How to Practice Self-Care While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be exciting, exhilarating, and full of adventure, but if you are always go-go-go, you can quickly wear yourself out. That’s why it’s more than okay to take a break and practice some self-care.

We’ve gathered some incredible insights from our student Ambassadors and Correspondents on what they suggest and to get some inspiration about what taking care of yourself can look like for you. Hear us out, this isn’t the way self-care has been shown on social media—many of these options are free or about reframing how you view your time abroad.

Following these self-care tips can leave you feeling energized and ready to maximize your time abroad.

🫶 Embrace That Not Everything Will Be Perfect

“If you’re worried about your mental health while studying abroad, my biggest advice is to give yourself grace. Not every day is going to be amazing, and that’s okay. You might feel lonely, uncertain, or overwhelmed, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Try not to compare your experience to curated social media posts or other people’s stories. Focus on what you need. If you’re struggling, contact friends, your program’s support staff, or a counselor. And don’t wait until things feel unmanageable to ask for help. Your mental health matters just as much abroad as it does at home.”
Woohyun K. (Amherst College| IES Abroad Salamanca | Fall 2023)

“If you’re a study-abroad student thousands of miles away from home, just know that it’s okay to feel everything that comes with that.”
Nina P. (Trinity University | IES Abroad Granada | Spring 2025)

🎥 Find Beauty in the Everyday

We all hit a point where the initial luster of a new experience fades into the mundane, but Sami Stidham, the Grand Prize Winner of our 9^thannual Study Abroad Film Festival, reminds us that there’s magic to be found in the everyday, if you’re willing to look for it.

BARCELONA | “Take the Goggles Off” | 2023 Film Festival Grand Prize Winner

“Texting and talking on the phone with my family helped significantly with my stress and anxiety while I was studying abroad. I also FaceTimed (on WhatsApp) with them, which allowed me to see my dog with some regularity.” - Katie B. (Butler University | IES Abroad Freiburg| Spring 2024)

“My friends from my local Milanese church were amazing. Every Wednesday, we’d meet at one of the Bible study leaders’ homes for dinner and fellowship, it quickly became a highlight of my week. I also saw them on Saturdays and Sundays, and their joy and warmth made such a difference in how supported and seen I felt while abroad.” - Dara A. (Franklin & Marshall College | IES Abroad Milan | Spring 2024)

🤳 Get a Glimpse of Study Abroad Self-Care Through Their Eyes

Courtlyn W. shares three reminders you need to hear while studying abroad!
Want to see what self-care looks like abroad? (spoiler: it’s amazing).
Sophie D. shows us that mental health walks look a *little* different abroad 😉

We hope that our student’s stories remind you it’s okay to need a little support while abroad and there’s countless ways to enjoy your overseas adventure while practicing self-care. Like many big, exciting things in life, it isn’t always perfect like on social media—having a bad day or embracing that you’re a human with a finite amount of energy doesn’t mean you failed at study abroad. There are countless free resources available for you and within you to help you along the journey. When you are taking good care of your relationship with yourself, it’s that much easier to grow your relationships with others and your new host city.

If you're looking for more resources on taking care of yourself abroad:

Explore our page on Disability, Mental Health & Self Care Resources