Studying Abroad Without Losing the Abroad Part

When you’re studying abroad, it’s easy to forget that “studying” is technically part of the deal. With so many new places to explore and things to do, assignments and exams often slip to the bottom of the priority list.

Let’s be honest– if we wanted to spend all our time buried in textbooks, we could’ve just stayed at our home university. Opportunities to live in a new country, with fewer responsibilities and endless chances to explore, don’t come around often. Most students don’t cross the globe just for the coursework-- the real appeal lies in the culture, the people, and the experiences.

Of course, academics still matter, but the key is balance. With a little strategy, you can keep up with school while still getting the most out of your time abroad. Here are some tips that are helping me make my semester in Korea less about studying hard and more about studying smart.

1. Planning Your Class Schedule

• Avoid classes on Fridays. At Korea University, many courses meet Mon/Wed, Tues/Thurs, or even just once a week. If you plan carefully, it’s completely possible to keep your Fridays free. A three-day weekend is a gift-- perfect for traveling, exploring the city, or just catching up on life with friends.
   
• Late classes >> early classes. Back home, I took 8 a.m. classes thinking it made me “productive.” Abroad? I’ve embraced the beauty of a slow morning and a 3 p.m. start. Mornings are now for good food, errands, or studying at a café. Evenings are perfect for dinner with friends or exploring the city after class.

• Group your classes together. Nobody wants to spend the entire day on campus– especially if you live off-campus. Try stacking classes back-to-back so you can finish in one block and free up the rest of your day. Just don’t overdo it-- two classes in a row is the sweet spot.

   

1. Managing Academic Workload

• Mix in lighter classes. While we chose our university major for a reason, there is a high chance that choosing all Computer Science or Economics classes is going to be just as challenging as it is at home. If you have the flexibility, consider balancing your schedule with both major courses and elective courses designed for international students. Korea University and Yonsei offer many classes on Korean culture, history, and society that often include field trips and experiential assignments. I’m taking Discovering Seoul at Korea University (KU), and yes– my homework is literally to go discover Seoul!
   
• Leverage Korea’s cafe culture. Forget the library-- Korea’s cafe scene is next-level. In the Anam area alone (near KU), there are dozens of cafes ranging from yummy dessert spots to 24/7 study hubs. One even has a roaming cat wearing cute dresses. Whether you’re studying solo or with friends, there’s a cafe for every vibe. Turning study time into a cultural experience makes it feel less like a chore.
   
• Have designated study days. Create a rhythm that works for you-- batch your assignments into one or two focused sessions a week so you’re not thinking about school assignments every single day. That way, you’re free to actually enjoy your time abroad without the constant stress of deadlines.

A successful study abroad doesn’t mean ignoring your classes--it means finding a rhythm where academics don’t stop you from living fully. By being intentional with your schedule and workload, you give yourself the freedom to actually live the abroad part of “study abroad.”