Learn About Your Destination
Getting to know your host country starts before you leave. The more you understand about where you're going, the better prepared you'll be to engage with the local culture and make the most of your experience abroad.
Understanding Your Host Country
Immerse yourself in your destination's culture before you go and think about these key aspects of life abroad:
Learn about your host country's history and how it shapes current society. Understanding local customs, traditions, and taboos will help you navigate daily interactions. Research the predominant religions, important holidays, and typical social customs like greetings and personal space.
Ask yourself:
- What major historical events have shaped this country's current society and politics?
- What are the predominant religions and how do they influence daily life?
- What are considered polite and impolite behaviors in this culture?
- What are typical family structures and gender roles?
- How formal or informal are social interactions?
Get familiar with the rhythm of daily life in your host country. Research typical meal times, business hours, and social norms. If you'll live with a host family, learn about family customs and expectations. Understanding local transportation, currency, and whether bargaining is common will help you adjust more quickly.
Ask yourself:
- What's the typical daily schedule? (Meal times, business hours, social times)
- How do people typically get around the city?
- Is bargaining expected? When and where?
- How do locals dress in different settings (university, social events, religious sites)?
- What's the local cost of living compared to your budget?
Take time to learn how different aspects of your identity might be perceived in your host country. Consider how local attitudes about gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, and religion might differ from what you're used to. Connect with past study abroad students to learn from their experiences. Visit our Identity Abroad page for additional information.
Ask yourself:
- How might your race, ethnicity, or nationality be perceived in your host country?
- What are local attitudes toward gender roles and expression?
- How open is the society to different sexual orientations and gender identities?
- Will you be able to practice your religion? Are there places of worship available?
- What support systems exist for students with your identities?
Your program choice shapes many aspects of your experience abroad. Understanding the specific structure, expectations, and resources of your program will help you prepare effectively and make the most of your time abroad. Reach out to program returnees and GLO staff to get insider perspectives on what to expect.
Ask yourself:
- What's included in your program fees and what extra costs should you budget for?
- How do local students typically interact with study abroad students?
- What's the teaching style and what are the academic expectations?
- What housing options are available and what are the typical living conditions?
- What health and safety resources are available through your program?
Visit the application portal to find your program brochure:
Resources
Student Perspectives
- Northwestern Student Experiences –Learn from your peers who've been there
- BeGlobalii (by Diversity Abroad) - Access country guides and connect with study abroad returnees from across the U.S.
Official travel Resources
- U.S. Department of State –Essential travel info and safety guidance
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Health and immunization information
- CIA World Factbook - Country demographics and social context
Cultural & Practical Resources
- Lonely Planet – Things to do, sights to see
- Foreign Newspapers – A directory of popular foreign newspapers
- OANDA Currency Converter – Track exchange rates