If by now you've decided that you want to go on exchange, to not only challenge yourself academically, but also to explore the destination of your dreams, here are a few tips that I can offer you:
1. Do as much research as you can on the universities in your desired destination.
2. Once you have decided on a school, get your applications in as EARLY as possible! You'll hear that getting them in early makes no difference in the selection process, but trust me when I say filling out the application is the hardest part, and you'll feel a lot less stressed the sooner you hand it in.
3. Once your application is in, start looking up course equivalencies between your home university and chosen host university. This is tedious/time-consuming, and you will regret leaving it to the last minute.
4. Research on-campus residences and housing. While this may be a bit more expensive than living off-campus, you are guaranteed to make friends quickly, and this way you'll feel better acclimated to your new school and country in which you're going to spend the next few months.
5. Once you get it, ACCEPT your offer!
6. SAVE SAVE SAVE! You'll need as much money as possible so that you can travel and see as much as your heart desires.
7. Research any and every accommodation you choose to stay at along your travels. The cheapest option is not always the best option. Sometimes saving an extra $50 isn't worth it if you're going to be uncomfortable during your stay.
8. Be open-minded. Don't be shy.
9. Do as much as you can.
10. Never compare your exchange experience with someone else's. This is your experience. It doesn't matter what other people do on their exchange. If they see a few more places than you, so what? Make the most of your own experience!
1. Do as much research as you can on the universities in your desired destination.
2. Once you have decided on a school, get your applications in as EARLY as possible! You'll hear that getting them in early makes no difference in the selection process, but trust me when I say filling out the application is the hardest part, and you'll feel a lot less stressed the sooner you hand it in.
3. Once your application is in, start looking up course equivalencies between your home university and chosen host university. This is tedious/time-consuming, and you will regret leaving it to the last minute.
4. Research on-campus residences and housing. While this may be a bit more expensive than living off-campus, you are guaranteed to make friends quickly, and this way you'll feel better acclimated to your new school and country in which you're going to spend the next few months.
5. Once you get it, ACCEPT your offer!
6. SAVE SAVE SAVE! You'll need as much money as possible so that you can travel and see as much as your heart desires.
7. Research any and every accommodation you choose to stay at along your travels. The cheapest option is not always the best option. Sometimes saving an extra $50 isn't worth it if you're going to be uncomfortable during your stay.
8. Be open-minded. Don't be shy.
9. Do as much as you can.
10. Never compare your exchange experience with someone else's. This is your experience. It doesn't matter what other people do on their exchange. If they see a few more places than you, so what? Make the most of your own experience!