This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bucknell chapter.
Dearest Abroad Bucknell Collegiettes (ABC’s),
Whether your eating gelato in Florence, petting Koala’s in Australia, soaking up some rays in Greece (I envy you), or like me, living in France, wherever your travels have taken you, studying abroad this semester is sure to be an amazing adventure. Unfortunately, being in a new country can do some serious damage to your waistline. Every day on my walk to school, I pass a Boulangerie that entices me closer to its wooden doors with the scent of pain au chocolat, baguettes, and warm brie. One great aspect about being abroad is that you walk everywhere, yet the 20 minutes to school each morning just doesn’t seem to negate those two Nutella crepes I ate while walking there. So, whether you are in France, England, Russia, Tanzania, or daydreaming of leaving bison land for a bit at Bucknell, here are my recommendations for staying in shape while studying abroad!
1. Join a Gym
Getting into a workout routine while abroad is absolutely essential. Though it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Bucknell KLARC, joining a gym is a great way to stay in shape. In addition, the gym is a wonderful way to meet people from the area (and cute boys too!). Find an inexpensive one around you or check for offers in your city (and remember frugal Collegiettes…the euro is more than the dollar!).
2. Listen to Your Body
There is a difference between actually being hungry and thinking that a steaming hot panini would be a good way to warm up. It happens at Bucknell too. You’re ready to leave the Caf and just as your walking out your confronted head on by the dessert table. Of course you grab that one last M&M cookie. Listen to your body. Research has shown that those who are learning a new language have an increase in appetite. So pay close attention to whether you’re eating because you’re actually hungry or just for comfort.
3. Take Advantage of Your Surroundings
At Bucknell, we run through the rolling green hills that surround us, play volleyball on the courts sprinkled throughout campus, and throw around a football when the weather gets warm enough to bring out the slip and slides. Why not do the same abroad? Whether its running by the Loire, playing soccer on the beaches of South Africa, or hiking through Cinque Terre, be an adventurer and go work out in the beautiful environment that is at your disposal.
4. Don’t Deprive Yourself
Taking advantage of being abroad means taking risks and trying everything…this includes the food! Go ahead and try fromage in France, sake in Japan or chorizo in Spain. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the delicious food…just do so in moderation.
5. Go On An Adventure
Close your eyes and point to a place on the map…then go. Why not go cave jumping in Mykonos? Take a Hip Hop class in France? Go skiing in Switzerland? Dearest ABC’s you currently have the world at your fingertips, so embrace it, explore it, fall in love with it.
