5 a.m. wake-up calls. Two practices a day. An 18-credit course load. These are just a few elements that begin to illustrate what collegiate athletes pack into a 24-hour day. From the moment my first alarm rings at dawn, every hour of my day as a student-athlete is strategically planned out. Each minute is accounted for, from early morning practices and back-to-back classes to study sessions, social activities, internships, and part-time work. Going abroad, I was prepared to experience aspects of culture shock. What I didn't anticipate were the additional challenges I would face as a student-athlete. 

The idea of studying abroad in a new country, with its diverse cultures and endless possibilities, is both an overwhelming and exciting opportunity for any student. It’s framed as the “best semester of our lives,” and while I believe this to be true, there were challenges I had to face because of my commitment to collegiate athletics.  

Deciding to leave my team for the majority of the season was incredibly difficult and left me with a lingering sense of guilt. Before I left for Madrid, the uncertainties were outweighing what I knew to be true: the Chapman Swim and Dive team was a second family to me. My teammates were truly my built-in best friends. Being able to train alongside them was not only motivating but also pushed me to find a new love and appreciation for a sport I grew up in. I had a structured schedule that I knew worked for me and was nervous that if I chose to leave that and things were different when I returned, I would have regrets. But this fear was far from the truth. 

My roommates and I are all student-athletes at Chapman and loved finding fun ways to stay active together. One of our favorite parks was right down the street from us, so we would go on runs to the park and then play in the “workout playgrounds” that were set up around the track. 

Acclimating to Madrid 

I remember arriving in Madrid in late August, just a week before classes started. From the moment my flight touched down in the Madrid-Barajas Airport, my days were packed. My schedule was a whirlwind of orientation activities, sightseeing tours, and leisurely strolls around the city to soak it all in. Each day was filled with the excitement of exploring new streets, tasting local cuisine, and immersing myself in the culture of Madrid. As I settled into my classes and familiarized myself with the streets of Madrid, I kept looking for ways to stay active and maintain the busy schedule I was accustomed to. 

Embracing Change: How I Maintained Balance and Thrived During My Study Abroad Experience 

While the honeymoon phase of studying abroad eventually wore off, my background as a student athlete gave me an innate ability to thrive on routine and schedule. Instead of abandoning my need for organization and order, I chose to shift my perspective.  

Morning runs in Madrid were some of my favorite ways to stay active. The city was quiet, and the streets were empty. It was an easy way to explore the city as it was slowly waking up. While one of our roommates was staying in the downtown area of Madrid, we made it a point to stop by and visit her on our run. 

It wasn’t that I had to wake up at 5am to fit in doubles practice or stay in on a Friday night in preparation for a big competition the next day. I had spent my whole life living out this schedule, and I chose to invest my time in exploring other activities, trusting that they would positively impact my performance in the pool when the time came. Whether it was running through our beloved neighborhood of Cuatro Caminos, maxing out my steps each day by exploring each corner of Retiro Park, or going back to my roots and hopping into the pool for a quick swim, I did what brought me joy in those four months. 

When I came back to Chapman, the pool and my teammates were still there, just the same as I had remembered them from before I left. Except I knew that I had changed. I returned to the team with renewed energy, eager to share my experiences and ready to take on the challenge of a tough practice again. I believe this to be true because I let go of that lingering guilt. I fully embraced everything studying abroad had to offer—traveling on weekends, savoring local cuisines, and prioritizing creating unforgettable memories that I know will bring a smile to my face whenever I look back on my time abroad. 

Teammates from back home visiting Madrid! Five junior girls from the swim team studied abroad during the fall semester, so we made sure to meet up with each other. It was reassuring to have other teammates going through the same experience. 

While we were in Paris, we averaged 12 miles a day! To make sure we were helping our bodies recover, we took meals very seriously and made sure to be a part of the Clean Plate Club! 

My Advice for Student Athletes: Embrace the Journey 

My advice to any student athlete who has hesitations about studying abroad: have trust in the process. Take control of your own schedule. Commit to the program and do it without regrets. 

I found that discovering new coffee shops and study spots added excitement to the student experience while being abroad. It was a great way to explore the city, while getting all of our assignments in. 

Our sports have shaped us into the individuals we are today, and they will be there when you return to your home base. But you won’t be able to realize the other ways in which you can grow and the new experiences you can have outside of your sport if you do not give yourself that opportunity. So embrace your semester abroad. Find new ways to stay active that bring you joy. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to grow, both mentally and physically, and share those valuable lessons with your teammates and friends. Ultimately, your experiences abroad will not only make you a better athlete but a better individual.