If possible, register on a course especially aimed at students going on exchange programmes. Find out all you can about the culture of your target country and consider attending an intercultural communication group. Find out about the academic culture of the institution you’re going to, and think about how you will be using the language (attending lectures, writing papers…). Are you aware of your skills level, as a starting point evaluate your skills with the help of the <a href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/education/elp/elp-reg/Source/assessement_grid/assessment_grid_english.pdf” target=”_blank”>Common European Framework of Reference Self-Assessment Grid</a> and try to get and reflect upon feedback.