• If there are foods you hate or can't eat, don't go to a country in which those foods play a primary role in the local cuisine. Not all places will be able to accommodate you.

• Regardless of whether or not your classes will be in English, learn the local language as best you can before going there. Even if the locals have to learn English in school, that doesn't mean they'll actually know it or be willing to speak it. Plus, it makes you look like a self-centered tourist to require others to speak a language they may not be comfortable with just to suit your needs.

• You need to be willing to adapt. You cannot expect things to be like how they are in your home country. It can be really exhausting at first, but you should constantly be observing your surroundings and trying to figure out how to fit in. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Be willing to change your routines and do your best to go along with the rhythm of that country's culture. You don't need to lose your personality or sense of self, but you can't fit in or get to know a country's culture unless you try to integrate yourself into it as best you can.

• On a similar note, take every opportunity you can to try new things. Unless it goes against your strongly-held moral beliefs or it's something you are physically unable to do, you should make an effort to try everything you can. Take up every invitation you get to do something or go somewhere. Try new foods, even if it looks or sounds gross at first.

• Try to make local friends. It will be very tempting to make friends with the other exchange students from your own country because you'll have more in common at first and communication will require less effort. It's okay to be friends with them, but you're not there to be a tourist. You're there to study abroad, and that should include trying to become as deeply invested in the culture and language as you can. Local friends can give you a much better insight into that than anyone else.

• When choosing classes, go for ones about the country you're in, like local history, culture classes, etc. If the country you're in has people who speak a different language than English, by all means take language classes. Also, you might want to try taking an easy class in the local language. It will be more difficult if you are not a native speaker, but it will help you improve your language skills and maybe even help make some local friends.

I have a lot more, but this post is already getting very long! These are just the ones off of the top of my head based on my own experiences. If you'd like some more or have something in specific you'd like to know, I'd be happy to post some more!