Making Time For It All

Studying abroad is one of those experiences where there is always something going on. Between classes, weekend trips, meeting new people, exploring a new city, and recruiting for internships, my schedule filled up much faster than I expected. I quickly realized that if I wanted to make the most of my time abroad without falling behind, staying organized would be essential.

One of the biggest things that has helped me is keeping track of assignments and deadlines. When you are planning your next weekend trip or your friends want to explore somewhere new, it is surprisingly easy to forget about the assignment due Monday morning. Knowing what I have coming up allows me to plan ahead, finish work before traveling, and enjoy my plans without stressing about everything waiting for me when I get back. I’ve been using Google Calendar to link my laptop, phone, and all of my deadlines in one place.

Recruiting for internships has added another challenge. Between applications, interview preparation, coffee chats, and actual interviews, the process can take up a significant amount of time. Being abroad also means navigating time differences, which can turn a normal afternoon interview into a late night commitment. Setting aside specific time during the week for recruiting has helped me stay on top of the process without letting it take over my entire study abroad experience.

Of course, studying abroad is about much more than academics and recruiting. A huge part of the experience is meeting new people, exploring your new home, traveling, and saying yes to opportunities you would never have at home. I have learned that I do not want every hour of my day planned out. Some of the best experiences happen spontaneously, and leaving room for those moments is just as important.

For me, the best approach has been to separate time for being productive from time for actually enjoying myself. When I sit down to work, I try to focus completely on what I need to accomplish. Then, when I am finished, I can close my laptop, stop thinking about my to-do list, and be fully present in whatever comes next.

Another thing I have learned is the importance of being realistic about how much I can fit into one day. At first, I felt like I needed to take advantage of every opportunity, whether that meant going out with friends, exploring a new neighborhood, or planning another weekend trip. However, I quickly realized that constantly being busy can be exhausting. Sometimes, taking a slower day to catch up on work, do laundry, or just relax is exactly what I need. Finding this balance has helped me appreciate my time abroad even more, rather than feeling like I am constantly rushing from one thing to the next.

Studying abroad can be busy, unpredictable, and sometimes a little overwhelming, but that is also what makes it so exciting! Staying organized has allowed me to keep up with my responsibilities while still making plenty of time for the friendships, adventures, and experiences that make studying abroad so memorable.