Preparing Students for Study Abroad Success: Expecting Uncertainty Leads to Adaptation

Students graduating today join an increasingly complex society with an expectation for awareness of international/intercultural issues. One way to increase this awareness is through an international experience during college. International experiences require the student to face significant challenges because they are part of the experience, and they lead to growth. However, any experience abroad will be replete with uncertainty. Expecting uncertainty, planning to accept it and adapt to it, empowers the learner, and deepens the quality of the outcomes. We represent a PhD student, a study abroad administrator, and a senior professor, each with significant international experience. We offer a series of adaptation principles to help students prepare for international work. These include: 1. Developing a campus anchor; 2. Remaining curious; 3. Seeking the edge of the curve; 4. Remaining true to yourself; 5. Celebrating the variance; 6. Remaining flexible as you select goals; 7. Finding translatable skills; 8. Becoming a storyteller; 9. Taking informed risks; and 10. Envision the future and your role in it. Each is meant to guide and encourage consideration as students prepare for and engage in an international experience.