Navigating the pre-departure study abroad process is an essential phase that lays the foundation for your upcoming academic and cultural experience abroad with SAI. This time requires you to be quite meticulous as you will need to adhere to many deadlines, submit plenty of paperwork, and read through pages of important material. This phase is all about laying the groundwork for the adventure that awaits you. To facilitate a seamless pre-departure experience, I’ve compiled a set of invaluable top 10 tips that will set you on the path to success.

Forging new friendships in Florence

1 – Meet Your Admissions Counselor

A few days after you send in your SAI application, you’ll get to meet your very own Admissions Counselor. In that welcome email, you’ll see all the easy ways to get in touch with us—whether by email, phone, text, live chat, or virtual meeting—and we’d love for you to reach out anytime!

From the moment you apply all the way through to when you come back home, there’s a whole team here cheering you on. That includes your Admissions Counselor, our Business Office, Student Visa Office, and me, the VP of Enrollment Services. We all work together to make sure you get the personalized support you deserve.

We’re here for you every step of the way. Have a quick question? Need some advice on a bigger decision? Just reach out! When you contact us, you’ll always connect with a real person—no bots or call centers. Whether it’s a quick chat, a call, or a message, we’re just a moment away and ready to help. We want your time abroad to be smooth and fully supported, so don’t hesitate to lean on our expertise and friendly guidance whenever you need it.

2 – Stay Connected with Both Your Home School and SAI

We’re a dynamic duo! Your first step is to have a chat with your home school, as they might require you to obtain approval for your study abroad plans. This could involve meeting specific requirements by a certain deadline and likely filling out an application.

Once your home school gives us the green light, we’re ready to move forward! They’ll contact us to confirm you can enroll in the program, and we’ll quickly pass that good news along to you.

Sometimes, getting approval from your home school’s study abroad office can take a little while. To make the most of that waiting time, we highly recommend completing your SAI application early. That way, once we get the go-ahead, we can hit the ground running without delay!

SAI Viva Experience: Rooftops of Milan

3 – Deadlines Matter & Communication is Important

No worries, we keep things simple, but meeting deadlines is super important! We’ll share all the key dates upfront so you can stay on track without any surprises. If you ever need a little extra time, just let us know! We’re flexible and here to support you – good communication really makes a difference.

Communication is key when it comes to completing your application, which we ask you to finish within 2 weeks of submitting it online. This timeline really matters because courses fill up fast, getting a visa takes time, and housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need a little extra time, just shoot us an email, and we’ll be happy to keep your application open! And of course, making payments on time keeps your spot secure and things running smoothly. If you run into delays or need more time, just give us a heads-up early, we’re happy to work with you!

Happiness in Florence

5 – Organize Your Inbox & Bookmark Your Ready-Set-Go! Pack

Get ready for an info avalanche—seriously, there’s a lot coming your way! But don’t worry, every piece is pure gold (promise!). Still, it can feel a bit overwhelming.

Here’s a pro tip: create a special folder in your inbox just for program emails. You’ll be amazed at how much smoother everything runs when all your important info is neatly tucked in one place.

Once you’re officially enrolled, you’ll get access to the Ready-Set-Go! Pack, a Google Drive folder packed with everything you need to know. Inside, you’ll find the pre-departure checklist, a handy Google Calendar you can subscribe to with all the key deadlines and tasks, plus helpful info about living abroad, academics, videos to watch, and much more.

6 – Set (and Reset) Your Expectations

It’s time to let go of any preconceived notions you may have and dive headfirst into the thrilling world of study abroad. Spoiler alert: your experience is guaranteed to be entirely unique and unforgettable.

Let’s shift gears and focus on what really counts, embracing cultural differences and mastering the art of adapting. It’s all about the positive vibes and creative solutions when it comes to navigating those quirky contrasts. Trust us, even the most unexpected challenges can be transformed into great opportunities if you’re up for the challenge (cue your inner adventurer).

So, gear up for this whirlwind adventure and get ready to flip the script on any curveballs that come your way. Your positivity and open-mindedness will be your best travel companions!

Sorrento student housing overlooking the gulf of Naples

7 – Know What to Expect (Especially with Housing)

With that in mind, we want to emphasize the importance of your Ready-Set-Go! Pack (yes, we’re talking about it again!), which provides you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect during your study abroad experience.

This resource becomes especially vital when it comes to your housing abroad, as this aspect is entirely new and may come with its own set of expectations and questions. We want your first landing to be an exciting adventure, not a series of unexpected surprises, so make sure to thoroughly review all the provided documents.

8 – Join Your City & Term WhatsApp Group

As soon as that invite hits your inbox, don’t miss the chance to dive into the mix and connect with your future program buddies. Your Admissions Counselor will also post crucial details, important deadlines and will give you friendly nudges along the way. Active engagement with these posts is your ticket to staying in the loop and staying on top of your study abroad journey. The on-site team in your host city will also use this platform to keep you in the loop regarding events happening while you are abroad.

9 – Involve Your Family (If You’d Like)

Incorporating your family members into the pre-departure process can be highly beneficial, so don’t hesitate to share all relevant details with anyone assisting you during this period. Your family is welcome to reach out to us at any time to gather further information about the program, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and prepared for your study abroad journey.

SAI Viva Experience: San Gimignano

10 – Celebrate Your Progress

Every step you complete—whether it’s submitting your application, securing your visa, or packing your bags—is a victory worth celebrating! Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Staying positive and recognizing your progress will keep your motivation high and reduce stress.

Remember, this journey is about growth, discovery, and adventure. It’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and nerves—that’s completely normal! Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and every success as a milestone. You’re not just preparing for a program; you’re shaping an experience that will change you in amazing ways.

Keep your eyes on the incredible adventure ahead, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!