Is studying abroad right for you? Here’s how to find out.

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience that will enrich your educational experience. You see the world, immerse yourself in unique cultures and learn a new language — all while earning college credit.

But studying abroad isn’t all sunshine and roses; otherwise, all college students would do it. For some students, studying abroad creates financial, emotional and academic challenges.

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Before deciding to go abroad, you should know the pros and cons involved and consider how you’ll address some of the hurdles you may face. Here is everything you need to think about before you buy your plane ticket.

Consider your goals and mental health

Studying abroad may seem like something you’re just supposed to do in college, but it’s worth questioning that assumption and asking whether it’s actually an experience you want.

Start by mulling over why you want to study abroad. Maybe you’re excited to push outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new culture. Maybe this is your first chance to travel outside the country. Maybe you’re looking to accelerate your language acquisition. If you can’t think of a reason (besides just feeling like you should), that could be an indication that this isn’t the right experience for you.

It’s also worth asking whether you have the mental health tools to handle the challenges many students face when moving abroad. Homesickness is a common byproduct of going away to college, but it may be exacerbated when you’re an ocean away from home. Factor in a completely foreign environment with a different language, and you may be in for a bit of culture shock. This usually wears off over time as you familiarize yourself with your host country’s customs and develop friendships, but you might experience a difficult adjustment period that could even impact your academic performance. Think about how you’ll handle that if it happens. If you’re not sure you’re ready for that kind of instability, a fun spring break trip might be better than a full semester abroad.

Consider when it will fit into your schedule

Maybe you feel fully ready to dive into the unknown — but before you do, make sure that studying abroad won’t slow down your studies. Not all institutions will allow you to transfer all credits, so studying abroad for a semester or longer could put you behind on graduating if you’re not thoughtful about it.

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For instance, if your college only allows general education classes to transfer, studying abroad during your sophomore year could make sense while you’re finishing up your basic requirements. (You’ll want to avoid it your freshman year when you’re getting acclimated to your new university life.) If your institution does count courses from abroad towards your major, going during your junior year may be a good opportunity to complete some coursework at an institution specializing in your area of study. You’ll also need to decide how long you’re able to go abroad. Most students will go for a semester, but some will go for as long as a year. If you’re struggling to fit studying abroad into your schedule, a summer program could be a good option to consider.

Ultimately, the optimal time to study abroad and how long you go for depends on your course load and preference, but make sure this international jaunt won’t get in the way of your academic goals.

Consider how you’ll pay for it

Studying abroad can be expensive. Depending on where you’re studying and the type of visa available, you may not be able to work while abroad. You’ll want to carefully weigh the cost (including lost income) against the benefits you’ll reap from enrolling in a program like this.

Luckily, there are several ways to finance your international study dreams without going into massive debt. For instance, qualifying students can use federal student aid towards study abroad programs. There are also ample scholarships and grants and programs sponsored by foreign governments that support students looking to explore the world without going into debt. There are even universities abroad that offer free tuition to international students (save for a small fee of $1,000 or less per semester).

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While private loans are another financing option for study abroad programs, interest rates can be steep, so you should consider the total cost before relying on one. The last thing you want is to add to your total student debt for the sake of a semester abroad.

Studying abroad during college can be an immensely gratifying experience for some, but it doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody. Think carefully about everything above, and talk to a college counselor or someone in your study abroad department if you’re still feeling unsure. By being aware of the various challenges, you can prepare ahead of time and reduce the odds of a negative experience — whether that’s social, academic or financial.

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