How to Make the Most of Study Abroad

Our tips for making the most while studying abroad

​You get to do a lot while you're abroad, and the time can go by quickly. Although there have been millions of students who have completed similar experiences, no one has had the opportunities you have. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want you to get the most out of it that you can!

​We've created an actionable list you can review before heading abroad to help you make the most of your time away.

Have a say yes Attitude

​During your time abroad you'll come across opportunities that are likely to make you nervous. If the experience is safe, we encourage you to go for it! Chances are this is an opportunity you wouldn't have had at home. The memories you'll make from this experience are worth stepping out of your comfort zone. 

​Although you are primarily there to learn in a new way, don't let your academics stop you from diving headfirst into the culture. If you are having a hard time adjusting to the academic routine of study abroad, check out these tips that will help you schedule in down time while still meeting your academic requirements.

Be Flexible

​If there's one thing we want our students to know before going abroad, it's this: being flexible will create a more enjoyable experience.

​Try your best to go into your abroad experience with the knowledge that things aren't always going to go smoothly. Don't get too caught up in the idea that everything has to go a certain way for it your experience to be great. The truth is that if everything went according to plan, you'd probably miss out on a lot of experiences that will later define how you spent your time abroad. 

Be Kind to Yourself

Moving to another country for a short amount of time is never easy. So don't force the immersion process!

It will take time for you to feel comfortable in your new space, courses, and lifestyle. Especially in the beginning, remember to be kind and patient with yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do your best to create a mental health practice before you go abroad so you can ground yourself when the realities of the new semester set in.

​Not sure where to start? Use these tips to create healthy habits before leaving home.

Document Your experience

​We hear from our students that looking back, they really value the time they spent capturing their abroad experience. From photos, to journals, to videos, there are so many ways you can collect memories of how you spent your time.

We highly recommend thinking through how you want to remember your experience, but don't make this a big project! You should spend more time actually living your abroad experience rather than crafting the perfect way to capture everything you've done. 

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​We get it, studying abroad is a big deal! And preparing can feel like an endless task. If you are feeling overwhelmed about the preparation process, review this pre-departure check list so you can start off on the right foot. 

Get the Check List

​Most of all, we want them to have fun. No matter where you are in the world, there will be something local and interesting for you to learn about, and you should take every opportunity to try it out.

This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to get out there and experience the world! This might sound like a lot of pressure, but remember, everyone's experience of university abroad is different. Don't forget, we're here to help you create an experience in a place where you can live, study, and thrive. 

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