It's a whole new school year and it is probably the start of your study abroad program! This is a time of the year full of promise and opportunity. If your goal is to start the year off on the right track abroad, a few simple tips can help you start on the path to success. Here are five tips on how to make this school year a great one.

We have compiled a list of useful tips to help you navigate your online studies and make the most of this new norm. 

Break down your tasks

Similarly to your normal life, you may be juggling multiple courses with online classes, assignments, reading, group projects and exams, and more. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer amount of things to do!

Make lists of your tasks and prioritize them by importance to ensure you don’t miss anything out. Once you have mapped out on paper (or online), everything you need to do, you don’t have to worry about forgetting something, and you can focus on the task at hand. Use a calendar or application to help you keep track of your work, and set a realistic schedule to complete the tasks. 

Use tools to stay connected

There are a plethora of online and mobile applications which can help you maximize your study time and help you with your productivity and connectivity. Explore your options and figure out what works best for you!

If you are distracted by social media or certain websites, try a productivity App. If you like to stay in touch with friends and teachers and miss your chats try: Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Microsoft Teams. Maybe you are writing essays and struggling to find the right words, how about Grammarly? 

The important part is finding what works for you, and making the most of it. Have a chat with some of your classmates and teachers as you may be able to discover a new and useful tool!

Stay engaged when it matters

Try to stay engaged and focused when it matters. Maintaining a routine and focusing on your task at hand will help you complete things quicker and more efficiently. 

If you normally take notes during a lecture, don’t change this now. Make sure to prepare yourself with a notebook and pen beforehand.  

Take a break- Have fun abroad

Juggling classes, social media updates, the news, Netflix, Skyping with your family, going out on a walk or a party with friends it may feel like you don’t have a free moment anymore! Remember to take a break. Especially one from your screen! 

Staring at a screen all day is draining, not only your eyes but your whole body. Remember to take regular breaks to have a stretch, walk around or glance out of your window to take some time to connect with reality. 

Put your phone down at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep to allow your body to relax and don’t reach for it first thing in the morning. Take time for yourself, away from the screen. 

Work while you study abroad

Another great way of staying motivated and enjoying your academic year is the ability to have a job on the side that will help you to build your CV while making some extra income on the side.  Most students who work while studying abroad end up having a great Cv at the end of their studies thus have a competitive advantage over those who do not have any experience.  

Reward yourself

You may feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unmotivated. It is easy to become lost in the blur of days when there is so much to do but with not enough time to complete all your tasks. Try to set goals, make a plan that will help you meet your deadlines, and submit great papers. 

Don’t be afraid to reward yourself for your success! Maybe you attended all your lectures this week, studied an extra hour, or started an assignment you have been putting off. Well done! Treat yourself to a nap or dessert, an extra hour watching your favorite series, or that discounted product you have been eyeing on Amazon.

Supporting yourself during school times and stopping to congratulate yourself for doing something difficult, will help you stay motivated and support positive study habits in the future!  

It has been proven that studying abroad comes up with great benefits and when combined with a  great experience both on an academic and professional level, it is a great recipe for success.  To learn more about how Hospitality Academy can help you achieve your traveling and educational goals in the USA, contact us by sending an email to admissions@pihospitalityacademy.com.

To access your passport to the world of hospitality, APPLY NOW to our programs.