Students blog

Studying abroad can be the highlight of one's college experience. However, feelings of homesickness and discombobulation are often overlooked. Adjusting to a new country, a new language, a new time zone, and new courses can be overwhelming.

A semester abroad is designed to push students out of their comfort zones and help them become more independent. It also challenges you to maintain good grades and a social life in a foreign country. After my first month studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I’ve compiled a list of things I’ve done to combat any negative feelings and make Florence feel like a home away from home.

Stay True to Your Hobbies

At home or at school, I love to run—it’s the activity that makes me feel most like myself. Thus, my first priority after arriving in Florence was to find the best running routes and incorporate running into my daily routine after the jet lag wore off.

I also made sure to leave room in my suitcase for a couple of books and my camera. Reading always brings me a sense of calm, and the books have come in handy on train and bus rides during weekend trips. I also love photography, and the photos I have taken in Italy have been out of this world.

Prioritize Calling Home

My friends and family are all in time zones that are six to nine hours behind mine. This means that, occasionally, I sacrifice some sleep for late-night calls home.

Updating my loved ones on my adventures while hearing what is going on in their lives makes me feel more connected to home. It is always worth losing a couple of hours of sleep.

Get Out and Explore

It’s super easy to stay inside between classes or on weekends, especially because my dorm has a TV and a queen-size bed. However, I have found that, without a doubt, I always feel much better if I spend my free time exploring Florence instead of hiding in my room. The more you get to know your city abroad, the more it will feel like home and the more you will come to love it.

Make Friends in Your Program

The beginning of a semester abroad can feel like your first year of college all over again. Everyone is in a new environment and clamoring to meet new people. I made sure to stay patient, stay open, and say yes to every invitation to go somewhere.

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to create new friendships that can last when you are back on campus. Plan trips with them, go to dinner with them, and have fun!

Remember Why You Chose to Go

Do not lose sight of why you chose to do a semester abroad. For me, I wanted to take the opportunity to get to know a completely new place and learn all that I can about it.

I have gone to museums, dined at family-owned restaurants, and played tourist whenever I could. And, of course, I have not forgotten about my coursework… because, after all, it is study abroad.

A Final Reminder

Remember that it is okay to struggle while adjusting to life abroad.

Stay true to yourself and the things that make you happy. Live life to the fullest because studying abroad is truly an amazing opportunity.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Becoming part of the small percentage of people who run a marathon is hard enough. Doing it in college is a completely different challenge.

Squeezing in long runs before a packed day of classes and feeling hungry 24/7 can be difficult to manage, especially on top of a full course load, club meetings, and all the social opportunities college has to offer. However, with the right support system and unlimited dining hall access, college can be the best time for marathon training.

Running 26.2 miles may seem daunting, but it was the highlight of my sophomore year. I could not have done it without these tips!

1. Find a Training Partner or Join a Run Club

I did all of my long runs with one of my best friends, which made twenty miles feel like nothing. We would spend hours debriefing our weeks and talking about our plans for the future.

I also participated in my school's running club and did all of my shorter runs and workouts with them. Running with people not only helps the time fly; it is also a great bonding experience.

2. Take Advantage of Your Dining Hall

My school required students to be on the unlimited meal plan for at least two years. This was great for marathon training, as I was constantly hungry. I ate four full meals a day plus snacks, all compliments of my dining hall.

The dining hall also had Rice Krispies Treats, which I always ate on my long runs for quick carbs and sugar. On my way out, I would always grab a couple of them, plus some bananas and oatmeal.

3. Plan Runs Around Schoolwork

Instead of letting my training plan rule my life, I made it fit into the life I already had.

If I knew I would be swamped with studying on a Sunday, I would do my long runs on a Saturday. If I had a club meeting on Tuesday, I would save my longer workout for Wednesday. Marathon training should not take focus away from your other priorities.

4. Find Running Routes That You Love

I found a variety of routes that had different distances, elevations, and sights to see. In my opinion, running is one of the best ways to get to know a city. My runs took me to the Capitol, the outskirts of Maryland, the Potomac River, the Virginia suburbs, and even Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Having a plethora of running options keeps things interesting and helps with motivation.

5. Have Fun!

I always tried to remember that no one was forcing me to run this marathon. It was completely my choice.

So even when I felt awful on a training run or had a bad case of pre-race nerves, I grounded myself with the reminder that I was privileged to even be able to run, and especially to be able to run in my college city with all of my college friends.

Running a marathon is an incredible opportunity that I cannot recommend highly enough, and college might just be an ideal time to do it. So lace up your shoes, take some Rice Krispies Treats from your dining hall, grab a buddy, and get out there! You will not regret it.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!