If you are like many other people who have realized just how convenient and flexible online degree programs can be, then there is also a high chance you’ve struggled with staying focused. For those that have chosen to travel while they pursue their online degree, the ability to focus and stay on track can prove to be even more difficult.

Here are some tips that you may find helpful as you work towards achieving your degree while enjoying your various travels.

Always Keep the Goal in Mind

One of the best tips to offer is that it’s important to keep your end goal in mind. Let’s say you have enrolled in the online masters of social work at Rutgers Online. Likely you have chosen the online MSW programs because they will open all kinds of career opportunities, increase your future earnings potential, set up a field placement for you, allow you to specialize in certain areas of social work, and provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.

If you don’t pour yourself into your studies, then it will be hard to get all you are meant to from it.

Picture your future career, maybe you want to work with children, help women who come from abusive homes, and really make a difference in peoples’ lives. If that’s the case, you need to put in the time and work to get there.

Create A Study Schedule

Even though it would be nice to spend all your time touring around, exploring, and meeting new people, the fact of the matter is that you need to be sure you leave time for your studies. Set up a schedule that allows you ample time to study, and then stick to it. This may mean you set aside a couple hours each morning, or in the evenings.

If you happen to be traveling with friends, make sure they understand your schedule and keep your study time as quiet time without interruptions from them.

Have the Tools You Need On Hand

In order to be successful in your studies, it’s also important to have the proper tools on hand. This means a laptop, a reliable internet connection, any books you need, notepads, and pens. You don’t want to be wasting your study time searching for these items.

Try Not To Procrastinate

This last tip is always easier said than done. It’s so easy to tell yourself you’ll catch up on your reading tomorrow when the weather isn’t as nice, or your new group of friends isn’t heading to the beach for a day of surf and fun. Unfortunately, procrastinating is the type of thing that usually ends up blowing up in our faces. Never put off until tomorrow what you can get done today!

There Is Time for Both

With proper organization, motivation, and focus there is no reason that you can’t stay focused on your studies while traveling the world and having fun.