This study is situated in the fields of language education, study abroad (SA) and intercultural communication. The interest in SA is increasing on the part of students, administrators, educators, and business companies for the learning opportunities that it offers. However, SA students are not always prepared to maximize their learning opportunities at the foreign site, to effectively interact with locals, to develop cultural awareness, and to respond to challenging situations occurring abroad. This article recommends preparatory activities to increase students' awareness and exercises on students' own identity as a powerful construct impacting their SA experiences. This article acknowledges that student preparation is only one aspect to be improved in the whole SA experience. Other structural and institutional issues of current SA programs need to be addressed too, including how to extend the length of the trips, how to diversify the destinations and the demographic profile of student participants, how to increase their autonomy, and ultimately how to train faculty and staff for change.