Youth is the best time to travel and explore the world. There are so many opportunities to travel during this time, that it would be a waste not to take advantage of it. However, it’s also the time when you’re probably looking to enroll into college. But, that doesn’t need to be a problem.
Nowadays, universities offer different study programs that can fit your lifestyle, so you can still travel the world and get a degree at the same time. All you have to do is learn how to juggle a full-time study program with your international travels.
Pick a Course You Are Passionate About
No one wants to get a degree just to get a degree. So, this first tip might be obvious, but it’s especially important when you plan to travel during your studies. The course you end up choosing should reflect your personal interests and desires because that aligns it with your future career goals.
Unless you feel passionate about the course, motivation will become a problem. Staying focused on getting your degree and having the drive to complete assignments and other course requirements will feel more like a chore as you travel. And this makes it very difficult to stay on track.
However, when you pick a course that’s right for you, traveling actually boosts your academic progress. For example, if you are studying to become for a degree in Biology, visiting the rainforests of Central America will seem more like a field trip. You are able to explore the ecosystem and gain a practical insight into the lessons you cover in class.
Enroll in an Online Course
Nowadays, many universities are offering online courses as part of their regular study programs to allow students with different lifestyles to get their degrees. As an online student, you won’t be physically attending classes, but you will receive a study plan, course requirements, and class voice recordings in your email Inbox. As academic studies can be quite detailed, it is crucial to have accurately transcribed material to refer back to. That is why more and more students and teachers are taking advantage of the latest academic transcription technology to put their lectures down for them.
Plan Your Travels Around Course Requirements
Before you set off on your trip, check out the course outline on the university’s official webpage. Take note of all the course requirements and assignments you have to do for each semester, and add them to your calendar. This itinerary reveals the timeline of your trip and the exact dates when you need to be near a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Aligning the course schedule with your travel itinerary will also help you select your travel destinations. If you have a week of exams, it’s not such a good idea to plan an action-packed trip. Instead, it’s best to choose a low-key location where you’ll have enough peace and quiet to study and successfully pass your exams.
Additionally, keep in mind that when traveling you might be jumping across different time zones. When the exact time of your requirements pops up on the university website, make sure to change that in your itinerary.
Gear Up with Essential Tech for the Trip
Different apps and gadgets are critical both for your trip and studies, and their success. Among the most important tech you must take on your travels is your smartphone and the apps that go with it.
Your phone allows you to keep track of the study course and various travel plans. It’s also a way to connect with teachers and other students and serves as a backup in case your laptop has a system failure.
On the other hand, smartphone apps are tools for your travels. They make it easier for you to book accommodation, find transportation, purchase tickets, download maps, check currency rates, translate signs, and most importantly find accessible Wi-Fi hotspots. Those will be essential during your travels, especially if you don’t have a stable Internet connection in your hostel.
As for your laptop, make sure the battery has a running time of at least a couple of hours. And whenever you get near a power source, be sure to charge both your phone and laptop. After all, you don’t want your battery to die on you during an exam.
At the end of the day, deciding to travel while you getting a degree is a challenging endeavor. But if you manage your time well and prepare for the trip ahead of time it will be a once in a lifetime experience. After all, not many people can say they were able to explore the world and receive a college degree at the same time.