Whether you’re considering a semester in Venice or a summer in Argentina, adding study abroad to your time at Harvard will definitely be a rewarding experience and, more importantly, a lot of fun! But before you hop on a plane out of here, Freeze has insider tips on how to make your time abroad the best months of your life!

Don’t be afraid to branch out. Harvard has a lot of great study abroad programs, especially if you’re going in the summer, but if Harvard doesn’t offer exactly what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to go ahead and look elsewhere. Lots of universities in America sponsor programs that Harvard will approve for credit and funding, and lots of foreign universities allow you to enroll directly as a study abroad student without a sponsored program. It might seem totally intimidating to find your own program, but study abroad is so much better if you can use it to follow your own interests and go to the places you really want to go.

Do talk to the OIP. Not only do they have a massive list of Harvard-approved programs in pretty much any country you might want to go; they can also match you up with Harvard students who have been on your program before. Realize that the OIP is always a great source of info beyond the glossy program websites and brochures!

Do feel free to take courses outside your concentration. A lot of departments are really flexible with study abroad and are willing to give you credit for classes you might not expect, so if there’s a course you like, go ahead and talk to your department head about it. You might as well spend your time abroad taking stuff you can’t take at Harvard!

Don’t underestimate how much you’re going to spend. Overestimate on your budget if you have to. Keep in mind also that if you’re going pretty much anywhere in Europe, the exchange rate is going to make a huge difference!

Do take advantage of Harvard’s credit transfer policy. Any classes you take abroad will likely go down pass/fail in Harvard’s book: this means no grades on your transcript, with nothing factoring into your GPA. Now, obviously, don’t skip studying all together while you’re abroad; that’s never a good idea! But you should feel free to hit the books a little less than you might do while you’re at Harvard and spend some more time traveling or getting really involved in life wherever you’re at. You’re only going to have the experience once, so enjoy it!

Do get involved. Is there some cultural event going on you’ve never heard of before? Go! Some activity you’ve always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity? This is your chance. Going abroad is kind of like being a freshman again; you get to start all over with limitless choices and opportunities, so take advantage of them!

…But don’t get involved. Sure, it sometimes works out, but in general, it’s not a good idea to get into a serious relationship abroad. Obviously, love’s not something you can control (especially when there are cute guys with accents around!), but try to avoid getting in too deep because nine times out of ten, you’ll end up in heartbreak hotel when you have to come back to America.

Do make friends with local students. A lot of Americans who study abroad end up making friends with lots of other Americans who study aboard, which is fine, but make sure to hang out with people from the country you’re in as well. Not only is it a great chance to meet awesome new people, but you could also pick up info on the best places to visit (or the best clubs to go to!) while you’re there.

Do have an amazing time! Seriously. Study abroad is a wonderful experience wherever you go, so if you have any interest in going abroad, go for it!