Stay Informed

CIS Abroad Blog

March 10, 2025

The Overachiever's Guide to (Accidentally) Thriving Abroad

Ansel standing with an umbrella in front of colorful landmarks on a sunny day

Concentrating 3 months of new, life-changing experiences into one reflection is beyond my pedigree as a thinker and writer, but I can provide ambiguous advice. As an overachiever, I want to offer my insight on the benefits of intentionally limiting yourself to enjoy life abroad to the fullest.

Entering my study abroad burnt out from an overwhelming semester, I have loved all the new opportunities outside of my old routine. But keeping a balanced lifestyle where you bound your boundless interests is important to protect yourself from repeating a cycle of overexertion and exhaustion. Without further ado:

1. Set goals before you leave and accidentally finish them immediately

Before I left, I made a list of goals I wanted to accomplish to give my journey a sense of structure. One goal I created on a whim was to “dance when everyone’s watching." I have never been one to boogie, but being an overachiever, I wanted complete social exposure to challenge my natural state of introversion.

Within a few days of landing, I serendipitously went on a river cruise along the Chao Phraya in Bangkok with friends, and on that ship full of families, we were invited on stage to dance. Even worse, the singer gave me the mic, and I yelled “ROLL TIDE” to a boat-full of individuals who have probably never heard of SEC football.

Usually when I finish a goal, I look to find new ways to challenge myself. But this time, realizing I had completely fried my social behavior, I decided to see what I was capable of without the burden of strict expectations. This has given me the flexibility to explore my interests, like reading random books at the school library or wandering around Bangkok. More importantly, it has been an exercise in self-forgiveness.

I am already immersing myself in a completely new environment, and every week there is something different: a committed routine of creating and accomplishing goals can hinder exploration. Instead of replacing my goals, I have used my new space to explore to appreciate the influence of fresh ideas, passions, and people that are completely reforming my understanding of the world.

2. Try to do everything, stress yourself out, and set limits

If you are an overachiever like me, stressing yourself out is probably your favorite activity. While overseas, I have tried to take advantage of everything, inevitably causing physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.

Every weekend for the first two months, traveling to Malaysia, Khao Yai, and Manila, I would experience stress-induced dissociation. I would shut off from my surroundings, and I would spend the rest of the weekend recovering, which would also set off everyone in my group.

For the first time since freshman year of high school, I forced myself to take adequate time to rest amidst the bustle of travel. If I started to feel overwhelmed, I would go take a nap, eat my favorite snacks (grilled banana, guava, and salted egg mochi), and watch a movie to decompress.

I have learned that making the most of travel requires finding and respecting your limits. Finding time daily to relax makes a world of difference recuperating from all the new things you encounter and helps make you ready for every new journey.

3. Force yourself to reflect

For me, journaling not only helps me keep tabs on my activities and thoughts but reveals my limits. Journaling creates a recorded history with which I can link causes to effects, tracking how changes in my lifestyle and recognition of my limits impact my decisions. Following my journey, I will appreciate how much I have changed in just three months and use my understanding of the past to inform my future. At the end of your journey, what you record sticks.

Remembering how I have learned to balance my life is a huge milestone for my personal growth, and I know keeping it with me will improve my habits far beyond my time in Thailand. Learning to set goals, set limits, and find time to rest and reflect has been worth every penny for travel and study this spring, and I wish the same for every other prospective study abroad overachiever.

Blog by Ansel Smith, University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
Semester in Thailand - Mahidol University

See All Posts

Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say

BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad

While studying in Tokyo for a semester, I aimed to live by the quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Because of that, I have gotten to experience incredibly fascinating things and meet amazing people. Tokyo almost feels like a second home to me now. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty of Japan and its rich culture.

Kenae Turner

Elizabeth City State University

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Based on personal experience from my home university, Australia does not tend to be a popular destination for study abroad, likely due to its distance. However, I am extremely grateful I made the decision to come here. The geographical diversity, numerous cultural representations, and major cities so close to nature make Australia a truly unique and unforgettable country. Spending three and a half months here will be an experience I treasure for the rest of my life.

Joshua Grossman

Coastal Carolina University

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

CIS provided a brilliant network of people so I never felt alone, and everyday was a new adventure. I got to explore a place completely different from anything I could have imagined. It was challenging navigating a new culture, a language I didn't know completely, and a new environment, but that was the beauty of it all. No one goes abroad searching for comfort, but you learn that comfort can be found anywhere, if you know how to look.

Alisa Geise

Virginia Commonwealth University

Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

Studying abroad has allowed me to grow as a person. I have conquered fears, experienced new things, tried new foods, and met wonderful people who helped make my experience unforgettable. I am more confident in myself and the person that I want to be in the future.

Ashlyn Holmes

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

Studying abroad in London has been an experience I will never forget. Living in a new country is something I think everyone should experience in their life. I've made so many new life long friendships I never would have unless I came here. I've also grown so much as a person and become more independent. The CIS team has been so supportive during the whole process. From applying to my program to arriving on campus in London. My site directors have been so helpful and supportive answering any questions I have. The social program activities were amazing and helped me see a different side of London than I would have without it. I will never forget this experience; it really has changed me for the better.

Katlynn Orloski

Michigan State University

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

Studying abroad changed my life in all of the best ways and CIS Abroad made it all happen!! Through CIS, I was able to make my first friends and integrate into the culture way easier than I would have on my own.

Amy Zochalski

Valparaiso University

Semester in Newcastle - University of Newcastle

My time abroad has been the most eye opening journey and I’m a more independent person because of it. I’m so grateful for all the experiences, friends, and memories I’ve made along the way!

Casey Ferguson

Kean University

Semester in Scotland - Edinburgh Napier University

Unlike many people on this trip who come with the intention of being a tourist, I feel like I had a different goal. I wanted to rediscover my culture and where I belonged. Being a hafu living in America and not fluent in Japanese, I was never really able to get in touch with my Japanese heritage. This trip completely changed that and I now have a goal of one day living in Japan for the rest of my life.

Dean Handler

University of Central Florida

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

The CIS program was truly a one of a kind experience. I was able to meet many students from all across America, attend several events (such as food tours or a trip to Kyoto), and make many friends. I would not trade it for anything. I am thankful I decided to study with CIS Abroad. Before this, I was thinking about just plowing through my degree, getting my master's and PhD, and immediately entering society. However, this experience changed my life. Through meeting many people from many places, and living in a new area for an extended period of time, my view of my own philosophies, culture and place of living, changed. This would not have happened if I stayed in the States. I would say if you are able to go, you should go. There is no time like the present.

Lexington Whalen

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Studying abroad in Japan was lifechanging! Embracing a rich culture, forging international friendships, and gaining valuable insights broadened my perspective, fostering personal growth and unforgettable memories.

Bricen Williams

West Texas A&M University

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Sada Chaudhury

Hunter College

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

During my time in Costa Rica, I took Intermediate Conversation and Cultural Photography at Veritas University. I really enjoyed how relaxed the classes were and how the teachers taught us not only Spanish, but also culture and day-to-day life. I was also involved in the biology lab here (BIOMOL) and had fun doing some lab work every week. I got to explore multiple places with my program, such as Manuel Antonio, Curubandé, and Jaco. I went surfing for the first time and got to hike some amazing trails. I highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica for study abroad; it is a beautiful country with beautiful people and memories to make!

Lauren Adams

William Woods University

Summer in Costa Rica

I took Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Conflict Resolution & Healthcare at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. I really enjoyed how interactive my elective class was; the students often led the class by doing presentations on various topics. We also had a field trip to the local school. My favorite part of the study abroad experience was all the weekend trips. It was awesome to see so many different places in the country. My favorite trip was to Tamarindo and Curubande where I got to take a surf lesson and hike to waterfalls.

Faith Johnson

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Summer in Costa Rica

This past month I spent my time studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad. The opportunity of being able to study in Italy was a dream come true! From my peers in the program to Frankie and Kayla, everyone has been so open and welcoming. CIS has done any amazing job making sure I felt prepared for my travels and was available to answer my many questions. Without CIS, this opportunity would have seemed like a dream, but they helped me turn it into a reality. I have met some amazing friends and grown into a better person during my time in Sorrento!

Alana Bergin

University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

Summer on the Italian Coast

I’ve always wanted to study abroad, even though I was initially very nervous since I had never been over seas before. But even my imagination could never have dreamed of the amazing things I got to see and experience while abroad. I didn’t get to just see all these new places but studying abroad allowed me to have the time to fully submerge myself into so many different cultures. I’ll never forget my time over here and I will forever be grateful I was able to experience studying abroad!

Mary Claire Vaughan

University of Alabama -Tuscaloosa

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

CIS Abroad planned a trip for our group to Orvieto for a weekend. It was one of my favorite things I have done so far. We got to make pasta dough and fully immerse ourselves in Italian family home culture.

Summer Megnia

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

I had the opportunity to work with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center in Thailand as a veterinary assistant this semester. Their facility here is funded by the royal family of Thailand and is a rehabilitation center for turtles who have become displaced, injured or are in need of surgical procedures (most commonly abscess removals). Thailand is home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles: the Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, and Leatherback! I was lucky enough to perform blood-draws, give injections, restrain, do a series of radiographs, calculate drug doses and assist in an abscess removal during my time here so needless to say I am having a blast and learning lots.

Scout Aulenbach

Berry College

Veterinary Science Semester in Thailand

My Drawing on Location class spends most of our class time outside, learning about local history and drawing our environments, rather than staying in a classroom. My marine biology class took us on a field trip to a turtle rescue center, where we learned about their processes in caring for injured turtles.

Hannah Chan

University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Semester on the Italian Coast - Sant'Anna Institute

CIS Abroad allowed me the opportunity to explore new places and ideas, and make some great friends at the same time! I really enjoyed my time in Japan as it let me explore both new and old aspects of Japanese culture.

Mads Muraoka

Berry College

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

This was the experience of a lifetime being able to spend a semester in Rome. I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to many new things, travel to new places, and make lifelong friends!

Corrine Drew

Kean University

Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

The Overachiever's Guide to (Accidentally) Thriving Abroad

1. Set goals before you leave and accidentally finish them immediately

2. Try to do everything, stress yourself out, and set limits

3. Force yourself to reflect

Related Posts

Left My Heart in Sorrento

Pura Vida: My Experience Studying Spanish in Costa Rica

Study Abroad Learning Outcomes & the Immersive Learning Connection