Studying abroad is more than just setting off on a cinematic international adventure. It’s about growing personally, academically, and professionally, and you can do that in a million different ways.
The beauty of studying abroad is that it can be easily customized to get the results you want. No matter where you want to go or how long you want to go, it’s important to think about what you want to accomplish during your time abroad.
Consider what you want to achieveh
Why did you choose your study abroad program? Were these courses offered? internship opportunitiesor a chance to improve yourself language skills? Was it something about the city’s culture and traditions that attracted you? When you think about your goals and what you want to accomplish while you’re there, keep your “why” in mind – it’s probably most important to you.
For many students, education is a high priority while studying abroad (and we know you’re one of those people, right?). Focus on goals that drive your academic success. If you’re not sure what would be helpful, talk to your academic advisor before setting expectations.
Examples of educational goals to be set:
- Earn a higher GPA from last semester at your home university (if it’s a 4.0 – more power to you!).
- Meet with each professor outside of your regular class time at least once during your program to discuss assignments and develop your knowledge of the subject.
- Improve your language skills by participating in the Bhasha Mitra program.
- Participate in an internship in your field of choice.
Consider who you want to be
No matter where in the world you go, studying abroad creates an opportunity for you to explore new sides of yourself (and maybe even discover a side you didn’t know you had).
We’re not saying you should invent a different persona that your friends and family won’t recognize you, but now is a good time to work on some personality traits you might want to strengthen. Interpersonal communication, understanding social situations, stress management, time management…this is a list of skills that studying abroad will help you develop. Having an idea of what work you want to do before you go will ultimately help you develop stronger skills in the long run.
Think about what types of skills professionals in your field use. Even if you can’t participate in internships or take courses specific to your field, you can study abroad with your mission to work on these specialties. You can even add these qualities to your resume when you return!
Examples of personal goals to be set:
- Learn to communicate effectively (verbally and non-verbally, especially if you are studying in a country where English is not common).
- Develop good time management habits.
- Be more confident. Studying abroad will expose you to some unique, difficult situations – approach them with the mindset that they will make you better!
- Learn a new skill, like cooking or dancing.
Consider the impact you want to leave Back
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to focus and improve yourself, but you also want to make sure you leave your host community better than you found it. Are you looking to travel sustainably to limit your carbon footprint? Are you looking to share your skill or passion with your host family? How about volunteering to improve the lives of people around you? There are countless ways to make your study abroad impact to those around you.
In addition to contributing your time and skills to your host community, consider how you can make a difference when you return to your home university. Talk to your study abroad office about opportunities to connect with prospective students upon returning.
Examples of good work goals to set:
- Schedule some off-time or weekends during your semester abroad to volunteer in your host community.
- Donate clothes, school supplies, and household items to local shelters or charities before you go home.
- Use your refillable water bottle as much as possible when traveling to reduce plastic waste. For more tips on becoming an eco-friendly traveller, read our Tips for sustainable travelers.
- Share your experience with others. When you return, let your USAC program advisor or home university staff know that you are available to connect with future students who have questions about your program or are seeking advice (you will be placed on the contact list in the Gateway for newly enrolled students to access).
As you begin planning your international experience, consider your intentions and goals for studying abroad. Be sure to consider the reasons for your decision to pursue an international education. Setting your intentions before you leave will help guide your entire experience and ensure you get the most out of studying abroad.
May you be successful!
Find your perfect program today using our program search tool On USAC website.
