1) Market your study abroad experience through your cover letter and resume once you get back. Your time abroad is invaluable not only to your educational development but also your professional and interpersonal development. As a result, you will make a better and more valued employee! Let your future employer know that studying abroad has not only aided you in eliminating the gap between our international neighbors, but it also opened your eyes to a new language and culture.

2) Keep a daily journal to note all that you’re doing. Even if it’s something as simple as “Studied at the library then hit Arthur’s Pizza in Randwick. Something about the Australian variation of adding an egg in the middle of the pizza makes it so delicious!” You’ll really get a kick out reading your journal years later.

3) To manage your money, you’ll have to open a bank account locally. Whether you plan to live off your debit card or want to mostly use cash, decide a set amount of money to spend the first few weeks. Then you can adjust accordingly and will have a good handle on budgeting for the time you’re abroad.

4) Expand your palate without bursting your budget. Try as many new foods and beverages as you can. In most places, portions are much smaller than what you’re used to in the States. Combo meal drinks and fries are the equivalent of a child’s size here.

5) Take pictures and then make a scrapbook. It’s so easy nowadays to build a scrapbook through Shutterfly or iPhoto, so why not create a keepsake full of all your great photos and memories? If you really want something to cherish, print out all of your blog posts and add them to the scrapbook as a narrative touch.

6) Add to your collections. Whether you’re a stamp enthusiast or have a shot glass stockpile, make sure you bring home mementos that will have an actual home in your bookcase.

7) Making local friends, getting beyond campus and welcoming invitations to peoples’ homes and family events allow you to make the most of your short time in a new culture. Plus, this is a good way to get free, home-cooked meals and check off tip No. 4.

8) Whether you’re warding off malaria in Senegal or swine flu in Oz, make sure you’re aware of the health issues in your country and those you are visiting. Get your vaccines and medicines to last you your trip. Remember, mom is not around to spoon feed you chicken soup.

9) Get an International Student ID Card (ISIC). The price of an ISIC card varies slightly in different countries. It’s usually around the price of a movie ticket, but it saves you hundreds all over the world. For starters, use it to get foreign currency at the airport commission free! ISIC also saves you money on sightseeing, transportation, restaurants, museum admission, movies and more.

10) Consider buying a monthly bus or subway pass to get around town. Most public transportation, especially in Europe, is highly efficient and you’ll love it. Otherwise, just walk. Just remember that cabs can get really expensive if that’s all you’re taking.