Studying abroad is a life-changing adventure that many students aspire to experience, but for student-athletes, it can often feel like a far-fetched dream. Maintaining academic success while also attending daily practices, workouts and games can be difficult to balance. Because of the demanding schedules of athletes, it may seem like there are limited opportunities or time to make this dream a reality.
Despite the misconceptions, it is possible for student-athletes to study abroad. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences to their academic and athletic careers. We’re going to share why studying abroad can be a pivotal growth opportunity for student athletes, and give you tips and trips to make it happen without sacrificing your athletic commitments.
Why Should Student Athletes Study Abroad?
- Elevate your Game: Training abroad introduces you to new coaching styles, facilities, and strategies. Whether it’s playing soccer on fields in Spain or joining a running club in the UK, you’ll learn how sports are approached around the world. It’s a chance to push your limits and bring fresh skills back to your home team.
- Cultural Exchange Through Sports: Sports transcend language barriers. Joining a local team or participating in intramurals is an instant ticket to friendships. You’ll bond with teammates from different cultures, sharing your passion for the game and learning how they celebrate victories (and handle defeats).
- Stay Disciplined: Your schedule as a student-athlete abroad will teach you to prioritize like never before. Balancing practices, travel, and academics sharpens your time management skills, setting you up for future success on and off the field.
- Discover a New Perspective on Fitness: Ever tried rugby drills in Scotland or martial arts in Japan? Training abroad exposes you to fitness traditions you might never experience at home. These new approaches could become permanent parts of your routine.
Tips for Student-Athletes Abroad
- Consider our Athlete Friendly Programs: We have vetted our top programs that offer easy access to workout facilities, sports clubs and more so that you can maintain your fitness plan even while abroad. Study in Greece to train in the same state-of-the-art facilities as Olympians, play soccer and basketball in Barcelona with the locals, and many more to choose from. With a plan, the world is your oyster.
- Explore Non-Traditional Terms: If going abroad for a whole semester isn’t possible for you due to game schedules or off-season workouts, we offer short-term programs during the January, Maymester and Summer terms that could fit around your athletic commitments. These are a great alternative that allow you to get a taste of living abroad for a short time without missing out on your season.
- Apply to our Student Athlete Scholarship: We’ve created a scholarship specifically for student athletes because we understand the challenges student-athletes face when pursuing study abroad opportunities. CIS Abroad encourages all student-athletes across these 3 divisions in the U.S. (NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA) to apply for this scholarship up to $500. Learn more here.
- Communicate with Your Coaches & Create a Plan: Once you’ve committed, let them know your goals for training while you’re abroad. They may be able to help you build a unique workout plan specific to the facilities and equipment you will have access to. It is always good to get one step ahead to assure your coach you will be on your game even when you’re away. Communication is the best policy and I’m sure your coach will be thrilled to know you are following your dreams of traveling while simultaneously staying committed to the sport you love. These traits are signs of a true team player and devoted athlete.
Stay Active in Local Sports: Join a club or team to keep practicing. Many of our overseas partner universities have great opportunities for student clubs to participate in. Get your new friends together for a friendly pick-up game or start your own club! Our site directors are also great resources to get connected in your communities. As locals to the host country, they can help you get access to the facilities, people and activities that you will need to succeed abroad.- Fuel Up Right: Explore new cuisines while keeping nutrition in mind for peak performance. Many countries around the world have food regulations that differ from those in the US: bans on food dyes, little to no preservatives, greater access to whole foods, etc. Use this time to step outside of your comfort zone and try new foods that will fuel your body in ways you may have never had the chance to experience before.
- Embrace Flexibility: Be ready to adapt to new routines while enjoying the experience. Your environment is going to be different from what you are used to; that is the beauty of studying abroad. Humans are adaptable creatures and this is an opportunity for you to set new goals, reinvent yourself and create new routines in a completely foreign place to you. Being adaptable is an essential skill for athletes to stay sharp on their toes, prepare for new situations and make decisions under pressure. Studying abroad will only make you better at what you do best - your game!
Hear from our Student-Athlete Alumni
Take your Game Global!
Being a student-athlete abroad isn’t just about staying in the game—it’s about expanding your playbook. You’ll come home with unforgettable memories, stronger skills, and a deeper understanding of what it means to connect with others through sport. We have support for you throughout the entire process so don’t hesitate to communicate your needs and goals with our staff along the way. Our amazing on-site teams can help you navigate anything you may need while abroad, including access to workout facilities, doctors and more. Are you ready to take your athletic and academic goals global? Seize the opportunity while you have it. One thing we can promise is that you won’t regret it.