Lots of people study abroad in other countries, but a lot fewer people actually attend college and receive their degree in a foreign country. For college students from the United States, whether you’re looking to gain an undergraduate degree or are researching grad schools, there are many great options outside of the country. Sometimes, foreign schools even cost less (or are free) when compared to schools in the United States. If you’re planning on attending college in a different country, here are some tips to make this journey as easy as possible.

Choose your school carefully

The first step to take once you decide you’d like to look at colleges abroad is to carefully research the schools you’re looking at. Do not simply choose a school because it’s in a county you’d like to visit and you have a high chance of getting accepted. Much like schools in the United States, where you decide to earn your degree is important and can affect your employability in the future. Research the schools and learn as much as possible, such as how current students like the school, what it’s reputation is, and what your specific department would be like. Consider reaching out to current professors and students and asking any questions you may have.

Research the area

No matter where you’re thinking of attending school, even if you’ve already visited that country or city, research the area. You’ll be living there for at least a year, so you’re going to become immersed in the area and culture. Work on learning the native language beforehand, discover the history of the area, and check out the pop culture of that country. The more you understand when you start school, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Remember to take time to sightsee and travel the local area once you’re in school so you don’t miss out on anything.

Connect with locals

Once you get to your new home, and even before, find time to connect with the locals. Join groups or clubs or simply find an online forum where you can get to know some people and what life is like in the area. Remember to connect with other students as well because many of them will probably be from the country the school is located in.

Plan out what you’re taking

While you’ll be in a foreign country for a significant amount of time, it’s important to not overpack. Strategically plan out what you’ll be taking with you and research what people have found most useful when studying abroad in this country. Remember that you can always buy toiletries once you settle in, so avoid taking up space with something you can simply get once you arrive.