Studying abroad or away is an exhilarating adventure filled with new experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth. However, with the excitement also comes the potential for stress as you navigate unfamiliar surroundings and adjust to a different way of life. This stress relief toolkit will help you navigate the ups and downs of a new educational experience.
1. Mindfulness Meditation Apps
Embrace the power of mindfulness to stay centered amidst the hustle and bustle of a new environment. Meditation apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer guided sessions that can help you find moments of peace and clarity, even in the midst of exploration.
2. Local Physical Activities
Engage in physical activities that connect you with your host culture. Whether it’s joining a local yoga class, going for a scenic run, or participating in a dance workshop, physical exercise can be a powerful stress reliever and a fantastic way to meet new people. Apps like Meetup can help you connect with local groups for various activities, while Nike Training Club offers a variety of workout routines.
3. Create a Personalized Playlist
Music has the ability to transport you to different emotional states. Curate a playlist with your favorite tunes that can serve as a source of comfort and familiarity. Whether you’re exploring a new city or unwinding in your temporary home, music can be a universal companion. Create a personalized playlist with Spotify or Apple Music.
4. Journaling
Documenting your experiences through journaling can be a therapeutic way to process your thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s jotting down daily reflections, listing three positive things each day, or keeping a gratitude journal, writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and stress relief. Day One is a popular journaling app with a simple and intuitive interface while Journey allows you to document thoughts and memories with text, photos, and more.
5. Connect with Fellow Travelers
You’re not alone in this journey. If possible, reach out to fellow study abroad or away participants and share your experiences. Establishing a support system of friends who understand the unique challenges of studying abroad and away can provide a sense of belonging and help alleviate stress. Many study abroad and away programs create social media groups for participants to connect.
6. Local Cuisine Exploration
Treat your taste buds to the local cuisine, whether you’re abroad or away. Exploring new foods can be a delightful and distracting experience. Visit local markets, try traditional dishes, and savor the flavors of your host country or region. Engaging in culinary adventures can be a tasty way to break away from stress. Apps like Yelp and Google Maps can help you find local restaurants and read reviews.
7. Virtual Connections with Loved Ones
Even though you’re far from home, technology allows you to stay connected with loved ones. Schedule regular video calls with family and friends to maintain those vital connections. Seeing familiar faces and hearing familiar voices can provide a comforting anchor in times of stress.
8. Accessing Support
Never forget that you aren’t alone, there are people and resources available to help you. Reach out to the folks on the ground during your program. If you are on a TU faculty-led program, your faculty leader is the first person who should be made aware that you are struggling. They are connected to resources in-country through the provider arranging the logistics for your program, as well as to the TU Study Abroad & Away Office.
If you are studying on a program at another university or through an approved affiliate provider, you have additional resources available to you on-site. Speak with your host coordinator there, and they can connect you to many local resources including counseling services at your host institution. They probably have sessions there that provide a safe space to discuss your concerns, get professional advice, and develop stress-relief strategies.
Your Study Abroad & Away advisor is a valuable resource, as they all have experiences with studying and living abroad. They can help you navigate the stresses of studying abroad or away and can connect you with resources or provide recommendations for managing your anxieties.
Finally, your overseas health insurance requirement is a really important resource. Students attending TU Faculty-Led, TU Exchange, and TU Programs are all enrolled into TU’s policy, which provides access to 24/7 virtual counseling. Students attending approved non-TU programs should review their benefits and inclusions with their program’s insurance to see if this service is provided under their policy.
Studying abroad or away is a unique and transformative experience, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. By incorporating these stress-relief strategies into your daily routines, you can enhance your overall well-being and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office at (410) 704-2451, or email studyabroad@towson.edu and peeradvisor@towson.edu. We are located in PY 408, open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
You should also go to Towson’s Counseling Center with concerns about stress-relief abroad or away. They can be reached at (410) 704-2512, or counseling@towson.edu. They are located on the second floor of the Health & Counseling Center at Ward and West.