How to Manage Your Social Activities Abroad

By Lorena Roberts on October 29, 2017

If you’re getting ready to study abroad, there are tons of things you need to look into: plane tickets, housing, signing up for classes, making sure your credits will transfer, where you’re going to do your laundry. All of these things are very important to get figured out before you take off for the semester. But there’s also something you need to give a little thought to before you embark on the journey of a lifetime: your social calendar abroad.

It’s one thing to have a social calendar at your home university — but everything is about to change. Things are going to be much more exciting in another country. Your social calendar is bound to fill up, quickly. Here are some tips for keeping a good balance while you’re studying abroad and how to not lose sight of why you’re really there.

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1. Set boundaries for yourself

Depending on how hard your classes are, you might be able to go out multiple times per week– or you might only be able to go out on weekends. Before you leave, think about what kind of academic challenges you might be up against. If you’re taking classes that you’re hoping will be pretty easy, it’ll be easier to keep your academic and social calendars in check. If you are taking some pretty academically demanding courses, you might have to really reign in your partying habits.

2. Promise yourself you’ll explore new places

When I was studying abroad, I was nervous. So nervous that I went to the same places every day. I was too afraid to explore new places. I didn’t really “go out.” I made the mistake of watching the Amanda Knox trials before I left (don’t do this, seriously). My social life across the big pond was basically non-existent.

At least promise yourself that your social life will include exploring new bars and scenes in the city. At least promise yourself that no matter what, you won’t take yourself too seriously and you’ll give yourself time to explore. After all, studying abroad is about more than a language — it’s about a culture and a way of life.

3. Set aside time for yourself

It can be pretty overwhelming to be social when you’re abroad. For those of us who are introverted or extroverted introverts, it’s important to set aside some time that is reserved for being alone. Too much of this time might make you feel depressed. But without it, you’ll start feeling so overwhelmed that you won’t be able to enjoy the experience of being abroad.

4. Set a schedule for yourself

The planner I own has hourly appointments. I plan every single day down to the hour. This is definitely the way to go if you’re trying to keep your life balanced, especially when you’re abroad and there are a million more distractions than there are at home.  

5. Push your comfort zone

If you spend your time studying abroad staying in your comfort zone, you’re missing half of the intended experience. Make a deal with yourself to push your own boundaries without totally losing control. Way too many of the students in my study abroad program missed class or showed up drunk. I wouldn’t suggest wasting thousands of dollars on plane tickets and program fees for this to be the way you do it.

6. Take advantage of organized social events

Most of the time, the hosting university will arrange events for international students. Take advantage of these social events and use them to meet people from all over the world. These are good connections to make. If you ever want to travel the world again, you’ll be able to hit up your friends for their couch and save money on housing. Nothing bad can come from meeting new people. Just remember to keep your guard up and don’t be too trusting.

7. Limit your screen time

Nostalgia is a nasty thing when you’re trying your hardest to have a good time. In order to focus on the social scene of being abroad, limit how much time you spend looking at your friends back home and what they’re getting into. Try to stay in the moment. Focus on making the most of your experience.

Don’t allow yourself to get lost in your studies while you’re abroad. Make sure you carve out some time to be social. But watch yourself — don’t end up on the other end of the spectrum and forget that you have studying to do! It’s important to make the most of your experience abroad by both earning good grades and taking advantage of the social scene. If you do it right, studying abroad is a life-changing experience.

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