8-9 months in advance:
Apply for your desired program on our website.
6-9 months in advance:
Begin applying for scholarships, grants, and start any necessary fundraising. You should also work with your study abroad department, financial aid advisor, and/or academic advisors to get information about school or department-specific scholarships or grants as well as to inquire about credit transfer (if required), etc.
4-6 months in advance:
This is the latest that you should be applying for a passport if necessary, and beginning to make any necessary medical preparations for your program (you should be consulting your doctor and the CDC website for country-specific information).