Author: Caroline Dienes

Program: Cambridge, England – Study Center

People have no idea how many times I get comments on my photos on Facebook that say, “Are you even going to classes?” or “Are you doing any learning over there?” Is it true that most of the pictures I post on social media are photos of me traveling all over the place. What pictures are people expecting? Pictures of me reading a book, studying for a midterm, or typing out a paper? Those aren’t too interesting to look at in my opinion.

With that being said, I have just recently finished midterms over here in Cambridge. I have also been assigned four papers and two presentations that are due in just a couple weeks! So, to answer your question, studying abroad does actually utilize the word “studying”. Students who choose to study abroad just for the ability to travel and to forget about the school aspect of it are in for a big wake up call. You can’t avoid note takings, quizzes, and exams while in another country, even if you get on a plane and travel somewhere even further.

Studying abroad is equally balanced between becoming more book smart and street smart. Some people focus all of their energy on becoming a pro at the street smart part of that equation. If you plan to study abroad, you MUST find a happy balance between the two, or the book smart portion will end up kicking you in the butt at the end. This balance can be entirely up to you though. You know your study / chilling with friends balance at Valpo and, hopefully, you’re able to handle that. Bring that same mentality while you study in a different country. You’re in college to study. Same song, different tune while you’re abroad. I am traveling to all of these places and having unforgettable adventures, but, yes, I am going to school

Stay Studying,

Caroline Dienes