Studying Abroad as a Student Athlete | Center for Global Education

With a large population of student athletes at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, the conversation around studying abroad and staying in top shape is a common one. A question that is on the minds of these students is: can I study abroad without jeopardizing my opportunities as a student athlete? Several CSB and SJU student athletes have found a way to make this possible! Here is some of their advice:

Emma Schuele – CSB Track & Field, Austria Semester Program

A person holds a large pretzel while smiling at a market. Stalls with various items are in the background, and a few people are browsing. Trees and seasonal decorations are visible under a cloudy sky.

As a student athlete, I was definitely nervous about being abroad and missing my pre-season. However, you have access to gyms and places to work out. Be sure to ask your program manager, on-site staff, and faculty directors about this. Having a place to exercise was very helpful for me because then I could stick to a routine and keep up with my workouts. Obviously, it might not be the same because you won’t be with your team and might not have all the right equipment, but I wouldn’t let this scare you. Studying abroad is so worth it, and it is very feasible to maintain where you’re at with your sport while abroad. There were other people on my program who also played a sport, and all of us were able to manage classes, travel, workouts, and experiencing all that Austria had to offer. Some things can be scary and nerve-racking while being abroad, but I wouldn’t let money and athletics stop you.

Vinny Schleper – SJU Baseball, Argentina Semester Program

A person stands smiling on a metal walkway in a lush, green jungle setting. They are wearing a black shirt, blue shorts, and a backpack. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the path.

I worried a lot about being a student athlete before going abroad, and I almost didn’t go because of my doubts of not being able to train. But, even though you’re in a different country, it doesn’t mean they don’t have gyms or sports you can’t get involved in to stay in shape. I found a gym 5 minutes walking distance from my host family’s apartment, and I joined the university’s club volleyball team to keep my arm in shape for baseball. So, there are things you can do if you really care about keeping up where you are physically in your sport.

Lucy Farley – CSB Club Dance Team, South Africa Semester Program

A woman in a black and white dress stands smiling near a pond, with green grass and trees around her. Rocky mountains rise in the background under a bright blue sky.

As a student athlete, I totally understand the concern, but I promise, you can absolutely study abroad and still stay committed to your sport. The South Africa program had excellent gym facilities, plenty of outdoor space, and enough free time to keep up with workouts and stay active. In fact, the experience made me even more disciplined and creative with how I trained. Don’t let athletics hold you back from an opportunity that will allow you to grow in every area of your life. You’ll return refreshed, stronger, and with a whole new perspective.

Samuel Pfieffer – SJU Club Lacrosse, Greece Semester Program

Man sitting on a bench in front of a grand, ornate building with Gothic architecture and domed towers. The sky is cloudy, and there are flowers in the foreground.

If you’re a student athlete thinking about studying abroad but aren’t sure it’s possible, trust me—it is, and it’s so worth it! The key is planning ahead and communicating with your coaches and advisors early. Many programs, like the one I went on in Greece, offer schedules flexible enough to fit in training time. You might have to get creative—running through ancient ruins or finding a local gym—but it’s all part of the adventure! Studying abroad doesn’t mean giving up your athletic goals; it’s about balancing both and growing in ways you didn’t think were possible. Plus, who wouldn’t want to say they trained in the birthplace of the Olympics? Go for it!

Camden Langerman – SJU Club Lacrosse, Austria Semester Program

Smiling man with short brown hair and beard, wearing a black T-shirt, stands against a rough textured stone wall background.

For student athletes, it can be hard to go abroad for a whole semester while knowing that the team you’re on is practicing or even playing games without you. The best advice I would give is that you should pick a program that has the least amount of overlap with your sport. You may not want to miss anything related to your sport, but you do have to make small sacrifices sometimes. I promise that it is all worth it to prioritize studying abroad if you have to miss some athletic activities.

Consider a Short-Term Program

Another way to work around demanding athletic schedules is to opt for a short-term program instead of going abroad for a full semester. The following spring 2026 embedded programs are still accepting applications on a rolling basis:

Applications for the following fall 2026 embedded programs will open on November 1:

Students are encouraged to meet with a Study Abroad Mentor to explore their options and find answers to their study abroad questions! Appointments are held in the Experience Hub, Clemens Library, CSB, and can be scheduled in the Hive.