Preparation for study abroad is a valid part of the foreign language program. One advantage of study abroad is the motivational focus it gives to home-based foreign languages programs. The possibility of participating in the foreign culture and actually using the language are incentives. Teaching intercultural communication and understanding is a valid way of teaching the language; it may require using materials collected and combined by teacher and students out of their own personal experience. Although official accreditation of foreign study programs appears to be an impossible task, individual teachers can speak out about the quality of international programs. Barriers to communication in a foreign culture and overcoming the obstacles are discussed. A good orientation program and, if possible, intensive language training should precede the study abroad experience. There is a need to free students from egocentric, ethnocentric, and stereotypic perceptions. (SW)