Globalization is a process that has become more intense and it has reached more places in the world throughout this last century. The countries economies are getting more connected with each other in a daily basis. The interaction of people from different cultures is happening more often whether because of professional reasons, academic reasons, or any other. In fact, there are already several studies about the challenges a professional faces when working in a different country. However, there are quite a few studies focusing the impact that going abroad can have on students who are enrolled in any exchange program. This is a case study of PUC-Rio and its students who were studying abroad for at least one semester. The main goal is to identify the most relevant aspects related to the academic performance of those students. Important concepts presenting in the literature were used in this research, and a form was created to help accomplish the main goal of this study. The distance between the PUC-Rio student and the people he or she knew in Brazil was considered the most harmful aspect, whereas the foreign university infrastructure was considered most supportive factor.