Studying abroad comes with its own fun little puzzle: keeping your grades on track while living your best life in a brand-new country. Between squeezing homework into train rides, planning sightseeing between classes, and figuring out when to say yes or no, every student eventually finds their stride.
I interviewed several TUJ study abroad students to learn how they managed it all, and a pattern appeared. Finding balance comes from planning ahead, finding your people, taking alone time when you need it, and treating the city like an extension of campus. Their stories show that studying abroad isn’t just about academics; it’s about learning how to thrive, explore, and enjoy the journey.
Welcome to Study Abroad 101, where the best lessons can happen beyond the classroom.
Siena Wong – Junior Biochemistry and Japanese double major at Vassar College
First, I interviewed Siena Wong, a junior at Vassar College who has “always known that she wanted to study abroad”
“As a student-athlete, I’ve had to carefully balance academics, social life, and personal time, but planning ahead has made it manageable. Studying in Japan has been a rewarding and easier experience than I expected. I’ve met great people and received strong support…I thought the language might be a barrier, but since TUJ is an English-speaking school, it hasn’t been an issue. Overall, I’ve had little difficulty balancing my social and academic life and am really enjoying this stage of my life.”
Aidan Yokanovich – Senior Computer Science major at Temple University
“Utilize the entire day.”
Then Aidan Yokanovich. A computer science major who uses the entire day to their advantage.
“Weekends have been an interesting balance between going out during the day and getting work done in the evening. I usually spend the beginning of the day with friends or taking personal time, then dedicate my nights to studying. I used to struggle with spending too much time with friends, which sometimes took away from my studies, but being in Japan and experiencing a different culture has its own value. Overall, I’ve been satisfied with this balance, though it comes in waves depending on my schedule.”
“There were times I had to sacrifice social time to keep up with grades, and limited class options made planning more challenging. If I could start over, I might take classes less critical to my major to reduce pressure and enjoy my time more.”
Ashley Evans – Senior Communications major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at Temple University
“Set clear boundaries.”
Then I interviewed Ashley Evans, a Senior communications major, who says that reaching out for help has helped her overcome challenges that she was facing
“Studying abroad did affect my academic performance at times, as I struggled to balance friendships and school while managing my mental health. Things improved when I started reaching out to friends for support, which not only helped me cope but also motivated me to perform better. Making friends was fairly easy since I’m naturally social, but finding a balance was challenging. If I could do things differently, I would set clearer boundaries for myself and others, learn to say no more often, and adjust my course load to better manage both friendships and academics.
Hana Altomonte – Junior International Affairs major Skidmore College
Then I interviewed Hana Altomonte, an international model, who has found that “You really need to have time to relax and recharge” to enjoy your study abroad experience.
“Being able to also prioritize alone time is what allowed me to balance everything. If I hadn’t had time to be by myself and have moments alone, it would have been way too overwhelming. Especially when living in a completely new environment and working full-time as a model while being a full time student, you really need to have time to relax and recharge. But because I was so busy, I found the best times to hang out with friends were when I could still see people in between classes or around school.”
Julian Randall – Junior Biochemistry Major at Vassar College
And finally, I interviewed Julian Randall, a junior biochemistry major who “makes the city his study space.”
“One interesting part of TUJ is that most students commute to campus, which makes maintaining a work-life balance unique. I found it helpful to combine schoolwork with “side quests” around the city and spending time with friends while exploring and making the most of being in Tokyo. Studying at cafes or other local spots also helped me stay on top of my schoolwork. Interacting with the city and its environment is a great way to enhance the overall experience. Most people at TUJ are open to making connections, but maintaining relationships can be a bit harder if you’re in a homestay rather than a dorm. It requires putting extra effort into spending time with friends outside of class, but it’s worth it to build meaningful connections.”
In the end, studying abroad isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding what works for you. Whether it’s planning ahead, exploring with friends, carving out alone time, or turning the city into your study spot, balance is something every student builds in their own way. These stories show that with a little intention and adventure, you can thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Want to learn more about Temple University Japan programs? Visit studyabroad.temple.edu to explore everything the program has to offer — study abroad, student life, and more!