How to Choose the Ultimate Class Schedule When you Study Abroad

May 11, 2020

Making the perfect class schedule for yourself when you’re in university can be a bit of a balancing act. This can be even trickier when you’re studying abroad in a new country, with a new set of surroundings to explore. You’ll need to budget how much time you’ll have for focusing purely on studying with how much time you want to devote to getting to know Rome, making new friends, and traveling around Europe. Getting into the best routines and habits will help to make sure you’re on top of your schoolwork while also checking off those items on your bucket list. In addition, you’ll also want to budget in some well-deserved downtime, too.

Here’s how you can make the best class schedule for when you study abroad in Rome!

Make the Most of Your Free Time

When in Rome, do as the Romans do—or at least, when you have free time away from your studies! Although you'll be expected to come prepared to your classes and engage in the discussions, remember that you are studying in one of Europe’s most remarkable cities. Therefore, once you’ve decided on how you’re going to manage your time with regards to academics, be sure to take in as much time as possible to explore Rome and everything it has to offer. Not only that, but other locations in Europe are easily accessible via plane and train, so take the opportunity to visit other Italian cities during weekends and experience this incredible continent!

 

Build a schedule including core classes and electives that interest you 

 

Mix Your Core Classes with Electives That Interest You

While it’s obviously important to take classes towards your major, having a rewarding university experience while you study in Rome will go far beyond that. Whenever you have space available for elective classes outside your major that interest you, and especially if they are classes best completed in Rome (like an on-site class about Rome’s many monuments), be sure to make time for courses that can spice up your schedule. Whether you want to brush up on your language skills by taking some Italian courses, or try out a subject you’ve always been curious about, you can plan your schedule so that you push yourself in new directions and tap into your interests and passions.

 

Much of Europe is accessible by train from Rome 

 

Be Sure to Plan Ahead

Making a strong class schedule while studying at an American university in Rome will all be for naught if you do not plan ahead and manage your time. This can include things like penciling important deadlines into your agenda and planning ahead to make sure you don’t have any scheduling conflicts. Make sure you also budget certain hours of the day toward getting studying done, and mark all your trips and travel plans on your calendar. Not only will you want to ensure that you’re studying as hard as you can, but you’ll also want to make a schedule for relaxation so that you don’t feel too worn out. It’s a balancing act, but it’s easy to maintain if you plan in advance!

Do you want to study at an English language university in Italy?

Contact John Cabot University to find out more!

View all posts

Subscribe and stay up to date

Subscribe and stay up to date

Request Info »