The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to measure the effectiveness of methods used to prepare students for study and work in a foreign country, including a standard checklist of cultural norms and behaviors, approaches to acceptable and unacceptable cultural interaction, and Hall's experiential activities to prepare students for unfamiliar environments by exposing them to many of the feelings and challenges associated with the experience of being lost. Data collection involved administering the Cross Cultural Adaptability Inventory to two groups of 50 participants each. Experimental group participants received preparation based on a specific experiential activity and uncertainty familiarization. Control group members received the standard preparation typically offered by their sponsoring schools. All participants took the CCAI 2-3 weeks after being in the host culture to evaluate how well their training prepared them for their intercultural experience. After several weeks in the host culture, participants were interviewed to further assess their level of acculturation and the role that the preparatory training played in preparing them for their experiences. Results showed that prior preparation through experiential activities and uncertainty avoidance resulted in students that adapted more readily to acculturation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]