Unfortunately, the stress of midterm exams isn’t unique to Salve Regina. At Università Cattolica in Milan, Italy, the library is packed with both international and full-time students cramming for midterms and projects. As an international student, balancing academics with weekend travel adventures is crucial for surviving one of the most dreaded weeks of the semester, second only to finals.
Being an international student is a truly transformative experience. With the opportunity to travel to places you’ve always dreamed of, it’s easy to lose sight of academics. But staying focused is key.
Having just survived my own round of exams, I wanted to share a couple of tips that really helped me manage both school and travel while studying abroad.
- Stay Engaged in Class
My number one piece of advice is to stay engaged in class. The professors at Cattolica are incredibly passionate about their subjects, and their lectures offer valuable insights into what will be covered on the exam. By being attentive, listening, taking notes, and asking questions when you’re confused, you’re setting yourself up for success. It’s a lot easier to review and refresh before an exam than to try and teach yourself the entire curriculum in one week (guilty!)
Classes at Cattolica are an hour and a half long, which can make it tempting to zone out and start looking up cheap flights to Malta on RyanAir. But staying present in class will save you a lot of unnecessary stress later on.
- Find What Study Strategy Works for You
My second piece of advice is to find a study method that works for you and fits into your schedule. My friend Lauren, a fellow Salve student, also a Psychology major, and I often study together. Having a friend in the same class to review notes with and talk through the exam material was incredibly helpful and made the exam itself feel a lot less intimidating. Even if you don’t know anyone in your classes, make an effort to connect with new people. In my classes, I’ve had peers from Mexico, South America, Germany, China, Poland, and more, which has given me the chance to interact with students from all over the world. Building those connections not only enriches your experience but can be helpful when its time to study for exams.
Another study method that worked well for me was using Quizlet. For those who aren’t familiar, Quizlet is an online learning tool where you can create flashcard decks, take quizzes, and play games to help study information. Since I’m often on the go, whether its flying or riding a train, Quizlet was a great option for me. I’d pull up the Quizlet app on my phone and study the flashcards I made, turning my travel time into review sessions.
- Find the Balance
Don’t feel guilty about traveling while studying abroad. Chances are, this will be the only time you get to live in a foreign country for three months, so take advantage of it and give yourself permission to explore and experience as much as you can. There is a way to balance your academics and travel. Simply attending your classes and staying engaged goes a long way.
I built my schedule so that I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which has allowed me to travel more often while keeping two days completely dedicated to academics. This schedule has worked well for me, but it’s not for everyone. Two of my roommates, for example, have classes from Monday to Thursday. That works better for them to have their classes spread out and still gives them Fridays off for weekend trips. The key is to know yourself and find a schedule that supports your goals, and if you need to change you’re schedule to adjust to your needs, that’s okay.
Yes, you’re here to study, but this is also an opportunity for experiential learning that will cause you to grow as a person and make memories you’ll treasure forever!
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