors, advisor, parents and friends. But you gotta think about how you're going to do it!

You could, for example, use Skype, G-Chat, Facebook or apps such as WhatsApp and Viber. If you want your parents to be able to reach you by phone, however, that's a whole different question. Once you get your phone in your host country, get calling cards that'll make it cheap to call abroad, and tell your mom and dad to do the same. 

Travel Details

Tickets:  You gotta buy them and you want to buy them cheap.  How?
Check out the following for great deals for students:Then choose the right day to buy and to fly:  read about it here.

Learn more about and consider travel insurance.  Check out this Beginner's Guide to Travel Insurance.

Once you arrive, use the International Student Identity Card (ISICard) for terrific discounts when traveling abroad.

Money

  • Have an idea of how much your lifestyle costs over here
  • Check online to see how expensive things are in your host country
  • Develop a rough budget for your life abroad
  • Check that your credit card won't charge you for transactions abroad. If it does, get another one.
  • And more! Click here to read up on money tips for going abroad
  • studyabroad.com money tips
  • pockit.com money tips

Culture Shock

We all go through it. The general pattern goes like this: euphoria, irritation, mild depression, acceptance, and growth. At first things seem extraordinary and exotic. Then little things start to bother you and the locals just don't make sense. Then you start missing home. And then you get over it and you grow up a little bit. Unfortunately, this can be a tough process to go through. It's possible to make mistakes early on that'll make it harder to get through the lows: isolating yourself from the locals, or isolating yourself from everybody, for that matter, is one such mistake. 

Learn more about this condition by reading the following articles, which can be accessed by clicking on these links:
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Be Prepared! /by Suphatthra Chiina

Packing

You'll be gone for a few months or at least a couple of weeks, so it's good to think about what you'll need.  Be prepared!

Here are some websites with good tips and checklists:
Checklist 1
Checklist 2
The Ultimate Guide to Travel Packing
MU Journalism Abroad