Before You Leave for Study Abroad

Begin planning your travel once you submit your application for study abroad. Your program will provide resources to help you with preparations, but you can also consult Hamilton's web resources to get a jump on your travel planning. Use the Predeparture Checklist to guide your preparations before you leave Hamilton, and before you leave the U.S.

Get to Know Your Host Country

One of the most important things you can do is get to know your prospective host country. Learn as much as you can. If you've studied the language, literature, or history of your destination, you have a great start. If not, begin now by taking a course if you can. Alternatively, read not only travel guides, but also histories of the country you'll be going to or biographies of its prominent citizens. Read some classics or contemporary literature from your destination. Look for English language news sources from your host country on-line. See some its most influential or recent films. Find a cookbook and try cooking the national dish! Anything you can do to familiarize yourself with the country you're about to become a part of will enhance your study abroad experience enormously.

Predeparture Resources (General)

Culture Shock and Reverse Culture Shock 

Health and Special Needs 

Safety Tips

Travel Documents 

Summer Internship Search

Planning for Your Return to Hamilton

Worldview Photo Contest

2007 First Prize:
Katya Hottenstein
"Tangled in Color," Peru

• View 2007 photos