Question: What are best travel tips you would...

Most countries around the world use a different voltage system then the US. They make adapters for your electric plugs to plug into theirs...but if you can't switch the voltage from 110 (US) to 220 (everywhere else) do NOT use the adapter plug otherwise the electrical equipment will be fried. :(

I lived in Germany for 8 years (Army Brat) and LOVED it. Traveling is such an incredibly eye opening opportunity...it's important to just have an open mind and embrace the incredible opportunity you've been given. You don't want to be home sick the entire time only to come back and realize how awesome you had it. Do everything you can and come back knowing you maximized your study abroad!

Let me know if you (or anyone else) have other questions!

Do it!! would be my first tip. I did a 2 month exchange in Japan when i was 16 and it was the best experence although it would be a little different as i was still in high school
If you can try to get in touch with someone who lives in the country, its good to have somebody who knows a little about you before you go. It would be perfect if you could meet someone who is on an exchange semester at your college who goes to the college you want to go to, then they can also tell you all the good places to go to get food/entertainment/acomidation
as for suvineers i think markets and op shops can be the best place to find the good souvineers and of course they are much cheaper
if you dont speak any other language and you arent planning on staying with a host family i would deffinatly recomend that you go to another english speaking country. That way you have no communication problems to worry about and you may also be able to find a bit of casual work to top up your funds. In sydney there are international people working everywhere!
as for accomidation try to apply for university housing as it is much cheaper!
Im going to guess thet your from america so im going to suggest comming to australia (just coz im aussie and its awesome here) and if your looking at universities to go to sydney is definatly the best :D
wish you all the best!

Just don't spend much on buying things you do not need. Take tons of pictures because in the long run those will mean so much more to you. Also get your International Student ID card. this will get you discounts on rail passes, entrance to historical sites museums etc. use ryan air to travel between countries. Also if it sounds too good to be true than it is and don't do it. Also do not do any drugs while there....just don't. Never ever ends well. I had friends try to buy Pot in London and they got mugged. It's not worth it. And try to make friends with locals because they will know all the fun, cheap things to do. Also pay attention to exchange rates and exchange money before you go. Many times this will save you money. And get a foreign bank account and a capitol one credit card. They are the only one who does not charge a foreign transaction fee. And save now! Plus look into governmental assistance. For some reason many of those budgets were not depleted with the recession.

Communicate with the locals. They often know great yet inexpensive eateries and interesting things to do that are off the beaten path. Be safe but don't be afraid. Exploring, even getting lost (I call it "having adventures") can bring the most suprising, best moments into your day. Also, avoiding the tourist traps on busy days is helpful. They might even have a discounted or free day to a lot of these same places if you are willing to go at off peak times.
Having become passionate about it lately, I can definitely recommend photography. Even a good point and shoot camera can open your eyes to the unexpected beauty in the world around you. In addition, digital photography is inexpensive outside of the purchase of the equipment. As long as you have memory cards and a computer to back up the pictures on, you generally don't have to spend any money.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1100-IS-Digital-Camera-Ixus-80-Bundle_W0QQitemZ350256857711QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item518cef826f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CANON-EOS-Rebel-XSi-D-SLR-DIGITAL-CAMERA-3-LENS-KIT_W0QQitemZ120473963736QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item1c0cceccd8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Both of these cameras are my babies and have served me well.

Dont stress about forgetting stuff, chances are you can get it there anyway! And look up things such as public holidays, festivals and major sporting events before you go, things will be more expensive during those times. I would also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, the shoestring budget versions helped me a lot.

I would recommend NOT staying with a host family unless they have been heavily screened. Make sure you are briefed by someone who knows the area well about customs.

Canada probably :D its a nice country with lots of beautiful things and its not as expensive as Europe. Or maybe a little known country? They tend to be better because they dont get as many applicants not to mention it looks good on your resume when it says X person went to Geneve X country instead of oh she went to Paris :P Idk thats what my counselor said