Research study abroad programs. As soon as you make the decision to become a foreign exchange student, start researching different programs and narrow down your options. Many schools have offices of international programs that can help you decide where you want to study. If your school does not, organizations like the Institute of International Education can give you an idea of the programs that are available.
Prepare yourself academically. Study abroad programs have requirements that vary greatly, depending on their competitiveness and location. For example, a study abroad program in Paris, France, may require the equivalent of two years of college French, while a program in rural Africa may require prerequisite courses on history or geography. Once you have chosen a program, make sure that your academic and personal credentials meet its requirements.
Apply to the program. Applications are very different from program to program. However, most will require a transcript, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Don't wait until the last minute; you should request letters from your professors no later than a month in advance of the deadline. In your personal statement, highlight your relevant travel and language experience and the reasons you are interested in that particular program.
Make sure you have correct documentation. Some countries require visas to enter, even as a tourist; for others, students can stay for up to three months without a visa. However, students studying internationally will certainly need an up-to-date passport. Passport applications can be found at local post offices and should be completed as early as possible.
Book your flight. While international travel can be expensive, students have several different options for finding a cheaper ticket. If your parents are enrolled in a frequent-flyer program, see if you can convert some of their points into a ticket abroad. If not, check out some student travel deals--the Student Travel Agency, for example, often has good deals for students under 25 years of age.