How to Study Abroad as a Student Athlete
How to Study Abroad as a Student Athlete: 7 Tips from a College Volleyball Player Who Stayed in Shape Down Under
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kristie-Tunheim-Pic-8-225x300.jpg)
1. Yes, You Can Study Abroad
This experience is truly once in a lifetime. Once you graduate, it becomes much harder to leave your normal life for six months and live somewhere entirely different. Take advantage of this time and present a strong case to your coach or athletic director as to why you feel you will grow as a person. My volleyball coach had studied abroad while she was in college and she was supportive of me doing the same. My time abroad yielded an immense opportunity for personal development – I became more confident and more myself while abroad. I became so much more independent with my finances, my food choices and my decisions about how best to spend my time. I felt empowered to create a lifestyle where I could be my best self.2. Plan Ahead
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-Tunheim-Pic-7-225x300.jpg)
3. Find a Buddy
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-Tunheim-Pic-3-225x300.jpg)
4. Consider Your Budget
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-Tunheim-Pic-5-300x169.jpg)
5. Seek out Club/University Teams Early
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-Tunheim-Pic-6-225x300.jpg)
6. Adjust Your Expectations and Take Advantage of Your Surroundings
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-Tunheim-Pic-1-300x225.jpg)
7. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-TunHeim-Pic-2-300x225.jpg)
Taking it Home
![student athlete](https://ifsa-butler.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kristie-Tunheim-Pic-4-300x225.jpg)