You’re planning to study in an entirely new culture, new country, new world. You’re nervous, excited, hopeful, eager and perhaps feeling a little overwhelmed. You’re so set to get to your destination and you want everything to be perfect.

A successful study abroad experience starts with excellent preparation, superb communication and a little bit of bravery. Let us explore the top 10 study abroad tips that will help you get the most out of your experience.

1. Know the Details and Plan Ahead

Once you have made up your mind to study abroad, get the facts about which documents you’ll need to have handy and what you’ll need to do beforehand. If possible, speak to someone who has already studied abroad. A quick checklist may look something like this:

– Pack valid passport and driver’s license

– Get immunizations particular for your destination, if needed

– Take bath towels, bed sheets or other essentials not provided by the university or host family

– Get medications refilled and obtain extra contact lenses, if necessary

– Convert currency to have money on hand

Also, ensure that you notify your credit or debit card company in advance that you’ll be leaving the country. Give them the precise date range, if possible, for when your cards might be used abroad. If you are only able to give approximate dates, be sure to factor in a few days of buffer before and after your journey to keep you covered. It can be very frustrating to try to buy something and having your credit card declined.

2. Know the Conversion Rates

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in many countries, both officially and unofficially. In some countries, your $5 may be worth $10 in the local currency, while it may be worth $1 in others.

Once you know the exchange rate for your destination’s currency, you will be able to budget more appropriately. Check out the cost of food, drinks, and transportation in your soon to be country of residence, and compile a provisional budget plan.

3. Pack Smart

Most people may be tempted to over-pack to ensure that they don’t forget anything. While this inclination is common, packing too much can actually bog you down, and it is often more trouble than it is worth.

Imagine you land at the airport, only to realize that you have to climb and descend 3 flights of stairs, ride 2 metros and walk half a mile to get to your pick-up place, all while carrying your luggage.

4. Ask Questions

Ask your university or host family about the local customs and everything that would be necessary for you to know beforehand.

If you are staying with a host family, make sure to ask if there are any traditions or rules they would like you to follow in their house. For example, in some cultures, it is a sign of respect to bow slightly before your elders or take off your shoes before entering a house.

5. Immerse Yourself

To get the full study abroad experience, you must immerse yourself in the culture. Even if you don’t feel confident in your ability to communicate in the native language, challenge yourself. Spend time with native speakers and practice with them. You’d be shocked at just how patient and supportive they can be.

When they see that you are putting effort to speak their language, learn their customs and understand their way of life, it can uncover a whole new world of opportunities for you. Who knows, you might just make a new lifelong friend!

6. Stretch Your Taste Buds

Indulge in the local cuisine. Whether you love it or not, you won’t regret trying it. Every culture brings a unique contribution to the international table. Make the best use of this special opportunity to stretch your taste buds and literally “sink your teeth in.”

7. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Tourism can be fun, but there are some things that you cannot find on the average tourist agenda. Make new local friends, and take time to explore the area with them as your guides. You will probably get to share in hidden treasures that tourists don’t even know exist.

Do not shy away from opportunities because they are strange or seem unfamiliar. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on new and thrilling adventures in your host country. Be safe and responsible, but also be prepared to leave your comfort zone.

8. Document Everything

Jot and take pictures — of everything. Your family and friends can share in your joy and experiences through images of your wanderings.

Jotting often can make for incredible stories when you return to your home country. Furthermore, this provides you with a more accurate account of how you felt at any given moment while you were abroad.

9. Go to Class

Don’t skip class just because you are in a new, exciting environment. When you study abroad, you’ll likely have a less structured schedule, but don’t allow this trick you into believing you don’t have responsibilities during the semester.

Remember: Upon graduation, your grade point average will reflect your study abroad, so avoid mistakes that will adversely impact your future career.

10. Travel Abroad as Often as You Can

After your first study abroad experience, you’ll presumably be hooked on international travel. If your course of study permits, plan another semester overseas or look for international volunteer opportunities. You may even land a summer job while you are studying abroad – take advantage of these opportunities while you can.

With these tips, we hope you will feel more prepared and less overwhelmed about your future adventure studying abroad.