For many college students, a study abroad program is the first time they’ve ever traveled internationally. In fact, studying abroad is one of the best ways to travel for the first time, because you won’t be navigating a foreign country all by yourself. With the right program, you’ll have support, community, and a structured itinerary designed to help you thrive from day one.
If you’ve never traveled out of the country before, here’s everything you need to know to study abroad confidently as a first-time traveler!
“[My multi-destination program] took me through six different countries in just four short weeks, and allowed me to see and experience more than I’ve ever known in my life. Before I had left, I’d never been out of the country or traveled without someone I already knew; I’d never even set foot on an airplane! I knew that this trip was going to be a life-changer and was determined that those changes would be for the better. Though my experience was short, and not without struggle, I left Europe calling it home.”
Brittney, Study + Travel program
Step 1: Determine Your Goals and Preferences
Before you start scrolling through destinations, take a moment to think about what you actually want from your study abroad experience.
Start by asking yourself some questions, such as:
- Do you want to learn or improve a foreign language?
- Is there a specific region of the world, culture, or academic subject you’ve always wanted to explore?
- Are you hoping to gain professional experience through an internship?
- Do you want a big city or a small town?
- Are you looking to go abroad for a full semester, or would you prefer a short-term program?
- What time of year do you want to study abroad?
Having specific criteria for your study abroad experience will make it easier to choose a suitable program as a first-time traveler.
Step 2: Choose a Destination
Now that you have a sense of your goals, it’s time to start thinking more seriously about where in the world you want to go. Here are a few things to consider that can help you narrow down your options:
Language
If you’re not studying abroad to learn a new language and the idea of navigating a foreign language feels daunting as someone traveling out of the country for the first time, you may want to look at English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, and Australia.
That said, don’t let a language barrier scare you off. Not only is navigating a country that speaks a different language a great opportunity to practice cross-cultural communication skills, but in many major cities abroad, you can get around just fine using English.
If you are studying a foreign language, consider choosing a destination where it’s widely spoken—ideally an immersion program that can fast-track your learning!
Distance and Time Zone
Longer flights and bigger time differences can sometimes make homesickness feel more pronounced at first. If that’s a concern, Western European or Latin American destinations are a popular choice for first-timer travelers from the U.S. They’re often close enough to feel manageable, but far enough to feel like a real adventure.
Additionally, you may consider studying abroad with a friend or choosing a destination in the same region. That way, you can visit one another when you have time on the weekend or just take comfort in the knowledge that a friend from home is just a short flight away.
Climate and Lifestyle
Think about the kind of environment where you feel most at home. What kind of climate and landscape come to mind? The mountains? The seaside? A buzzing metropolis?
In addition, what kind of energy and lifestyle are you seeking? Maybe you’re drawn to the avant-garde art scene of Berlin, or you’re more interested in the laidback, Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a study abroad destination to match every personality.
Comfort vs. Challenge
There are some steps you can take to make the prospect of studying abroad feel less overwhelming if you’ve never left the country before, but if you’re up to it, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Choose a climate you’ve never lived in or immerse yourself in a language you know little about. While some culture shock may be inevitable, you’ll learn to adapt and grow exponentially as a result.
In either case—whether you want to go somewhere that feels more familiar or a destination that’s completely different—keep in mind that you should choose what feels right for you.
Still not sure where you want to study abroad? No worries! Our team is here to help. With dozens of exciting destinations located around the world and expert guidance, we’ll get you on the right track in no time!
Step 3: Find the Right Academic Fit
Once you have a destination in mind, it’s time to find a program that aligns with your academic and professional goals. A good place to start is to look at study abroad programs approved by your home university (AIFS Abroad, for example, partners with hundreds of colleges across the U.S.). You’ll want to ensure that you can easily transfer credits back to your school so you can still graduate on time. Talk to your study abroad office—they may be able to provide tailored recommendations based on your academic track.
While you may need to take some courses that align with your degree, consider branching out as well. Is there a subject you’ve always wanted to take but never had the chance to? Studying abroad is a great time to do it. Maybe you want to take art history in Florence or study fashion in Paris—whatever you decide, having a list of subject areas in mind will help your search.
Step 4: Evaluate Safety and Support
Now that you’ve got your destination and academic goals down, it’s time to look at specific programs and choose one that has trusted safety and support systems. This is often the biggest concern for first-time travelers and for family or support systems back home. The good news is that a reputable study abroad program takes a lot of uncertainty out of the equation.
“Many former students [said] that AIFS Abroad [programs] provided a sound structure while still allowing for independent exploration, which was very appealing to someone traveling abroad for the first time. Knowing that I would have a reliable network, as well as individual freedom, made AIFS the right choice for me.”
Molly, study abroad program in Prague, Czech Republic
Here’s what to look for:
- On-site staff: If you’re traveling abroad for the first time, going on a program with a dedicated staff member or team in your host city to support you is a game-changer. Whether you need a recommendation for a fun day trip over the weekend or you get locked out of your dorm at night and need assistance, having on-site support abroad is a must-have.
- 24/7 emergency support: If the worst happens abroad, you’ll want to know that you can get emergency assistance no matter what time it is. Make sure your study abroad program includes round-the-clock emergency support, so help is always available should you need it.
- Comprehensive insurance: A good study abroad program includes comprehensive travel and medical insurance, so you’re covered if something unexpected happens.
- Clear policies and standards: Reputable program providers are transparent about what’s included, how they handle emergencies, and what you can expect from your experience. If you can’t find that information, that could be a red flag.
As you might’ve guessed, AIFS Abroad includes all of the above—and much more. For more details about how to find a program you can trust, read our blog post on the subject: How to Choose a Reputable Study Abroad Program.
Step 5: Think About Housing
Where you live abroad can shape your experience just as much as where you study. If you have a housing preference, make sure to take them into consideration when choosing a program. Common study abroad housing options include:
- Student residences/dorms are often located on or near campus and give you easy access to university life and the chance to meet both local and other international students.
- Homestays are a popular option for first-time travelers as well as students focused on language learning and cultural immersion. Living with a host family offers built-in support that can bring a sense of familiarity and stability as you navigate life abroad for the first time.
- Shared apartments with other program participants offer built-in community from the start and the experience of living independently in a city without feeling totally on your own.
Regardless of which option you feel most comfortable with, you should ensure that your program provider fully vets all of their housing options so that they’re safe, clean, and centrally located (like all of AIFS Abroad’s award-winning housing options!).
“Traveling alone for the first time in my life made me realize how much you are capable of doing on your own! I didn’t know that until I made the decision to go abroad by myself. I also realized how fun it is to travel and live alone—something I think everyone should experience at least once in their life!”
Aya, study abroad program in London, England
Step 6: Sort Out the Practical Stuff
After you’ve chosen a program that fits all of your needs and preferences as a first-time traveler—and you’re sure it’s safe, supportive, and has good housing options—it’s time to start preparing for your trip abroad.
If you choose AIFS Abroad (and we hope you do!), we’ll lead you through the steps of everything you need to do before you go abroad, including:
- Making sure your passport is valid and that you apply for any required visas
- You apply for any financial aid and scholarships or grants
- You’re set up with an international phone plan, or you’ll get a local SIM card once you arrive
- You’ve booked flights (independently or through us)
You may also want to do some research on the local culture and language.
Step 7: Trust the Process
The last step is a leap of faith. It can be nerve-wracking traveling out of the country for the first time. And while this step isn’t always easy, it’s extremely rewarding. As you adjust to your new program destination abroad, you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never imagined. You’ll be navigating a new culture on a daily basis, adapting to surprises, and becoming a more independent, well-rounded person.
Those first few days may be a little scary, but before long, that unfamiliar city will begin to feel like home, and you’ll be so grateful that you decided to study abroad.
“Once you get past the initial moments of fear and homesickness, it will truly become an unforgettable experience.”
Ketina, study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain
Ready to take the leap? Go abroad for the first time with AIFS Abroad and discover just how far you can go.
Traveling abroad for the first time by going on a study abroad program is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. With the right program and provider behind you, it’s more accessible and manageable than you might think.
Trusted by college students and recent graduates for over 60 years, AIFS Abroad knows how to provide an ideal study abroad experience. With valuable inclusions such as 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, on-site staff, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, and award-winning housing options, you can truly go abroad with confidence.
