The Importance of Journaling While Studying Abroad
Journaling has been a hobby that I started to get into at the beginning of 2026. One of the main reasons was because I knew I was going to be studying abroad in Italy and wanted to make the most out of this experience. I knew journaling would be the perfect way to remember every moment. I wanted to capture the places I visited, the food I tried, and the experiences I shared with the people around me. Starting journaling in January helped me to practice figuring out what meaningful memories stood out to me.
It Helps You Remember the Little Things
Studying abroad has truly changed my life in so many ways. Every day brings something different, whether it’s exploring a new city, trying a traditional Italian meal, learning about the culture, or adjusting to a new living environment. With so many things happening at once, journaling has truly been the best outlet for me to decompress and make sure I am keeping track of all the details.
Journaling allows me to remember the small moments that I might have otherwise forgotten, like a late-night conversation with a friend in the common area after a long day of exploring, a meal at our favorite Italian restaurant, a beautiful view I saw for a split second, or how I felt walking through the streets of Ariccia, Italy for the first time.
Photos can show where I was, and I do love taking photos as well. But journaling can capture emotions and memories that were going on in those photos. Years from now, I will be able to look at photos from the trip as well as read through my journal and remember all the small details and moments that made my experience so special.
It Encourages Reflection
Going into study abroad I was so excited about all the fun things I was going to get to experience. I did not realize how much studying abroad would challenge me and help me grow. Having to be this far away from home has truly helped me become more independent, adapt to new situations, and step outside my comfort zone. Journaling gives me time to reflect personally on how much I have grown.
Each day I try to write about something that has made me grow that day. Writing about my day has helped me appreciate the lessons I am learning whether it is figuring out the metro system in Rome, appreciating differences between Europe and the US, or learning about a new culture. Looking back, I can say that there is so much personal growth happening throughout this journey.
It Makes You More Present
Studying abroad is a whirlwind experience, and it can be easy to focus on the next destination or experience instead of enjoying the moment you are in. Journaling has been a huge help for me in slowing down and appreciating where I am.
I love to journal on the train, at night before bed, anywhere that I can honestly. Taking the time to write about my day really helps me to be more intentional with everything I am experiencing. I have truly valued each moment more because journaling allows me to focus on what is happening instead of constantly thinking about our next trip.
It Creates a Keepsake You’ll Treasure
Sure, I love to shop, and I have been collecting postcards and magnets from all the places that I have been. However, nothing will ever be as special as my journal. It is a personal keepsake that I can look back on for years to come. It will remind me of the person I was during this chapter of my life.
When I read my journal in the future it will bring me back to all the good times, bad times, challenges, friendships, excitement, and experience that shaped my time abroad. It will truly be a reminder of not only where I went, but all my personal growth along with it.
It Helps You Process Challenges
Studying abroad is truly an incredible experience, but it does come with its fair share of challenges. Being in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people can feel very overwhelming. Journaling gives me an escape to process all my emotions and reflect on those difficult moments.
Writing helps me out when I need to rant or have anger built up and I can write all about it. When I write about challenges it helps to remind myself that challenges are all an apart of the journey. The moment that life gets uncomfortable or challenging are most often the ones that lead to the most personal growth.
Tips for Keeping a Study Abroad Journal
Journaling does not have to take a lot of time or stress to make an impact. My favorite part about it is that it is completely up to you because only you are going to see it. You can do daily recaps, weekly recaps, or anything you want. Even taking 5 minutes every day can make a huge impact. Ideas I like to write about include:
- My favorite moment for the day
- Something new I learned
- A place I explored or a meal I had
- A conversation I want to remember
- Something that challenged me
- Something that I am grateful for
All of these are great starting points and from there the words will just start to flow. Your type of journal can also look different depending on what works best for you. The most important thing is just about creating a record of your experience.
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I could talk about forever and goes faster than expected. My biggest piece of advice to anyone is to take your time documenting your journal. There are some days where I am tired, but I wake up so happy that I journal that day. Years from now, I am going to be so grateful I took the time to write down all the moments that make my experience in Ariccia, Italy so meaningful.
I can already picture myself returning home and my journal will be one of the first things I look through. This will remind me of the truly amazing 3 month-long study abroad I just went on. And not only the program but the places I saw, the people I met, and the person I became while living in Italy. This experience has truly been a highlight of my college experience and my life, and journaling has helped to make sure I will never forget it.
