First, it is necessary to dispel the unfavorable influence caused by the cultural shocks. Upon stepping your foot onto Chinese territory, you may find everything fresh and interesting. Some time later, you will feel the agony brought by the cultural differences, such as difficulties in communication, and differences in values and psychology. However, as your understanding of the surrounding environment deepens, you will become adapted to it and your feeling of loneliness will gradually disappear.

What has the weather recently been like at your destination? Are there long-range forecasts you can find on the Internet? Educate yourself as much as possible before you leave, and pack appropriate clothing. If you'll be in Paris in February of March, it's probably a good idea to buy a top-notch raincoat while you're still at home. If you're leaving for an environmental-studies program in Ecuador in August, a few pairs of shorts are appropriate.

First, submit appropriate application forms for studying in China. Second, submit a Physical Examination Record for Foreigners form. Third, submit copies of the most recent diploma, courses learned, and transcripts. Fourth (for those applying for a Master's degree or doctoral degree studies), submit recommendation letters by two teachers with titles of or above associate professor.

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities with two photographs of yourself, proof of citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices.

You'll likely have to set up a foreign bank account, arrange for cellphone service, and, depending on the program you've chosen, find an apartment. Fortunately, the Internet has made it possible to do most of these things from the comfort of home. You should also arrive in your destination country with enough of the foreign currency to get you by for the first day.

Also invited to share information with the students is the person responsible for pre-approving the course which students elect to take abroad. Even though we ask students to meet with most of these individuals separately prior to orientation, we find it useful to have them present at orientation in order to reconfirm the information.

The housing office representative tells the students how to apply for on-campus housing for when they return. Students are very concerned about their aid and want to be sure that everything they expect to be covered will be covered. During the early meetings with students we encourage them to make an appointment with the financial aid office to make sure they have the correct forms and information.

If you participate in a non-GT program, you should check with the university or other entity administering the program to find out whether or not health, evacuation, and repatriation insurance are included in the program. If the program does not provide what you consider to be adequate insurance coverage.