Planning for school isn’t new, keeping up with assignments, scheduling study time, and making sure you’re prepared for exams is something every student knows. But studying abroad adds twists you wouldn’t expect. Studying abroad is a dream, but anyone who’s done it knows it’s a little like juggling flaming torches, classes, homework, and unforgettable travel opportunities all demanding your attention. I quickly learned that the key isn’t cutting out adventures, it’s planning smart, and taking care of yourself along the way.
When I was at the University of Melbourne (Arcadia), I had the perfect mix of structured classes and freedom. I was in classes anywhere from 4–8 times a week, which gave me space to explore the city, weekends to travel, and evenings for study sessions. The trick? Don’t let your work sneak up on you.
Plan Trips Around Academics 
Before booking anything, I waited to get my full schedule and syllabus. The first couple of weeks were strictly for settling in, learning how tutorials and lectures work, how grading is structured, and how professors expect participation. Jumping into travel too early is a recipe for stress. Once I had the rhythm down, I scheduled one long international trip and a few shorter ones. For me, this meant Kazakhstan (solo), Thailand, and Bali, plus smaller Australian adventures.
Lean on Your Support System
Traveling with friends who have the same priorities is a game-changer. My friends and I all wanted to see the world but also do well in class. There was no FOMO because we were all on the same page: adventure and academics. Make sure your travel buddies understand your priorities and are committed to keeping up with work too. And don’t forget to use other support systems, tutors, professors, and residential college peers can help you navigate unexpected academic stress while you’re abroad.
Work Smart While Traveling
One underrated hack: accommodation matters. Hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs with reliable wifi and outlets are essential. I worked on planes, during layovers, and even outside by the pool in Bali, a little fresh air and sunshine makes essay writing way more motivating. I also planned for backups: extra chargers, offline copies of assignments, and knowing which cafes or libraries have quiet spaces.
Some strategies that saved my sanity:
- Plan study/work time in advance: Don’t rely on “free moments” to magically appear.
- Do extra work beforehand: For Thailand, I did more than required so I could fully enjoy the trip without deadlines looming.
- Use layovers and travel days: On my Kazakhstan trip, I wrote essays during flights and layovers, leaving daylight hours free to explore. Really helped in making sure i felt like i was using my time wisely.
- Visual calendar with time zones: Seriously, this is life-changing. Nothing worse than missing a tutorial because you forgot daylight savings in a new country.
Reduce Stress to Improve Productivity
Travel itself can be stressful, booking flights, choosing where to stay, or figuring out budgets. Planning ahead reduces this stress, which in turn makes you more focused when it comes to school. Some tips that helped me:
- Budget carefully: Set a travel spending limit so you’re not stressed about money while abroad.
- Book accommodation that matches your work needs: Wifi, outlets, quiet spots, everything that makes it possible to get assignments done while still enjoying your location.
- Schedule downtime: Even 30–60 minutes a day to relax or walk around helps recharge your brain for both study and adventure.
- Plan work into your environment: Doing homework by a pool, in a cafe, or in a park makes it less like a chore and more like part of the experience.
Maximize Experiences Without Guilt
Travel doesn’t have to mean international flights. Even small trips, a 40-minute train ride or a day trip, can be incredible. I also took “work-free” local trips where I intentionally didn’t do a single assignment, just to soak in the culture and local vibes. The balance is what matters: plan ahead, get your work done efficiently, and enjoy the payoff without anxiety. 
Learn From the Experience
Balancing travel and academics taught me discipline, planning, and how to work creatively in any environment. It also made me appreciate the simple things, a productive morning at a library in Melbourne, a latte at a corner cafe, or writing an essay poolside in Bali. By planning ahead, using support systems, and managing stress proactively, I could experience incredible travel moments without falling behind in school.
Studying abroad isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about learning how to make the most of your time, balancing priorities, and realizing that with a little planning (and some stress management), you really can have fun while prioritizing your education.
All photos by Tanya Surprenant
Tanya studied away spring 2025 at Arcadia – University of Melbourne. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.
Visit the Semester Study Away Process website to see how you can begin your semester in Australia!
