How to stay motivated while studying during the exchange
Doing an exchange is a dream come true, but we know that staying focused on studying in a different country can be a real challenge. Between the distractions of a new culture, homesickness, and pressure to seize every moment, it's normal for motivation to study to fluctuate.
If you're wondering how to keep your studying peak during your international experience, you've come to the right place! We prepared practical strategies tested by thousands of exchange students who transformed not only their grades, but their entire experience abroad.
Why is it so difficult to stay motivated while studying abroad?
When you are living the experience of Learn a language abroad, your brain needs to process much more information than usual. You're constantly adapting to a new language, culture, routine, and social environment.
This mental overload is completely normal! Many exchange students experience moments of low motivation, especially in the first few months. The important thing is to recognize that this is part of the process and to have strategies ready to regain focus.
Key challenges include:
- Distraction with so much news around
- Pressure to socialize and “enjoy” free time
- Homesickness affecting concentration
- Differences in the education system
- Anxiety about academic performance in another language
1. Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories
One of the biggest pitfalls is setting very ambitious goals right off the bat. Instead of saying “I'm going to study 8 hours a day,” start with smaller, attainable goals.
Examples of realistic goals:
- Complete one lesson a day
- Do 30 minutes of conversation in English
- Read an article in the local language
- Watch an episode of a series without subtitles
When you hit those small goals, your brain releases dopamine, which reinforces positive behavior. It's the same principle that makes games addictive, but applied to your studies!
Be Easy tip: Write down your daily achievements in a notebook or app. Seeing your progress visually is a powerful motivator and will help you in moments of discouragement.
2. Create a study routine that works for you
Having a solid routine is essential, but it needs to be flexible enough to adapt to your new reality. Many exchange students make the mistake of trying to replicate exactly the routine they had in Brazil.
As we highlighted in our article about 4 tips for staying productive during the exchange, the key is to find your own rhythm in the new environment.
How to structure your routine:
- Identify your peak power times - Do you yield more in the morning or in the evening?
- Reserve specific blocks for study - Even if it's just 45 minutes
- Intersperse study with pleasurable activities - This maintains mental balance
- Be consistent but not strict - Allow adjustments when necessary
3. Transform your study environment into an ally
The environment where you study has a huge impact on your motivation and concentration. Outside, you may not have full control over your space, but small adjustments make all the difference.
Elements that increase concentration:
- Good lighting (natural whenever possible)
- Comfortable temperature
- Visual organization
- Elimination of digital distractions
- Elements that connect you with your goals
If you live in a student residence or family home, negotiate a corner just for your studies. It might just be a table, but one that's consistently YOUR focus space.
Change of environment as a strategy: Switch between homeschooling, library, coffee shops, or parks. This variation maintains interest and can stimulate creativity.
4. Use the micro-interval technique to stay focused
The famous Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of study + 5 of break) works very well for exchange students because it allows you to balance intense study with the exploration of the new country.
Be Easy version of the technique:
- 25 minutes of focused study
- 5 minutes to soak up the local environment (look out the window, drink typical tea)
- After 4 cycles, pause longer than 30 minutes for a cultural activity
This approach allows you to be productive in your studies without feeling that you are losing the exchange experience.
5. Connect your studies with your cultural experiences
One of the greatest advantages of studying abroad is being able to immediately apply what you learn. This connection between theory and actual practice is a natural motivator.
Practical strategies:
- Study vocabulary related to places you want to visit
- Use studied history/geography concepts to better understand the country
- Practice math calculating currency conversions
- Apply business concepts by looking at the local market
As we discussed in the article about 8 Effective Strategies to Boost Your English Learning, real immersion is the most effective method of learning.
6. Find your multicultural study group
Studying alone has its advantages, but having study partners can be the differential you need to keep your motivation high. The exchange offers the unique opportunity to form groups with people from different cultures.
Benefits of group study abroad:
- Different perspectives on the same topics
- Natural language practice
- Emotional support network
- Mutual Accountability
- Exchange of study methods
How to form an effective group:
- Find people with goals similar to yours
- Establish clear rules (times, location, language)
- Switch between in-person and virtual sessions
- Include cultural activities related to studies
7. Reward yourself strategically
The reward system is critical to maintaining long-term motivation. Abroad, you have access to unique rewards that you wouldn't have in Brazil.
Cultural rewards ideas:
- After completing a project, visit a local museum
- End a week of intense studies with a typical special dish
- Reach a monthly goal and take a trip to a neighboring city
- Complete a course and buy something meaningful as a keepsake
Golden rule: The reward should be commensurate with the effort and ideally connected with your cultural experience.
8. Stay connected to your long-term goals
It's easy to lose sight of the “why” when you're immersed in the everyday exchange. Keeping your long-term goals visible is crucial for sustaining motivation.
Visualization techniques:
- Create a visual wall with your future goals
- Write letters to your “future self”
- Connect regularly with professionals in the area you want to work in
- Research opportunities that will open up with your international experience
If you're doing study and work in Australia, for example, constantly remind yourself of how this experience can transform your career.
Dealing with difficult times
Every exchange student goes through phases of low motivation. It's important to recognize that this is normal and temporary. As we discussed in the article about culture shock during the exchange: how to prepare yourself psychologically?, these difficulties are part of the adaptation process.
Signs that you need to adjust your strategy:
- Excessive procrastination
- Studies-related anxiety
- Social isolation
- Constant comparison with other students
- Feeling that you are not “taking advantage” of the exchange
Immediate actions:
- Temporarily lower expectations
- Seek support from other exchange students
- Talk to family/friends in Brazil
- Seek academic guidance at the institution
- Remember your achievements so far
How pre-preparation makes a difference
Good preparation before the exchange can prevent many motivation problems. This includes not only academic preparation but also mental and emotional preparation.
For specific programs such as High School, this preparation is even more crucial, since the students are younger and far from their families.
Recommended preparation:
- Develop solid study habits before traveling
- Practice emotional self-management techniques
- Set clear goals for the period abroad
- Create a plan B for difficult times
Our article about 10 tips for the first day of the exchange offers valuable guidance for starting off on the right foot.
Digital tools that can help
Technology can be a great ally for maintaining motivation in studies. There are specific apps and tools that work very well for exchange students.
Recommended apps:
- Forest: To stay focused while studying
- Notion: To organize projects and monitor progress
- Years: For vocabulary memorization
- Google Calendar: To structure routines
- Toggl: To monitor study time
Important: Use technology as a tool, not as a distraction. Intelligently set up notifications so they help, not hinder.
Adapting to cultural differences in studies
Each country has its own educational culture, and understanding this is critical to maintaining motivation. What works in Brazil may not work the same way abroad.
Common differences:
- USA/Canada: Higher class participation, frequent group work
- United Kingdom: Focus on essays and critical thinking
- Germany: Greater student autonomy, less direction
- Australia: Practical and informal approach
Adapting your learning style to local expectations doesn't mean abandoning what works for you, but rather being flexible and enjoying the best of both worlds.
The role of diet and exercise in motivation
Don't underestimate the impact of diet and physical activity on your ability to concentrate and motivation. Overseas, significant dietary changes are common, which can affect academic performance.
Practical tips:
- Maintain regular meal times
- Include protein and vegetables with every meal
- Avoid excessive fast food (even if it's tempting!)
- Do some regular physical activity
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night
Be Easy Strategy: Use the discovery of local cuisine as motivation! Promise yourself to try a new dish for each study goal achieved.
Building a Growth Mindset
One of the most important aspects of maintaining motivation is developing a growth mindset. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, view them as opportunities for development.
Changes in perspective:
- “I Can't Understand” → “I Still Can't Understand”
- “I'm bad at math” → “I need more practice in math”
- “Others are smarter” → “Others use different strategies”
- “This is very difficult” → “This will make me grow”
This mindset change is especially important when you're dealing with learning in another language, as highlighted in our article on 4 essential tips for preparing for the TOEFL.
Be Easy
Maintaining motivation in your studies during the exchange isn't just about willpower—it's about having the right strategies and the right support. Na Be Easy, we understand that each exchange student faces unique challenges, and our experienced team is always ready to offer personalized guidance. We transform dreams into real achievements, offering full support before, during and after your international experience. Contact us and discover how we can help you make the most of your studies abroad, keeping your motivation high throughout your journey!
