<p>Greetings!</p>
<p>You'll have to make some decisions first before you do any planning.</p>
<p>1) What do you want to study? This should be your foremost question; generally you'd want to go to the countries that have schools that are good in your field, and not the other way around. Do you plan on completing your degree abroad? I ask this because if not, you'll have to make sure that the classes you might take abroad are accredited in US universities.</p>
<p>2) Do you want to go somewhere where a foreign language is spoken? Will you take classes in English or the native language? Do they require a foreign language to be spoken? There are options to take classes in English all over the world, though not as many. If you plan on taking the classes in a foreign language, you'll probably have to take the official language exam and have some minimum score.</p>
<p>3)Pick the country! This is kinda in tune with number 4: you really have to narrow down your options so you can start making some preliminary choices. You can do your research on the country and the city to see if it would be the right match for you.</p>
<p>4) Pick the school! They each have their own unique application process, but they do have a lot of similarities. Assuming you meet the language requirement (if any), you'll need to look at applications. I advise getting this underway. Early applications start the 1st of December, and it's a good idea to do this, though of course not required. For US High school students, for an application, you'll need your SATs, and your high school transcripts. Requirements for teacher recommendations vary on the school. </p>
<p>5) Look at the fees. Like you would for any uni here in the states, you have to make sure it's affordable. There are plenty of scholarships available, as well as federal financial aid; make sure all of this is an option. Take a look at the cost of living: what type of housing would you be living in? How much does one spend in a week in the city? Typically the international studies pages of websites detail the cost of living in that city.</p>
<p>6) Look at the dates; apply! As I said, early applications start December 1st and can give you answers as soon as Mid February. Otherwise, application dates are more or less the same as in the US. Get them in before the end of January for a response in May. Given the nature of a degree abroad, the earlier you get your answer, the better. This is just because you'll have to be buying your tickets and getting your visa and all that, and that takes time.</p>
<p>7)Get your visa/passport/tickets! You'll need a student Visa for your degree. How long is the program? Typically, European and Asian degrees are 3-year programs. The school should tell you. Make sure your passport is up-to-date, and make sure it won't expire while you're away. You should try to arrive with some time before you start classes so you can get to know the city a bit.</p>
<p>8) Get to more planning: when are you going to go? Do you want to go visit first? How often will you be going home? It's always best to speak with people who've done it, as you're doing now :). That insider scoop can prove to be invaluable.</p>
<p>9)Profit! (It had to be done) Having done all this, I know it can be a long and discouraging planning process. Or it can be exciting. You can ask your counselors for help. Or online, like you're doing now :). </p>
<p>Good luck!
Brian, webmaster Theroria</a> - the Study Abroad Community</p>