Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad
International students who have already studied abroad say it loud and clear: there are many reasons to study abroad. They love the experience because of the many life-changing experiences.
Why Study Abroad? Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why!
1. Gain independence
While any college experience offers the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, students often miss out on realizing their full potential by choosing the college closest to home.
If this is the case, it could be particularly difficult for these students to adjust to life after graduation.
These experiences will put you in the driver’s seat of your life, making you more confident and self-assured.
You’ll be happy to return home after learning how to live on your own and communicate with people from all walks of life, and you may even use your skills to continue living abroad later on!
2. Immerse yourself in a new culture
It’s more important than ever to have the opportunity to explore other ways of life. Studying abroad is guaranteed to immerse you in the worldview of a new culture, making it easier for you to understand different perspectives and give you the skills to express your own.
Naturally, the international classroom experience will introduce you to new ideas and opinions on topics that appear in everyday life.
In addition to a broader understanding of various cultural values, you will also meet other students from all over the world, which will give you the opportunity to build a network of new friends.
3. Stand out to employers
Employers appreciate applicants who have studied abroad. Studying abroad will catch an employer’s eye.
Moving abroad to study on an international program shows flexibility and a willingness to take risks, making you the ideal candidate for many jobs!
4. Expand your knowledge
Studying abroad can be a great opportunity for students from countries with fewer educational or professional opportunities.
Even if your home country has high-quality universities, studying abroad can open up new avenues for pursuing your passions.
You could study at universities with leading researchers in your field of interest, gain access to historical libraries and local archives, or explore cutting-edge art scenes.
All of these new experiences contribute to a better understanding of the subject you are studying.
Continuing your studies in an international location allows you to follow your interests while deepening your subject knowledge and introducing the discovery of new interests along the way.
For example, if you enjoy scuba diving, consider a destination close to popular diving spots to improve your skills or earn certifications. Living close to a wide range of activities will make your college years more meaningful.
5. Discover yourself
Along with every other person in the world, at some point in your life, you will wonder what makes you the person you are.
When you move abroad to study, you’ll have the opportunity to see the world, especially your home country, in a new light.
Many international students report that their experience has had a huge impact on their personal development for the rest of their lives.
Many of the thoughts, concepts, and ideas you take for granted as “normal” are actually part of your national identity.
You will be surprised to discover how different the experiences and education of other students are. However, these realizations are one of the most significant aspects of studying abroad.
Beyond the academic advantages, why study abroad? If you’d really like to find yourself, studying abroad will show you other ways of approaching life and force you to make more conscious decisions about how you live yours.
6. Travel the world
The first time you do something new, it can seem really scary.
For many international students, studying abroad will be the first time they have left their home country.
Universities often support these students as they expand their personal understanding of the world and learn to live independently in a new country.
As you become an expert at living in your study abroad city, you’ll also learn transferable skills along the way that will open up the rest of the world to you.
7. Expand your network, make friends from all over the world
As a study abroad student, you automatically become a member of a large network of other international students at your university.
Universities also often organize special events for their international students in order to give everyone the opportunity to make a new group of friends in their host country.
The other good news is that with friends spread across the globe, you’ll never run out of travel ideas or opportunities to visit other places.
You also get the added benefit of having a personal tour guide and maybe even free accommodation, giving you even more reasons to study abroad!
8. Learn a new language
learn the native language of their new host country. Depending on the length of your stay, you may or may not achieve fluency.
One thing that is certain, however, is that your hosts will appreciate any effort you make. Even learning a little of the local language goes a long way towards immersion.
You also have the advantage of taking courses taught by qualified native teachers. Language exchange clubs or making an effort to converse with local acquaintances and friends in their language will speed up your language learning and open you up to more international opportunities.
9. Find hidden gems
Maybe your Instagram feed is looking a little boring, or maybe you just have an adventurous spirit and want to explore.
Of course, guidebooks will tell you all the “must-sees” in each city. But beyond that, there are many things worth experiencing that are not normally advertised to passing tourists.
So, as you learn to navigate your new city like a local, you’ll begin to discover the best parks, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shopping spots that will make for unforgettable experiences.
You’ll also discover where the locals spend their time: hidden beaches, restaurants overlooking waterfalls, campsites near picturesque lakes, mountain cabins, castle ruins, and many other gems that have never appeared in guidebooks.
10. Enjoy coming home
You may be thinking, should I study abroad if I already feel comfortable at home? After your international experience, you will have a deeper appreciation for what it really means to be at home.
Everyday things you used to walk past every day might start to have more meaning. Elements of your culture that you longed for when you studied abroad will seem familiar yet new at the same time.
You’ll come back with the confidence to try new things and explore new places in your own country.
With seemingly endless reasons to study abroad, the decision to pursue an international education has never been easier.
