1. Think carefully about why you want to do the Year Abroad. This is essential in order to decide where you want to go. Consider your motivations and interests - are you looking for an academic challenge, for cultural insights, for language skills and so on.
2. Look at the various destinations on offer through this website. Look carefully at the University, the area, and so on. Remember you are living here for a year so your decision should be informed by things like climate, culture, and so on, not just courses. Remember, you are looking for 3 places you would be happy to go to.
3. Talk to your parents/guardians about finances. If you are going to the USA you will need to provide a financial guarantee and it will probably be down to them!
4. Locate your A-Level certificates. American Universities insist on seeing these.
5. PASSPORT. You must ensure your passport is not only up-to-date but that its end-date is at least 6 months after the end of your year abroad. No one can help you get a visa on an inadequate or expired passport.

In week 4 or 5 of your second year there will be a COMPULSORY meeting for all Year Abroaders (look out for the email). At this meeting you will have the opportunity to meet returners and ask questions. I will also announce individual interviews to discuss your preferred destinations.

You will then be required to choose your preferred 3 destinations, and give reasons, on this form. You will bring this form to interview and we will discuss the options.

The International and European Offices will then negotiate numbers with hosts and your choice will be confirmed some time before Christmas. Please bear in mind that due to the popularity of the programme, and the need to balance numbers, we cannot guarantee your first choice. It is ESSENTIAL that you are willing to attend all three of your choices.

Application packages come out at host Universities at different times from January onwards. The relevant office will inform you when there are documents to collect.

Accommodation applications will be part and parcel of the main application you make to the host University. In the USA such matters are handled centrally, as they are at Kent, but in Europe don't be surprised if you find yourself dealing with a third party. Some students find that they prefer to rent privately in European destinations.

USA: No! You will share - the true American experience! It is possible to request single rooms but they are significantly more expensive.

Europe: Usually, yes. Often accomodation will be in 'International' blocks, where English will be the common language. If you are determined to improve your language skills, you may want to be brave and request digs with home students. Bear in mind that there can sometimes be tension between home and international students and any efforts you make to integrate will be to your advantage.

In most Universities there is a cooling-off period, after which you can go to your coordinator or accommodation supervisor and ask for a switch. It is occasionally possibly to ask for a joint switch in order to live with someone you already know but you should not bank on this.

USA: You will normally only be able to apply for your visa once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (also known as the I-20 or DS-2019) from your host university in the USA. These documents are usually sent to students from May onwards and should be treated as important legal documents - if you lose your Certificate of Eligibility, replacement documents can be difficult to obtain.  Please note that your subsequent visa stamp in your passport is only valid for entry to the USA - once you are in the USA, the Certificate of Eligibility demonstrates your eligibility to remain there. However, both documents (the I-20 or DS-2019 and your visa) are required for entry to the USA so do not leave your I-20 or DS-2019 at home. Students who receive an I-20 will be applying for an F-1 visa and students who receive a DS-2019 will be applying for a J-1 visa. The nature of your visa, whether it is F-1 or J-1, is determined simply by which university you will be going to – you cannot choose which visa you will be applying for. The application process below was correct as of May 2007, but please note that US Embassies can change their application procedures with short notice, so it is important to check the US Embassy website just before you apply for your visa.

The current overall application process for an F-1 or J-1 visa comprises five main stages:

• Complete the DS-156 form online, then download and complete by hand the other application forms as listed below from the US Embassy website
• Make an appointment at the US Embassy and request a paying-in slip
• Pay the visa application fee
• Pay the SEVIS application fee
• Attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate (in London or Belfast)

Further details on each of these steps can be found in the YA Handbook.