How to Establish Your Own Study Abroad Goals

By School of International Studies (SOIS)

Here’s what you gain from studying abroad. Like any major attempt in life, one reliable way to maximize your ability to get the most out of an experience is to revise and access the past experiences. Establishing your goals for studying abroad is a key step toward making this incredible opportunity as meaningful as possible. It’s nearly impossible to know why study abroad is beneficial to you if you haven’t done the research of establishing your own objectives of studying abroad. 

Before you sit down to write out your study abroad goals, know and understand the goals:

• SMART Goals

S- Specific.  No weak, unclear goals here

M- Measurable. If you don’t have standards to pair with your goals, how will you know if you’ve met or exceeded them?

A- Attainable - Don’t over commit to unreachable goals. It needs to be something you really can do.

R-Realistic. Your goals need to be realistic and sensible.

T- Time-Bound. Make sure you fix a time-period to each of your goals to increase your liability to actually getting it done!

• Types of Study Abroad Goals You Should Consider About

Academic Goals For Study Abroad -  To help you stay focused and make your time abroad as a student productive, you should determine a healthy number of your own study abroad academic goals. 

Don’t Procrastinate- Get your work or job done on time.

Do an Internship- Pairing academic knowledge with opportunity for real-world application through a professional experience abroad is an appealing combination.

Read 1-2 Books About Your Study Abroad Destination- These can be on any subject, so long as it gives you, even more, a situation about your new home.

Time Management- Carve out time in your daily plan for achieving all of your studies abroad academic goals!

• Professional Goals For Study Abroad

One of the best takeaways from an experience abroad is a bright, shiny addition to your resume.

Research Careers- Talk to professionals in your elected course that are working abroad, whether they are ‘locals’ or ‘foreigners’ in that particular field.

Score an Internship- You can find part-time internships in your study abroad destination that can sometimes earn you extra credits.

Advanced Fluency in a Foreign Language — If you want to use a second language in the workplace someday, now’s the time to kick your skills into high gear.

Develop a Global Mindset — Global workers are only able to function in various environments if they have well-developed cross-cultural minded knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Take on a Leadership Role Within Your Study Abroad Group- Maybe your resident director needs help to assist a clean-up schedule or asked for student help in organizing your fall break travel schedule.

• Personal goals

Become More Confident and Brave.

        

Become Active – Be the maker of your life.

Adopt a Growth Mindset - Everything is an opportunity to understand if you let it be. Think more about your opinion towards difficulties and wins in life and how it can affect your overall benefits.

Start a Savings Account - If you have yet to experience the gratification of working hard towards saving for a big purchase and achieving your goal, now’s your chance.

Get Involved With a Local Organization or Activity - Adult sports leagues, a meaningful cause, a language partners group. Push your comfort zone and join something cool!

Your Goals For Studying Abroad Matter

Your study abroad goals are hugely important—and deeply individualistic. If you get more ideas about academic, professional and personal goals then School of International Studies is there to help.

To be successful set your goals smartly.