The process of applying and getting ready to go abroad can seem very daunting and stressful, so here’s a list of helpful steps to get abroad!

Step 1 – Figure out where you want to go

Do some independent research of places you might want to go, like somewhere you’ve never been or where you think might be fun to explore. It’s helpful to have a general idea of where you might want to study as it can get a little overwhelming looking at a long list of destinations.

Reach out to your university’s study abroad office or your advisor to get the list of places that your school has programs already set up. My university had a website to look up different regions with different programs. This is where having a general idea can help narrow down the search, but also explore the website to see what your options are. There may be different types of programs as well–exchanges where you pay tuition to your current university or direct where you pay tuition to the university abroad. It varies between schools so look into what your financial situation allows too.

Another factor to consider when choosing which schools to apply to is the classes they offer. If you need specific course requirements, explore the university website of classes offered and talk with your advisor to make sure they will transfer over correctly. Otherwise look into which classes sound most appealing to you.

Using Montana State University resources to research abroad programs

Step 2 – Start applying

Depending on the program type you are applying to–exchange, direct, or somewhere separate–the application process will be a little different too. You may need to pick top 3 schools for some and others, like with SAI, there is just one application to fill out. Each application varies in what you have to submit too, but generally there will be a personal statement, academic information and personal information to fill out as well as submitting passport information. TIP: if your passport isn’t up to date, make sure you get a new one as soon as possible!
For SAI specifically, the fall session deadlines are in May and for the spring session the deadlines are in October. Many of the other programs that I found through my school had deadlines for the fall sessions in February/March, so I’d recommend to start researching a few semesters before you’re planning to go abroad.

Step 3 – Complete enrollment logistics

Once accepted to a program, you need to start enrolling in classes, sign up for housing and submit any health forms requested by your program. Some programs have you enroll when you arrive, but check in so you know when you’re supposed to enroll. Housing also varies between programs. With SAI and some others, housing is included in program costs so you just have to submit a form. Other programs don’t have housing included so some independent research into the housing process will need to be done. Your program should have resources to aid in the process. As for the health forms, it’s mostly routine but knowing what vaccines are required to enter your host country will be important.

Step 4 – Making payments and using financial aid

Each program will be a little different in terms of how payments are made–either through your home university or through your program. If through your home university, you should be able to pay as usual, and use existing financial aid if you have any. For other programs, like SAI, the timeline of payments will be given to you. If you plan on using financial aid, I’d recommend looking into if your program has specific documents they need to have filled out by your home university’s financial aid office. SAI has specific documents that they’ll give to you. Start as early as you can with figuring out if you can use financial aid because it will likely take a while, communicating back and forth. You never know if there might be a hiccup to make the process longer.

There are a lot of study abroad scholarships available out there too if you want to apply to any. I found goabraod.com had a lot of options, the SAI website has a lot too. Applications are pretty simple so I recommend applying to as many as you can because you never know how many other people applied.

Getting your passport and banking ready

Step 5 – Start travel arrangements

Once you know where you are going, it is important to do some research into whether you will need a visa. The duration of your stay along with where you’re going will ultimately decide if you need one. Your program should give you some direction into how to get the process started. Although I personally didn’t end up needing a visa, SAI had very detailed and helpful information for the visa application process. Completing the visa process can take a while so start applying as soon as you know if you need one.

As for flights to your host city, comparing flight prices across various airlines will help you find the best deals. Looking on sites like Google flights, Expedia, etc, was very helpful for me, checking every few days to get the lowest price. Once booking, your program may have you submit flight information to help with transport when you arrive, like SAI did.

Making flight arrangments

Step 6 – Preparing for departure

At this point in the process, start to research your phone plan options: using your current provider’s option for international service or using sim cards. Depending on your preference and financial situation, either way works.

Figuring out how you are going to pay for things abroad, I’d recommend finding a credit card that has little to no international transaction fees. Credit cards were recommended over debit cards, in case of theft, but that’s up to you in the end. Before you leave make sure you call your bank to let them know you will be traveling abroad, just to avoid possible card freezes.

Finally, it’s time to start your packing list! There are other blog posts on the SAI website that will help guide you with the specifics, but also look into where you’re going specifically for the climate and what is typically worn/needed. I created a packing list a few months before leaving to ensure I had plenty of time to get everything I needed.

These were the steps I followed to get everything I needed for the SAI program. Others may be a little different, but the general steps will help you get started!

Written by: Cady, Fall 2024 Florence student from Montana State University