10 Great Reasons to Study Abroad
10 Great Reasons to Study Abroad
Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime that most people reminisce about as one of their best college decisions. It’s an opportunity to travel the world, immerse yourself in new cultures, and broaden your horizons in ways you never imagined.
Whether you’re considering a semester, a year, or a full degree program in a foreign country, studying abroad has numerous benefits. Here are ten compelling reasons why you should consider experiencing this life-changing journey.
Cultural Immersion
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Studying abroad allows you to experience life in another culture’s world; offering the chance to fully embrace their values, traditions, and authentic everyday life. This hands-on experience gives a deep understanding of the significance of another country’s heritage. Developing this kind of cultural intelligence and gaining the awareness to be mindful of cultural taboos and differences is hard to achieve elsewhere.
Exploring local markets and joining cultural events bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real life, fostering a sense of connection and friendliness around the globe.
Language Proficiency
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
There’s truly no better way to master a language than to be surrounded by locals every day, where speaking the local language becomes not just an option but a necessity. It goes beyond classroom language lessons; you get to naturally pick up everyday phrases and authentic dialects, conversations, and expressions.
Whether you’re ordering food or chatting with new friends, you’re constantly using the language in real-life scenarios. With practice, your confidence in speaking the language will grow. The language barrier will fade away, leaving you with a valuable skill to carry with you long after you return home.
Academic Excellence
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Studying abroad is a sure way to make school new and exciting. School looks different in every country, so you get to experience education in a whole new light and may feel more engaged than ever before. Depending on where you choose to study, you might even find yourself with access to some of the top universities in the world. These reputable schools have specialized classes taught by experts in their fields, crafting lessons that challenge and inspire you to think differently. Whether you attend a prestigious university or a lesser-known school, each will bring its own set of new perspectives and lessons to the table.
There’s more: you might even snag a spot in some cutting-edge research, making you a part of groundbreaking discoveries. Talk about a resume booster!
Personal Growth
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Studying abroad is an adventure that’s also a journey of personal growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone will challenge you, reshape your perspectives, and build independence. It also teaches you to be adaptable and open to change, which is an amazing skill to gain, considering we exist in an ever-changing world.
These qualities aren’t only worthy in your personal life; employers highly value them as well. By developing these skills, you’re setting yourself up for success in all aspects of life, whether it’s in your everyday life or professional settings. And that brings us to our next topic…
Career Opportunities
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Think of all the valuable skills you can gain while abroad. Those skills are exactly why study abroad candidates have a distinct advantage in the job market, making them more employable.
Employers recognize study abroad candidates for their unique set of transferable skills such as adaptability, strong communication, global awareness, and resilience. It’s safe to say, you will stand out. There’s even proof: statistics consistently show that over 90 percent of international students find a job within a year after graduating. These skills reassure employers that you are capable of navigating new and challenging situations and collaborating with people from all backgrounds, mirroring the experiences you will face in professional settings.
Essentially, study abroad resumes might as well boldly print “I can excel in my role anywhere in the world, with anyone in the world, in any situation that I’m thrown into!” across the front.
Enhanced Self-Confidence
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Living in a foreign country with no familiar places or family you can lean on during uncomfortable situations may sound daunting, but it’s quite amazing once you experience the power of depending on yourself. It completely transforms your self-confidence. Every success you feel when you navigate new cities, make friends from different cultures, and manage your school work will fill you with self-assurance and belief in your own abilities.
Figuring out how to get from one place to another, public transportation, understanding local customs, and excelling in your studies, especially in a foreign language, all contribute to feeling like you can handle anything. It’s not just about getting by; it’s about becoming stronger and more resilient with each challenge, proving to yourself that you can succeed no matter what comes your way.
Expanded Worldview
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
There’s no doubt that studying abroad expands your worldview. Not only do you gain awareness of global issues and learn more about them, but you’re also exposed to different cultures, and ultimately the bigger picture of humanity.
This experience is a game-changer – it challenges your preconceptions, breaks down stereotypes, and gives you a more open-minded perspective. It’s like unlocking a new level of understanding and appreciation for the differences in the world.
Travel
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One of the most obvious benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to travel the world while other students are experiencing mediocre college life at home. It’s far more than attending academic classes; it’s a chance to explore a new country, its nearby cities, and even neighboring countries during breaks and weekends.
There’s a wealth of rich history to learn and amazing natural wonders to see. Imagine hiking through mountains, strolling along coastlines, and admiring wide-open plains – all within reach of your school grounds. It’s like stepping into a real-life geography and environmental science class. Interacting with the natural world in front of you versus reading about it will strengthen your connection with the environment and emphasize the importance of minimizing our impact on it.
Traveling the world while you’re young, with no commitments other than school, is reason enough to consider studying abroad.
Long-lasting Memories and Friendships
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Did you know that research shows that studying abroad often leads to lifelong friendships? Sharing the experience of exploring a new country, leaving your family and friends at home, embracing different cultures, and navigating similar challenges undeniably creates a special bond. These friends become some of the few people in your life who can truly understand and relate to this monumental time.
Another aspect of these friendships goes beyond the emotional connection; they become part of your network now. Building a global network means opening doors to potential job prospects or even the possibility of having one of those friends as a partner for a professional project one day. No matter what, having a global network of friends makes a big impact on both your personal and professional life.
New Perspective About the U.S.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
We’ve discussed the many perspectives you can gain through studying abroad, but an interesting one is how your home is perceived by other cultures. Just like we seek objective, unbiased viewpoints in research and debates, it can be eye-opening and even enlightening to hear about the United States from that same approach. It’s also a chance to learn about the role of the United States in international politics and world affairs. Accepting these new perspectives from around the world can spark some intellectual conversations that are worth having.
➤ Expatsi Guide to Studying Abroad
Jessica Clark is a writer and blogger living in the Midwest and a dedicated mom and wife. Since 2011, she's been sharing her stories and thoughts online as a freelance writer. Besides writing, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, singing, crocheting, reading, and playing video games.
