Tips for Navigating Academics while Abroad

Studying abroad comes with both ups and downs, highs and lows, especially when it comes to academics. Not only are you in a new place, you are in an entirely new classroom! I had no idea what to expect when it came to classes with studying abroad or learning in a different setting than what I am used to. My home school, Williams College, is only 2000 students total, and I am used to smaller classrooms with a tight-knit environment. Studying abroad in Amsterdam is the complete opposite experience, with the university I am attending being home to over 30,000 active students! Classroom sizes are larger, the campus spans a wider area, and there are almost 10x the amount of staff at Vrije (VU) University compared to Williams! All of this information seemed incredibly daunting when first considering how I would handle academics while abroad. I did not know how my experience would be taking classes with such a wide range of students from a myriad of places, all while navigating the many other aspects of adjusting to life abroad. However, I was able to quickly learn the ins and outs of class, especially when it comes to Amsterdam. There are many nuances to the Dutch academic system that I did not learn until arriving here, but these things all became part of the process of adjustment. Now that I have spent over five weeks here, I have learned so much about both academics here and navigating the studying part of studying abroad!

Studying outside of class is just as important as attending class!

The Dutch academic system prides itself on "self-study"—something I did not fully understand until arriving here. I was used to studying on my own and preparing for exams, but classes here place a lot of the learning on the responsibility of the student. One of my VU classes utilizes a "flipped classroom model", where recorded lectures are watched in preparation before class, while class is spent discussing the information in small groups. This format pushes me to teach myself the information, while keeping up with the pace of the class is entirely dependent on my ability to do the work by myself. The emphasis on independent learning has helped me value my own capacity as a student, while pushing me to figure out what mode of learning works best for me. 

It's okay to prioritize other things.

Coming from a small school where academics were the main focus, I had a hard time adjusting to an environment in which academics were not always the priority. I found myself worried that I was not "doing enough" for my classes when I felt I did not spend a lot of time on work, or that I was going to fall behind. However, I quickly realized one of the beauties of study abroad: balance! It is completely okay to spend less time on work, and having more free-time has allowed me to value my hobbies, relationships, and exploration! Generating a school-life balance has been part of the process while studying abroad, but I am so glad that I am able to have that freedom. 

Take it slow the first few weeks.

During my first classes, I remember being overwhelmed by the amount of work I had set out for me. The syllabi laid out everything I would have to complete from now until the end of the course, and the information seemed almost insurmountable. However, I realized that taking it day by day would allow me to complete things as time went on, and that I did not have to rush. I would have the time to both study and travel, to both learn inside and outside of the classroom. I would advise to take it slow during the first few classes, and remind yourself that you DO have the time!

Keep yourself organized.

It is so incredibly easy to become lost in all that study abroad has to offer. Between planning spending, travel, housing, food, exams, classes, and homework - it seems almost impossible. I recommend having some sort of system, whether it be a physical planner or a google calendar, where you keep track of everything! I am currently taking classes in two locations (the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center and VU Campus), meaning I need to coordinate my schedules between the two. Having a system where I am able to ensure that I don't miss an assignment or a class has been incredibly helpful—I use Notion!

Everyone is just as nervous as you are!

I went into abroad incredibly worried that I was already behind somehow, which looking back is a ridiculous thing to think! When I arrived here, I was reminded that everyone else is in the same boat. Whether its getting lost during the first few weeks and being late, or not understanding something that was said in Dutch, I have had similar experiences to everyone around me. The classroom is only as intimidating as you let it be!

The "study" of study abroad continues to be an ongoing process, and I find myself still having to adjust to depending on how much work I have. However, studying in a different setting has been rewarding, and I would not trade the experience for anything!