Read This Before You Study Abroad for a Year in Europe

Whether you've just started to develop an idea about studying abroad for a year, or you're well down the planning path, there are quite a few things to consider and prepare for.

In Europe, there are so many opportunities to study abroad and many beautiful countries to choose from. On top of that, there's all of the fun things that come with studying abroad, like making new friends, learning a new culture (and language, perhaps?), and getting to experience once-in-a-lifetime moments throughout.

Then, of course, there's the more operational side of the coin - like entry exams, visa applications, insurance, lodging, you name it.

In this guide, we will touch on each of these subjects, giving you a foundation that will help you move that much closer to stepping onto that airplane and waking up in a new country to call home.

What is it like studying abroad for a year?

It depends on who you ask! Overall, students typically have extremely rewarding experiences when studying abroad, whether it's for a few months, a year, or even longer.

When in a new country, especially one you've never been to before, you're bound to experience both highs and lows as you wrap your mind around a new way of living - whether that's Spain, France, or somewhere else.

Adapting to a new city... and country!

One of the most obvious experiences you'll face on day 1 is learning to adapt to not only a new city but an entirely new country. While it's exciting and thrilling, it's also normal for it to feel intimidating and sometimes even overwhelming.

You're likely going to see a lot of differences between your new country (Italy, anyone?) and your home country - down to the smallest details. Plus, the country you go to will likely have a different language than the one back home.

Talk about sensory overload! This is completely normal and should ease as you get used to your new surroundings. Here are a few tips to mitigate culture shock and settle in more quickly.

• Start exploring your new city right away, on foot!
• Join an online group for other students/expats in your city.
• Get comfortable with the public transportation systems.
• Prioritize making friends in the early days.

Learning a new language

Some programs may have base-level language requirements in order to apply. If that's the case, you may already have some level of fluency.

If you don't have a hold on the local language, that's ok. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to develop it.

• Make sure you're aware of any language requirements before enrolling in a program.
• It can be helpful to get a tutor, enroll in a class, or download a language learning program months before you head abroad. This way, you will have a strong base that you can build upon.
• If it isn't part of your program requirements and it makes sense for your credits, enroll in a language course at your university or school! If you're in Germany, for example, it's the perfect opportunity to learn some German!

Making friends

One of the great parts about studying abroad is the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world. Because the other study-abroad students at your campus are going through a similar thing as you are, you'll already have a ton to talk about!

Making new friends can help you stay grounded and positive on tough days, and will help you feel more at home more quickly.

• Sign up for groups or campus events to meet other students.
• Keep an eye out for community events, such as festivals, hobby classes, and group activities like yoga.
• As mentioned above, try online groups and forums for expats and students in your city.
• Be proactive. Making new friends can feel awkward, but once you've broken the ice, it feels better. Be proactive and invite new acquaintances out for a coffee!

Your studies

When you read about studying abroad, a lot of people and sites focus heavily on social and personal growth. It's true - those are extremely rewarding parts of the study abroad experience.

It's important, however, to also keep your studies at the forefront of your mind! Make sure that you're working with your advisor to ensure any and all classes that you take are transferrable and in line with your academic and future professional goals.

• Keep in contact with your advisor.
• Make sure your credits are valid/transferable.
• Keep the big picture in mind.
• Consider hosting study groups or other events that intertwine socializing and learning.

How do you prepare for a year abroad?

There's a lot to do to prepare, but anything is possible when you take out bite-sized chunks at a time! It can help to look at the process chronologically.

Discover exchange options at your current school

One of the easiest ways to study abroad is to go through a program that your current university/college offers. Most universities will have a study abroad/exchange department that you can set up a meeting with to learn more about which opportunities you have. One university may have programs available in Denmark or the Netherlands, for example, while others do not.

Look into study abroad organizations

Some organizations are entirely dedicated to helping students study abroad. You'll surely find many options during your initial research. When looking at third-party programs, make sure you pay close attention to how your classes will transfer, if that's applicable.

These programs may also have mandatory fees or subscriptions. Always read the reviews, check with your current university, and review pricing before signing up for independent study abroad programs.

Third party programs can be interesting if your heart is set on a specific location, such as Norway or Croatia, but there isn't a program available at your current university.

Decide where you want to go

After doing your research, the first step to setting the ball in motion is to decide which country you want to study abroad in. When studying abroad for a year or more, each Schengen country will have its own process when it comes to schools, application and enrollment, and visas. It can help first to figure out a country that interested in, like Sweden for example, and then narrow it down to a city, like Stockholm.

Or, maybe you already know exactly which city you want to live in - and it's Budapest in Hungary! In that case, you're ready for the next step.

Get enrolled!

Before you apply for a visa (which is mandatory unless you are an EU/EEA or Schengen country citizen), you will need to have an admissions letter from a university or program abroad.

This has to happen before you apply for your visa because it will need to be submitted as part of your visa application.

Depending on the country you're studying abroad in, you may need to go through an official channel. For example, students studying abroad in France go through a website called Campus France.

Apply for your visa

Once you have received an admissions offer from your college/program of choice, it will be time to apply for the appropriate visa.

We've listed some popular study destinations in Europe. Click on your country of choice to learn more about the long stay visa application process:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• The UK

Begin your personal preparations

There are a lot of things to do to prepare for your year abroad. Depending on your personality, this planning phase could be half the fun. For others, it may seem like a big headache. Whether you fall here, there, or somewhere in between, this list will help you make sure you've thought about what needs done:

• Your car. If you have a car, make a plan for whether or not you'll keep it (if it's leased or not, for example), as well as where you will store it.
• Your current housing. Is your lease up? Are you planning to keep your place while away?
• Your cellphone. Your phone service may not work in Europe - and if it does, it may be wildly expensive if you're continuing a phone plan from back home. A foreign SIM or eSIM might be a great option for you.

• Log-ins. Do you use two-factor authentication for any websites you access? Is it SMS? If so, make sure you change it before leaving the country as you may not be able to get SMS messages to your cell number when abroad.
• Electronics. The electrical plugs might be different abroad. Make sure you purchase the right adapters if you plan to bring electronics overseas. Also, keep voltage in mind as it can impact the effectiveness of your electronics, like curling irons.
• Good walking shoes. Europeans walk a lot. If you're used to a car-centric country, such as the US, just know that you will be walking a lot more once you're overseas.
• Your wardrobe. Before leaving, research the climate of the city you'll be living in. If you're studying abroad in Iceland, you'll need reliable cold weather gear. The United Kingdom? Definitely pack an umbrella. Wherever you go, it could be colder, warmer, rainier, or sunnier than back home.
• Your health and well-being. Your visa and/or university program may have mandatory requirements when it comes to your visa application or enrollment. Make sure you understand the difference between travel insurance and health insurance and that you make the best choice for your needs.