This small-scale narrative investigation identifies not only the concerns but also the hopes of undergraduate psychology students from a southwest Chinese university who are about to embark on a program of study abroad. While past research has tended to focus on the anticipated negative experiences international students are likely to encounter, this study enabled students to express both their hopes as well as apprehensions in regard to the intended overseas experience. Although the data confirmed a number of findings from previous studies they also revealed that the students' thinking is not preoccupied with the academic side of the impending study. Positive and enduring friendships are something many of the respondents expect to develop. However, a further review of the literature indicated that current attitudes and practices towards international students in Australia may restrict the participants in this research from realising those goals.