How to Study Abroad as a College Athlete?

Looking for study abroad opportunities for college athletes? There are many deserving and persistent student-athletes who want to make their mark and gain world-class exposure in their field of sports. Most of these young athletes are not aware of how they can truly be an asset to the top world-class universities abroad. In the blog given below, we have debunked several myths and have comprehensively covered the answer to ‘how to study abroad as a college athlete’.

How to Study Abroad as a College Athlete?

The study abroad journey of student or college-athletes have been elucidated below in a simple and step-by-step manner:

Step 1

Discuss with your academic advisor and/or coach and ask them to review your profile and requirements. As per that only, your abroad education journey as a college athlete would proceed further.

Step 2

Conduct your own research and look out for colleges that have an apt ecosystem for budding sports players and athletes. Choosing a college which offers you the best sports club and facilities would help you in your athletic career.

Step 3

After doing your research and discussion with the academic advisor, consult a study abroad advisor to help you in meeting your dream university requirements.

Psst! Are you stumped as to where you should do your research? Don’t worry, our AI Course Finder will help you explore and connect with Leverage Edu’s experts so you can get into your dream school. 

Step 4

the student’s perspective. After finalizing your best-fit university abroad, connect with the students or alumni from that university and try to get their perspective, learnings, experience. Ask them about your hassles and queries regarding the course, practice-study balance, student life, and much more.

Step 5

Try to research sports-related scholarship opportunities. Many universities and other organizations are now offering different sports scholarships to deserving and meritorious college athletes. Pay close attention to their eligibility criteria as well as their deadlines.

Step 6

Apply to the universities of your choice and wait for the results. And now you’re all set to head off to college!

Life of a College Athlete

After becoming well versed with how to study abroad as a college athlete, let’s first know more about the life of a college athlete. On any given day, every person on the planet has a million ideas, thoughts, tasks, and so ongoing through their heads. While we are all preoccupied with various parts of life, one thing that stays constant is the passage of time.

College student-athletes must make wise decisions about how they spend their time. They’re people who need to strike a healthy work-life balance because their goal on campus is to excel on the field and in the classroom. They are incredibly busy every day, to the point where they must plan out any free time they have carefully and put it to good use.

A college athlete’s everyday life is incredibly hectic and structured. Unlike a student who is not a part of a college team, a college athlete must manage their time carefully and take advantage of opportunities to sit and finish their academic work. With so many everyday responsibilities, an athlete’s free time is limited. Every minute must be put to the best possible use.

How to Ensure Academic & Athletic Success?

If you’re a high school student who actively participates in sports, you have the added responsibilities of attending practice, going to games or matches, maintaining your shape, and eating correctly in addition to classes, homework, group projects, and studying. Plus, if you’re like most high school students, you probably want some time to just be a regular adolescent, hang out with your friends, and go to social events.

As a college athlete, while studying abroad, these are the measures you’ll need to take to assure both academic and athletic success.

Make a Plan and Stick to it

We’ve already discussed the need of balancing school, practice, and sports, but if you want to continue playing your sport in college, this is even more critical. In college, the training schedule is even more difficult, and you’ll have to travel a lot for different games and tournaments. This means that your sport will consume even more of your time. Hence, it becomes even more important for you to make a proper schedule or weekly plans to manage your studies and practice simultaneously. This may set you up for success by learning to create a plan and prioritize your tasks.

Maintain Your Academic Performance

Maintain your academic performance and become familiar with academic services at the right time.  It’s also a good idea to have an open conversation with your professors at the beginning of each semester to assure them that school comes first. Professors are usually ready to work with students who exhibit dedication to their studies. Get a tutor, ask your parents for support, meet with your coach after class, or join study clubs to help you maintain your grades.

Give Yourself a Competitive Advantage

If you truly want to stand out as a top college athlete while studying abroad, you must make the most of your free time. Elite athletes believe there is no such thing as an offseason. They may take a week or two off after a long season to rest and heal, but they’re back in the game or on the field or court the next day to work on their skills.

Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams

Being a college athlete while studying abroad is fiercely competitive, with a large number of excellent athletes vying for a small number of slots. Make sure you’re working hard and maintaining your grades, but don’t lose sight of why you initially fell in love with your sport.

Best Places to Study Abroad as a College Athlete 

Whether you’re a big sports fan or a pro college athlete, studying abroad is a wonderful chance to see your chosen field of sports and sports culture from a different perspective. Check out these 7 study abroad destinations that are ideal for college athletes.

1. Argentina

The Argentinian footballer, Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the finest soccer players on the planet. It’s because of his huge success and determination, that now Argentina is remarked as one of the best study-abroad destinations for college athletes. While studying in Argentina, you’ll have more than just soccer to look forward to. This Latin American country is a rugby and tennis powerhouse, having won the World Polo Championship more times than any other nation!

2. Australia

Rugby, surfing, and tennis are among Australia’s most popular sports.. Furthermore, Sydney is known for its outdoor culture, and you can always see Sydneysiders surfing at any time of year.  An active lifestyle is right at your fingers when studying abroad in Australia as a college athlete.

3. UK

When you study abroad as a college athlete in the UK, sports play a big part in the students’ life. Cricket, rugby, baseball, golf, football, F1 racing, you name it and the UK knows it all. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. The UK should be definitely on your list if you are a sports enthusiast!

4. France

Imagine watching some of the finest cyclists in the world compete in the Tour de France while studying in France. France has always been popular for encouraging various sports, one of them is cycling events. Other than Cycling, France is also known for its french handball events. The love for sports makes France an ideal destination for college athletes. 

5. Japan

Did you know that baseball is currently Japan’s most popular professional sport? Also at the very top? Japan is popularly known for its sports culture and therefore, Japan has become one of the destinations that are ideal for college athletes.

6. New Zealand

Rugby is perhaps the most popular sport in New Zealand. Not only is rugby the national sport, but it has also won the most Rugby World Cup championships, including back-to-back victories in the previous two tournaments! When you study in New Zealand, you’ll get a taste of the best rugby culture on the planet. The country is also famous for other sports like cricket, swimming, basketball, etc. 

7. Spain

When it comes to the greatest destinations to study abroad for sports fans, Spain is undoubtedly at the top of the list. It’s no secret that Spain has some of the best soccer players in the world, including Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, Xavi, Pique, etc. When you think about Spain, though, soccer isn’t the only sport that comes to mind. Spain is presently ranked second in both men’s and women’s basketball in the FIBA World Rankings. The country is also renowned for other sports like badminton, basketball, cycling, etc. hence, making it a perfect study abroad destination for college athletes. 

Top Colleges to Study Abroad as a College Athlete 

After knowing how to study abroad as a college athlete, let’s now identify some of the best universities in the world that are ideal for college athletes:

College/University	Location	QS World Ranking 2021 (Sport-Related Subjects)
Loughborough University	Loughborough, United Kingdom	1
The University of Queensland	Brisbane, Australia	2
The University of Sydney	Sydney, Australia	3
University of British Columbia	Vancouver, Canada	4
The University of Toronto	Toronto, Canada	5
Deakin University	Geelong, Australia	6
The University of Melbourne	Parkville, Australia	7
The University of Bath	Bath, United Kingdom	8
The University of Alberta	Edmonton, Canada	9
The University of Florida	Gainesville, United States	10

FAQs

So that was all about how to study abroad as a college athlete. We hope that you must have found this blog interesting and inspirational to read to pursue your study abroad dream and being a college athlete simultaneously. Want to pursue a career in sports abroad? Then reach out to our experts at Study Abroad and they will surely help you in selecting the right course and the best-fit university abroad.