Study abroad is about more than setting sail 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’s easily customizable to get the results you’re looking for. No matter where you choose to go or for how long, it’s important to think about what you want to accomplish during your time abroad.
Consider what you want to accomplish
Why did you choose your study abroad program? Was it the courses offered, the internship opportunities, or the chance to improve your language skills? Was it something about the culture and traditions of the city that drew you in? Keep your “why” in mind as you think about your goals and what you want to accomplish while you’re there — it’s likely what’s most important to you.
For many students, academics are a high priority during study 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 useful, speak with your academic advisor before leaving to set expectations.
Examples of academic goals to set:
- Earn a GPA higher than the last semester at your home institution (if that’s a 4.0 – more power to you!).
- Meet with each professor outside of your regular class time at least once over the course of your program to discuss assignments and develop your knowledge of the subject.
- Improve your language skills by participating in a language buddy program.
- Participate in an internship in your field of choice.
Consider who you want to be
Regardless of where you go in the world, study abroad creates an opportunity for you to explore new sides of yourself (and maybe even discover a side you didn’t know existed).
We’re not saying you should invent a personality so different that your friends and family back home won’t recognize you, but now is a good time to work on some personality traits you’d like to strengthen. Interpersonal communication, navigating social situations, stress management, time management … the list of skills that study abroad will help you develop goes on and on. Having an idea of what you want to work on before you go will ultimately help you develop stronger skills in the long run.
Think about the type of skills that professionals in your field utilize. Even if you can’t participate in an internship or take courses specific to your field, you can dive into study abroad with your own mission of working on these attributes. You can even add these qualities to your resume when you return!
Examples of personal goals to set:
- Learn to communicate effectively (verbally and non-verbally, especially if you’re studying in a country where English isn’t common).
- Develop good time management habits.
- Become more confident. Study abroad will get you into some unique, difficult situations — approach these with the mindset that they will make you better!
- Learn a new skill, such as cooking or dancing.
Consider the impact you want to leave behind
Study abroad is a great opportunity to improve and focus on yourself, but you also want to be mindful to leave your host community better than you found it. Do you want to travel sustainably to limit your carbon footprint? Do you want to share your skills or passion with your host family? What about volunteering to better the lives of those around you? There are endless ways to make your study abroad impactful for those around you.
In addition to giving your time and skills to your host community, consider how you can make a difference when you return to your home institution. Chat with your study abroad office about opportunities to connect with prospective students once you return.
Examples of do-good goals to set:
- Schedule some off-time or weekends during your semester abroad to volunteer in your host community.
- Donate clothes, school items, and houseware to local shelters or charities before heading home.
- Use your refillable water bottle as much as possible when you travel to reduce plastic waste. For more tips on being an eco-friendly traveler, read our tips for sustainable travelers.
- Share your experience with others. When you return, let your USAC Program Advisor or home institution staff know that you’re available to connect with future students who have questions or are seeking advice about your program (you will be placed on a contacts list in Gateway for newly enrolled students to access).
As you begin planning for your international experience, consider your intentions and goals for study abroad. Be sure to reflect on the why of your decision to pursue international education. Setting your intentions before you leave will help guide your entire experience and ensure that you get the most out of study abroad.
Good luck!
