Engineering students face a unique set of challenges when studying abroad. While other students might be taking general electives to fill their schedules, those of us taking actual engineering courses have a much heavier load to handle. It is very easy to fall into the trap of skipping class to go experience a new city or event. While missing class once in a while might be fine, doing it consistently can be harmful to your academic career.
Many study abroad programs evaluate grades on a Pass/Fail basis for transfer credit. While this might sound like a relief, it is dangerous if you are not careful. If you become too relaxed and manage to fail a class, that grade can still be devastating for your GPA. Furthermore, the mindset you build here travels back with you to Tuscaloosa. This is our home university. If you get used to slacking off because you are on a pass/fail system, it will be incredibly difficult to adjust when you return to the University of Alabama where standard grading applies to your upper-level courses.
In my opinion, the best way to deal with this is to treat your studies exactly as if you were back home. Your primary purpose for being here is to study first, then experience the host country. It is not a vacation. However, it can feel like one if you manage your time comfortably.
My strategy has been to focus all my effort on completing schoolwork during the week. I try to get everything done Monday through Thursday so that I have a completely free Friday. This ensures I have a free weekend to do whatever I want without guilt. Furthermore, if I want to take a longer trip, I will do all my work the week before so I can be stress-free during my travels. You do not want to be worrying about a complex engineering problem set while you are trying to enjoy a weekend excursion.
Engineering is difficult enough in English, so learning it in a new environment requires focus. By getting your work done early and keeping your standards high, you can enjoy your time abroad without sacrificing your degree.