Stress and burnout have become a regular part of student life. The constant pressure of tests, assignments, and classes can quickly become overwhelming — particularly if you enter your final few years of college.
Going to college doesn’t have to be always stressful. Traveling while in university can reduce burnout and widen your perspectives. Studying in a foreign country can also help you grow personally by learning about and adapting to a new culture.
Overcoming Burnout
Burnout is a modern phenomenon usually associated with overworking and prolonged periods of high stress. A particularly demanding semester may trigger symptoms and signs of burnout and can lead to mental fatigue.
Before setting your sights on international travel, consider getting a burnout diagnosis. A burnout diagnosis can help you:
- Develop coping techniques
- Practice assertiveness and boundary-setting
- Make behavioral changes that better support your mental health and well-being
While travel can be a little stressful, you’ll find that studying abroad gives you the perfect opportunity to set boundaries and practice your coping techniques. Practice assertiveness in the lead-up to your time away from the U.S. by asking for time off work and creating a plan to support your health and well-being.
This can-do approach to international travel will help you reinvent yourself while studying overseas and may help you develop higher self-esteem.
Self-Discovery
Studying for a semester abroad is a powerful catalyst for self-discovery. You’ll have to reinvent yourself to connect with the people you meet and embrace the unknown while getting to grips with your new home.
You may have to go without the comforts of home life when studying abroad, but traveling on a budget is its reward. For example, when traveling in Europe, opt for public transport instead of booking an Uber. This will give you an insider view of the city you are staying in and help you feel more self-reliant.
Consider enrolling in classes that push your boundaries and expose you to new ways of thinking while studying abroad. You may find that other cultures approach courses like math and literature differently from the U.S. Leap into the unknown and immerse yourself in a different way of thinking and learning. When you return, you’ll have a renewed appreciation for the courses and classes you take.
Making it Happen
Traveling overseas can be daunting if you don’t have the financial backing to book flights and enroll in expensive courses. Start saving money for travel early by:
- Tucking away extra cash and putting aside a portion of every paycheck
- Earning some extra income with an on-campus side job
- Hunting for flights and looking for the best deals out there
- Speaking with a study abroad advisor to learn more about financial assistance and scholarships
Traveling on a budget can be more sustainable too. This is particularly important if you are eco-conscious and about combating climate change. Travel more sustainably by packing light and carefully planning your route.
If you’re thinking about driving while traveling abroad, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your carbon footprint. One way to do this is by choosing a rental car that has cruise control to help reduce your emissions.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad can help you combat experiencing burnout and get more out of your college experience. A semester overseas can help you overcome chronic stress and return to school with a renewed sense of purpose. Get the ball rolling by speaking to the financial assistance office at your university and working closely with a study abroad advisor who can help you understand your options.
How GradGuard Can Help
Many students and their families may not understand the benefits of having renters protection when traveling abroad. But GradGuard Renters Insurance can help keep students safe while traveling abroad.
- Low Deductible: GradGuard’s standard deductible offer is $100 and only applies to personal property coverage.
- No Credit Scoring: No credit score? No problem. Everyone on campus receives the same price, no matter your credit history.
- Worldwide Personal Property Coverage: Your belongings, including rented property, can be protected from covered perils anywhere in the world!
- Personal Liability Coverage: If your place of residence is damaged, GradGuard can help.
Don’t leave the fate of your valuable belongings to chance. Safeguard your possessions and secure your financial well-being with GradGuard Renters Insurance. Whether you’re a student or a recent graduate, on or off campus, it’s a wise investment that can help offer protection and peace of mind.
