Taking the first steps to study abroad in another country is understandably both exciting and a little bit scary. But studying in another country will not only help you exceed academically, it will also open new perspectives that you would have never known about.

5 Important Things to Remember if You are Planning to Study Abroad this Summer

If you are considering studying abroad this summer, there are some important things to keep in mind—outside of how many pairs of shorts to bring.

1. The Expense of Study Abroad

We are going to get right to it; you are probably stressing about how much money to take this summer. The expenses you can expect can be affected by a variety of factors, some of which are:

• The school you choose to go to
• Which program you select at that school
• How much additional support is offered at your chosen school
• Exchange rates
• Travel costs
• Cost of living in the area you are considering

In many cases, it can be quite affordable to study outside of the country with the possibility of financial support being available to you. This varies from school to school, but many institutions offer special rates for students applying through joint programs with schools in other countries.

Knowing your options and creating a plan that will best suit your needs will prepare you for how expensive it will be while you are studying abroad this summer. Remember, you can always contact your student advisor to receive more information about the financial programs available to you.

2. Do I Need a Student Visa?

Having a student visa depends on the country you’ll be studying in and how long you will be studying there. Some countries have agreements with the United States to allow you study without a visa if your stay is under the stated amount of time. Other countries will require you to apply for a student visa, while others need proof of adequate health and travel insurance. For more information about the student visa process, click here.

3. You Should Have the Right Health Insurance

Having medical insurance is likely not something you are thinking about when traveling to another country this summer, but it is imperative to have while you are away. Here is why:

An Unexpected Accident or Sickness Could Occur

If you are studying abroad for an extended amount of time, there is a chance that you could get sick with the flu or experience an unexpected injury. Life is unpredictable, and accidents happen. You could injure yourself while you are away or get sick from food. If this happens, you want to make sure that you will get the treatment you need so that you can continue your education in full health.

You Might Have to Pay Expensive Medical Bills Out of Pocket

If something unfortunate does happen to you while you are away and you are uninsured, you could be left with an expensive medical bill. Contrary to popular belief, healthcare in other countries is not always 100 percent free. You can’t just walk into any healthcare facility with zero worries about how much treatment will cost. Having the right insurance can ensure that you won’t end up with a large medical bill.

Study Abroad Health Insurance is Easy to Obtain

Getting health insurance might seem like a burden, but applying for study abroad health insurance is quick and easy. Doing that paperwork now will save you a lot of headaches in the long run if an emergency does happen.

4. Know the Cultural Intricacies of Where You Will Be Studying

It is essential to familiarize yourself on the cultural differences of the country you will be studying in. For example, in a lot of other countries, the practice of tipping your servers or bartenders is considered rude.

If you don’t understand these differences, you may find yourself feeling embarrassed or worse. Some things that are not considered a big deal in the U.S. could be illegal in other countries and result in fines or imprisonment. A little research goes a long way when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of the culture you will be traveling to.

5. Safety (Finding Embassies and Knowing Places to Avoid)

You should always be aware of your surroundings and do your research, so you know what areas are unsafe in the country you will be staying in. Your health and safety are the two most important things to prioritize while you are studying abroad.

If you do find yourself in trouble, your first point of contact will likely be your home school’s study abroad coordinator or international student advisor. However, if a serious emergency occurs, you should go straight to your country’s embassy. Make sure you know the number and address of your embassy’s location before you leave your home country.

At LewerMark, we understand your unique needs as a student studying abroad. That’s why we’ve designed every LewerMark Study Abroad Plan you in mind. We partner with trained multilingual and medical personnel available to advise and assist, quickly and professionally if you are experiencing a medical emergency or need medical treatment.

If your school does not provide study abroad health insurance plans to you before you go to study abroad, click here to learn more about LewerMark’s study abroad health insurance plans.

A quote that has really resonated with me throughout the years is, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” by St. Theresa of Calcutta.

For the past several months, we have seen some challenging moments in our nation and around the world that are creating “ripples” in our schools, communities, businesses, and even in our homes. As a mother, wife and business professional, it can feel very overwhelming! Lately, I have been focused on keeping my family healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

Naturally, when thinking about the well-being of myself and my family, my mind wanders to the international students we serve at LewerMark and the hurdles they face when coming to this country, as well as the study abroad students who venture overseas. I admire them tremendously given the courage they display to be globally mobile during these turbulent times. There are a multitude of stressors in students’ lives today with balancing school, learning a new culture, and dealing with a constant stream of social media and news updates surrounding problems locally and abroad.

At LewerMark, we offer resources to our international students to combat these obstacles, such as Student Assist and MyNurse 24/7®. Student Assist, a mental health counseling service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no extra cost. There is no limit to the number of issues for which students may use the service and has translation assistance available as well. MyNurse 24/7® is a live medical hotline available for students to speak with a registered nurse about their health. The nurses are available to help students decide what their best choices are for care, day or night.

One of our main goals at LewerMark is to make your life easier while being committed to the total well-being of your students. We offer this network of services to help alleviate some stressors from your daily life.

Here are some more helpful links below for managing stress and staying well.

Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health  (University of Michigan)

Health Check and Wellness Toolbox (Gonzaga University)

Mindfulness and Meditation Offer Health Benefits (Gonzaga University)

Expert Strategies for Staying Healthy at College

Students who want to study abroad might be put off by the news in the world. It doesn’t seem to matter where you’re considering going; there’s some level of concern in almost every country around the globe. Of course, studying abroad is a unique experience, often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but there are some safety tips to help you during your time abroad.

5. Do Your Research

One study abroad safety tip before you hop a plane, you should research the country you’ll be visiting. Chances are you already know something about where you’ll be staying, but few people do in-depth research into the current political situation in their countries of choice. Read reports and news stories not only about your destination country, but also the cities you will visit. Online advice from other travelers or ex-patriots living there gives you a firsthand account and will tell you what areas of a city to be careful in.

Even people in other English-speaking countries may do things that you find strange. Chances are you do some things they find odd as well. Observing social customs, however, can help keep you safe and out of trouble. You may not realize it, but acting out of the ordinary can make you a target for crime such as theft—or worse. People may treat you differently if they perceive that you’re not a local. The best policy is the adage “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

4. Buddy Up

Once you’re studying abroad, a good tip you can follow to stay safe is to make some friends. Be sure to associate with other exchange students as well as local students and people as much as possible. While you might be tempted to simply hang out with people from your own country creating more variety in your social circle will help you stay safer.

Local students are likely to be more aware of the “dangerous” areas of town, and they might be able to help you understand the healthcare system and how the local police work.

3. Get International Student Insurance

While study-abroad insurance may not keep you out of trouble, it can definitely help you if something should happen. Most insurance plans for students studying abroad include protection for natural disasters and political upheaval, which can help you get out of a bad situation. The insurance plan should also include medical evacuation back to the United States, which domestic plans often do not have.

International student insurance plans often include coverage for the more mundane troubles of traveling: lost luggage, stolen ID, and so on. Having a good policy provides you with the peace of mind you need while you’re studying abroad—and it’ll protect you if an accident happens or some unforeseen incident occurs!

2. Have a Plan

Accidents do happen, and sometimes, even the most prepared person will run into trouble. Don’t simply assume that nothing will happen to you, even if you do take precautions. Instead, have a plan for what to do in case of an emergency.

This is a great rule of thumb when you’re at home, and it works very well when you’re studying abroad too. Know the local emergency numbers, and keep some information—such as your name, your local emergency contact, and your insurance provider’s contact details—on you.

1. Stay in Touch

And the No. 1 tip for international study abroad students: Stay in touch. It’s easy to lose touch with people back home while you’re studying abroad. You might be too busy, and time zones can make it difficult to keep in touch with people half-way around the world.

Nonetheless, you should check in with people at home regularly. Keep them up to date on your whereabouts and activities. That way, if you miss a scheduled check-in, they’ll be aware that something is wrong and can jump into action sooner, rather than later.

Congratulations if you are one of the nearly 300,000 US students who have the opportunity to travel abroad to study this year. The experience should create a lifetime of memories. The number of American students who are heading overseas for study abroad opportunities has been growing, and with it, the number of students who have questions about health insurance when they study in other countries has also grown.

The insurance market can be a confusing one: There are plenty of options for students who are studying abroad. However, there’s not much guidance on what you really need when you opt to study abroad. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, don’t fret: Finding what you need is easier than you think.

Carry No Insurance? That’s Not An Option

First and foremost, put the thought of simply not getting health insurance out of your head. Some students think they can save money or avoid the frustration of shopping for insurance by not buying a policy. “I’ll be really careful while I’m there…”

No one plans on getting sick or being in an auto accident when they study abroad. The experience of studying abroad usually involves extensive sightseeing, experiencing nightlife activities, trying new cuisines, etc. But unforeseen things can happen where international student health insurance can be a huge benefit.

A School-Mandated Policy

Some schools, fortunately, require students have health insurance before they can join a study abroad program. In most cases, these schools will mandate a plan that students can join. This means the school administers the plan and the policy, which can eliminate the frustration of shopping for insurance.

Of course, students can often still opt to select their own insurance, which may be a good idea, depending on the school program. Some school programs may offer only the most basic or even incomplete coverage, while others will offer insurance that is too comprehensive—and has a high price tag as a result. LewerMark recommends a policy cover emergency medical evacuation services and repatriation services, which most domestic policies do not cover. Be sure to check with the school about its minimum requirements for health insurance policies.

Your Domestic Provider

If you already have health insurance at home, check with your provider. There’s a chance you may already have some coverage under your existing policy, or you may be able to extend your coverage for a minimal fee. Be sure to check that the policy meets or exceeds your school program’s basic requirements.

Basic Medical Insurance

If you’re taking out a new policy, either with an existing provider or a new one, you’ll still have to make decisions about the coverage you purchase. It’s a good idea to purchase at least basic medical insurance at the very minimum.

In general, you should look for a policy that offers you at least $100,000 in medical coverage for illness or accident. The policy you select should also include 24-hour emergency assistance at no additional cost. These are the bare minimums you should select; if you know you’re prone to illness or tend to be accident-prone, purchasing more coverage is advisable.

Enhanced Insurance

You can most certainly purchase more extensive coverage than what’s outlined as “basic” medical insurance. Some policies offer a zero deductible, which means you don’t need to pay anything out of pocket. Other policies can insure you for up to $1 million in coverage; that might seem excessive, but medical bills can rack up quite quickly, and the last thing you want while you’re studying abroad is to worry about going into debt over an accident.

Insurance policies can also provide additional coverage for lost or stolen property, trip cancelation or delay. Some policies may even cover lost tuition, should you need to cut your study program short.

You’re embarking on the ultimate of adventures—an international course of study! Whether it’s for a semester or a whole four-year program, you’re getting ready to take off to study abroad.

But before you go, you need to dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s” to make sure you’re ready. Take a look at this study abroad checklist to make sure you’ve got everything in order.

Visas and Other Documents

When you’re studying abroad, some countries will require you to apply for a student visa or other documentation. These documents allow you to legally enter and reside in the country during your course of study. Without them, you could be detained, jailed, or deported.

Be sure to check with your study abroad program advisor about documentation requirements. Submit applications well in advance of your departure date. Also, be sure to always carry your student visa or other documentation during your stay.

Financial Options

You might be surprised to learn your credit cards or debit cards are not accepted in many places when you study abroad, or that cash is the only method of payment. Bring at least a couple of options for making transactions; apply for a major credit card if you don’t already have one, and bring some currency with you.

Your study abroad checklist should include contacting your bank to see what they charge for foreign cash withdrawals or if they will ding you on the exchange rates. You may also want to explore setting up an account with PayPal or another money transfer service in case you need to pay back friends and acquaintances quickly.

Health and Travel Insurance

Some study abroad programs will require you to have health insurance to protect yourself before you leave. Some even offer their own plans, while others leave the choice up to you. Either way, you should ensure you have adequate health and travel coverage before you take off on your trip in case you are in a car accident or contract a serious illness.

Many students (or their parents) make the mistake of assuming their current health insurance coverage will be adequate as a study abroad international student; however, more often than not, this is not the case. Domestic health care plans don’t go far enough or will not cover the costs for medical service outside the US, especially in the case of an emergency medical evacuation.

Take the time to research health care plans early so you can have great coverage before you depart. Premiums for study abroad health insurance can start from as little as $1 per day or more for the duration of your stay.

Medications and Prescriptions

A big study abroad checklist item is to make sure you have enough of your medications for the duration of your stay. Students who have studied abroad recommend you get your prescriptions filled before you depart. Even with medical insurance, refilling prescription drugs in other countries may be difficult, especially if you’re taking a brand-name drug.

In some countries, certain medications may not be available or the dosages may be incorrect, which can cause problems. Getting a supply of medication to last you for your duration of study is both cost-effective and smart.

Course Requirements and Restrictions

You might think you can simply pick whatever courses you want while you study abroad, but if you want to earn credits toward your degree, you’ll likely need to follow a few restrictions. This could require you to take particular courses, or to maintain a certain GPA to make the credits you earn abroad count toward your degree at home.

Country Information

Knowledge is power, so research your destination before you leave. Knowing about things such as the cost of living or political unrest in the area can help you make smarter decisions and stay safe while you’re abroad. Knowing background information about your country of choice will also help you achieve a deeper appreciation for what you learn while abroad, both inside the classroom and outside in the city streets.

You’re a student thinking about study abroad opportunities, or maybe you’re already enrolled. Maybe you’re a parent whose child is about to embark on a semester abroad. Or maybe you’re a school administrator trying to decide whether your institution should offer health insurance to students enrolled in your study abroad programs. 

Whatever the reason, you want to know why study abroad students need health insurance. It turns out that there are a number of good reasons for students to have health insurance when they study abroad.

Accidents Will Happen

Students often don’t think about getting sick or being involved in an accident when they sign up to study abroad. 

In all truth, nobody ever signs up for insurance because they believe they’re going to get sick or be involved in an accident. Instead, insurance protects you from the “what if” scenarios. Study abroad students can get sick or hurt, just like anyone else, and health insurance helps protect them.

Students Get Sick

School administrators and students alike know how frequently students get sick throughout the semester. Living in close quarters, late nights, and the stress of exams can take their toll on students’ immune systems. It’s likely that a student may get sick sometime during the school year. 

That doesn’t change when students travel abroad. In fact, they might be even more likely to get sick, since their new environment may expose them to new germs. There is also stress added from attending a new school in a different country. Health insurance can be a tool to help protect them if they do become ill.

Domestic Plans Don’t Go Far Enough

You may think you don’t need to purchase additional insurance for studying abroad. Maybe you have coverage under a parent’s insurance plan, or maybe you already have health insurance through your school, which covers you in the US. The situation changes once you leave US soil, however. Most plans don’t provide coverage for extended stays outside of the US, which means you may be covered for only a very short portion of your study abroad program (e.g. for a week or two), or you may not be covered at all.

Worse, the plans that do offer coverage often have only minimal coverage for medical service outside of the US. Even if you do think you have coverage, you may need to wrangle with the insurance provider. Given all of that, it’s better to purchase a study abroad plan so you know you’re covered!

Built-in Travel Insurance

Study abroad students are also traveling, so they also encounter plenty of problems associated with that: lost luggage, delayed or canceled trips, and so on. Many health insurance programs for study abroad students also include built-in travel insurance, which means the protection can go further than a standard medical plan.

Better Support

You may already have a domestic plan in place, but what are the support services? Can you call from anywhere in the world and get help 24/7? What happens if you need to speak to a medical provider who speaks a foreign language?

Domestic plans often have great support services when it comes to services provided in the US, but they may be fish out of water when it comes to dealing with study abroad students who need assistance.

Getting a health insurance plan designed specifically for study abroad students will offer the support that these students are likely to need. That includes benefits like emergency evacuation and repatriation, which would not be included in a domestic plan.

Protecting Students

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity, and students should take advantage of these programs. They should be able to do so with peace of mind, knowing they have the insurance coverage they need while they’re abroad.

Committing to study abroad is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. While the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for American students, there are also inherent risks in opting to study outside the US. Protecting yourself with a study abroad insurance policy is one of the most important steps to take before leaving for your trip. In fact, some schools and countries may even require that you carry insurance before you can pursue your global studies.

But selecting an insurance policy can be intimidating—almost as anxiety-inducing as the decision to study abroad in the first place! If you’re feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed by all of the choices you have, follow these four tips to help select the best insurance policy for you.

4. Basic Medical Coverage

Some schools will require you to carry study abroad insurance; they won’t let you join the program or get off the ground without it. In some cases, that means the school has a mandated plan. In almost all cases, schools will have recommendations for the minimum of coverage a plan should meet.

A basic medical coverage plan should offer you a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for both emergency medical services and medical evacuation, although more is almost never a bad idea, as medical expenses can add up quickly. Your policy should also include 24-hour assistance and access to a global network of medical providers.

3. A Few Extra Dollars Now …

… can save you a lot of money later. Study abroad insurance is cheap! Go ahead, spend a few extra bucks for a better plan; many students will find that a more comprehensive policy is desirable for their study abroad insurance.

While a basic coverage plan may be cheaper, it could mean that you end up paying more out of pocket later. Not all insurance plans are created equal, and those with lower prices tend to have less coverage—which can mean higher deductibles or simply less coverage overall. For example, if your plan covers up to $50,000 and your medical bill totals $70,000, you’ll be on the hook for $20,000. Suddenly, the couple of extra bucks in your pocket from the cheaper plan doesn’t seem like it was worth it!

2. Look for Combined Travel Insurance

While health insurance is possibly the most important facet of study abroad insurance, you should also look for a plan that has some built-in travel insurance. Since you’ll be traveling, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some of the common complications of travel: lost or delayed luggage, stolen passport or ID, or other common problems.

You may even need to delay, shorten, or outright cancel your trip, which can translate into lost money if you’ve paid in advance for flights or accommodations. Study abroad insurance that has travel insurance built into it will protect you against all of these situations.

1. Check the Limits

Not all plans are created equal, and nowhere is that more evident than in the limitations and exclusions some policies impose on study abroad insurance. Always be sure to investigate the limitations the provider imposes on the plan before you sign on the dotted line.

Does the plan completely exclude your pre-existing condition? If so, you may want to continue shopping around. What are the plan’s deductibles? Sometimes, a plan with an attractive price will have a high deductible, which will leave you paying a hefty upfront cost in the event you do need medical attention.

If you’re considering coverage under a current plan you have through your school or your parents, be sure the plan will cover you in all of the countries you may travel to and that it will cover you over an extended stay. If your school offers a plan that’s great! Be sure to make yourself aware of any limitations that plan carries with it—you can always opt for additional individual insurance if the coverage isn’t comprehensive.

The chance to study abroad is an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime experience for American students. More and more schools are offering programs that allow students to take advantage of these opportunities as evidenced by the increasing number of students who are traveling abroad to study.

It’s natural to have questions about studying abroad, however—as do plenty of other prospective students. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions.

5. Will I Have to Study in an English-Speaking Country If I Only Speak English?

This is a common concern for students who are planning to study abroad, especially those who only speak one language fluently. It’s not a problem, however; in fact, many students opt to study abroad for the specific purpose of learning a second language.

Just because you only speak English does not mean you’ll be limited to picking an English-speaking country such as Australia or England (although both of these are pretty good choices). The choice is yours: If you’re interested in learning another language, then picking a non-English-speaking country will be your best bet!

4. How Expensive Is Studying Abroad?

The expense of your program is dependent upon a number of factors, such as the program you pick, support offered by your school, the institution you’ll be attending, abroad travel costs to your destination, and of course the exchange rate of currency and costs of goods and services in-country.

In many cases, studying abroad is very affordable. Financial support programs can help students, and many institutions offer special rates for students applying through joint programs. Of course, you should also research the cost of living in your country of choice, as study abroad programs may not offer financial aid for day-to-day expenses. Many programs do have residence assistance, however, so you should be able to find affordable housing.

3. Do I Need Health and Travel Insurance?

Yes! Any student going abroad should invest in health and travel insurance before they leave US soil. Many students mistakenly think the plans that cover them in the US will be sufficient in other countries, but this is not usually true.

Even in the cases where the policy may extend overseas, you will find that the coverage is not adequate. In the case of a medical emergency, it’s better to invest in study abroad insurance before you go. Do plenty of research and pick a plan that suits your needs. Some programs already have mandated plans in place; others will require you to purchase a plan before you leave, but will leave the choice of plan up to you. Do not just google “cheap study abroad insurance!” Ask your study abroad office for help.

2. Can I Still Graduate on Time?

This will depend on your program, but typically the answer is yes. Most study abroad programs allow students to earn credits that count toward their degrees while they study at foreign institutions. Always be sure to check with your program advisor, as there may be restrictions; you may need to take certain courses or attain a certain grade in order to have your credits count.

Also be aware that other countries and institutions may have different academic requirements; for example, in England, a pass is considered a 70, not a 60. In most cases, you’ll still be able to earn credits and graduate on time. Even if you must delay graduation by a semester or two, however, the global perspective you’ll gain from studying abroad is more than worth it—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget!

1. Will I Need a Visa?

This depends on the country you’ll be studying in and the length of time you’ll be staying. Some countries have agreements with the US, which means you don’t need to apply for a visa if your stay will be under a certain length. Other countries will require you to apply for a student visa no matter what, and many countries may require proof of adequate health and travel insurance!

Check with your program advisor to determine the documentation requirements for your program.

Since the turn of the millennium, the number of US students studying abroad has nearly doubled. Each and every year, almost 300,000 American students will get credit for spending a semester or two studying in another country.

With so many schools offering study abroad programs and touting them as a great way to see the world and learn more about about a new country, US students are more likely than ever to opt for a tour of study beyond US borders. You might be one of them!

But not all of the students studying abroad opt to carry insurance when they jet off out of the country.

Here’s why you should think twice about going abroad without study abroad insurance.

You Might Be Required to Have It

Some study abroad programs for US students require medical insurance before you leave the country. That’s a good thing—study abroad coverage is typically very affordable, and it’s important to have insurance. It’s also a possibility that your destination country requires that you already have insurance up to certain levels of coverage.

Your school wants to be sure you’re safe should anything happen while you’re studying somewhere else. It gives you peace of mind as well, knowing that you’re covered if something should happen.

Something Could Happen

Most students like to think they’re invincible—or at least that nothing bad will happen to them while they’re traveling and studying beyond US borders. While it may be true that most accidents happen close to home, that doesn’t mean something can’t and won’t happen to you while you’re on your study abroad program. If you’re involved in an accident, even something as simple as spraining your ankle, you may need medical attention.

You may not even be in an accident! Just think about how often you’ve come down with a cold or the flu, especially right around exam time. Students studying abroad are still prone to becoming ill, and you may need to see a doctor if you do end up with a nasty cough or require medication.

You May Be Required to Pay

Many countries have state-sponsored healthcare systems, which sometimes leads US students to believe they can receive “free” healthcare in the country in which they’re studying. Chances are, though, that as a non-citizen who doesn’t pay taxes, you’ll be required to pay out-of-pocket for any medical services you receive while you study abroad.

Study abroad insurance provides you with coverage to help avoid such out-of-pocket costs in the event you need medical attention.

It Goes Beyond Medical

Travel has inherent risks. Think about all those stories of people who have lost their luggage at an airport or those who were pickpocketed in Rome or London and lost their ID, including their passports. Study abroad insurance can help protect you against these common travel risks.

Study abroad insurance can also help you if your trip is interrupted or cancelled. Some plans will also include provisions for emergency evacuation services if there is a natural disaster or political and social unrest in the country in which you choose to study.

While not every destination carries those risks, they are certainly things to think about when you consider whether or not you need study abroad insurance.

Get Help When You Need It

There is almost nothing more terrifying than being involved in an emergency situation and not knowing where to turn. Whether your emergency is of a medical nature or the result of a natural disaster, study abroad insurance policies usually include assistance services that provide US students with the help they need when they need it the most.

Whether it’s communicating with a medical provider in another language, helping direct you to quality medical services, or organizing evacuation services for you, study abroad insurance will make sure that you have access to support when you need it the most.

Studying abroad for the summer, a semester, or two semesters, is now the thing to do among US college students; the number of students who travel to other countries to pursue their studies each and every year has grown to nearly 300,000!

Many schools offer travel abroad programs, and these have become increasingly popular over time. If you’re thinking about taking a study abroad course, check out these four tips before you hop a plane.

4. Get Insurance

First and foremost, students who are heading out of the US to study should opt for study abroad insurance. While some students believe they don’t need this kind of coverage, the truth is that many students will need some form of insurance while they’re traveling and studying outside of the US.

While you may not break your leg or get caught up in political unrest, you might get food poisoning or a really nasty cold you can’t seem to shake. If you require medical assistance while you’re outside of the US, you may not know where to go for quality coverage and you’ll end up paying out of pocket if you don’t have insurance.

Study abroad insurance plans often include coverage extras for lost luggage or stolen ID, such as a passport. That can be invaluable for students who opt to study outside of the US. In fact, insurance is so important that many programs actually require students to purchase some type of coverage before they go.

3. Know Where You’re Going

Obviously, you know where you’re going to study—after all, you probably picked a program based on the university, city, or country that’s your destination! But do you really know where you’re going?

Do some research before you get off the ground. What is the political situation like where you’re going? What is the healthcare system like? How does it function for non-citizens? Do you require a visa or other documentation? Are taxis safe to just jump into?

Different countries have different systems and all have different requirements for students studying abroad. China, for example, requires people seeking medical care to obtain tickets called “Guahao”—often sold by scalpers on the street for substantial sums of money. Russia requires students to obtain visas, while Canada and other countries have agreements with the US and do not require visas for US citizens.

2. Review Your Bank Account

No, not the balance. Look at the terms your account has about things such as exchange rates or international ATM fees. Some banks will charge you a second time for taking money out using an international ATM; you might pay a fee at the machine to the bank operating it, and then a second fee to your own bank to access your own money.

You can also get dinged on exchange rates, and not just when you’re accessing cash. Be sure to see which credit card providers offer preferable rates for foreign exchange—and be sure to select a card that’s most likely to be accepted in the country where you’re studying.

Also, have more than one method of payment, just in case a provider doesn’t accept a foreign credit card or bank card.

You might also consider downloading an app that works on a global basis, such as PayPal or a similar money transferring service, so that you can pay back friends and acquaintances with ease if they have to foot the bill for you.

1. Stock up on Your Medications

If you have any prescription medications, be sure to bring them with you, but check your destination country’s rules about bringing Rx into the country with you first! While study abroad insurance can help you cover the cost of medical service provided while you’re abroad, you probably don’t want to be dashing to the doctor once a month (or at all) if you happen to run out of your prescription.

In some places, you may not be able to access a doctor easily or even obtain the medication you’re taking; if the medication is available, it will likely have a different name entirely, and it may be a different brand or a different dose or drug, which could adversely affect you.