How to Practice Self-Care While Studying Abroad

IES Abroad
May 27, 2025
CP IES Abroad Buenos Aires Spring 2025

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

Woohyun Kwen headshot
“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)
Nina Pollak Headshot
“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 9thannual 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

🫂 Connect with Community Near and Far

“Community was definitely an important factor to study abroad. I wanted to make sure that I could connect with both the local community in the city I studied in, as well as the community of other IES Abroad students. With IES Abroad Barcelona, I was able to do both very well, which was a great way to stay connected and find people to explore the city with. The smaller IES Abroad class sizes were also great, as I got to know other students well through engaging class discussions.”
Peter Marsh (Indiana University | IES Abroad Barcelona | Spring 2023)

“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) 

📖 Read about How They Prioritized Their Needs

  • Dig into Ellie B.’s blog about navigating social life and rest in “An Introvert Abroad”.  

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

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🏃 Keep Your Body Moving

“I studied abroad in a small city that had great access to mountain trails, forests, and beaches. While there were several local hiking groups, my friends and I usually organized small outings ourselves, taking the bus or walking to the trailhead. Because the areas we lived and studied in were more urban, it was a nice change of pace to access a greener and more rural part of the region.”
Reka M. (Wheaton College| IES Abroad Granada | Fall 2023)

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:

And if you’re ready to take the leap into studying abroad, adventure is waiting—apply now!  

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