Why study abroad
Study abroad is one of the best ways to acquire global skills and access personal and professional opportunities.
Study abroad is a life-changing experience for many students, opening their eyes to different ways of life and promoting understanding and tolerance. From elementary through post-graduate education, global engagement and exposure can profoundly change a student’s life.
The truth is, studying overseas has many fantastic benefits, from helping you find a good job to improving your social life. Here’s our list of reasons to study abroad.
It’s a challenge
It may seem a strange point to start off on, but it should be said that studying abroad isn’t necessarily easy. There are unique challenges that come with going overseas to study, but that’s all part of the fun and the experience.
It’ll look good on your CV
Experience of living internationally goes down well with employers, showing you have experience dealing with people from different cultures, plus a higher level of adaptability. If you can explore a new country at the same time as picking up skills to gain a decent graduate job, then that’s pretty good going.
Experience a different culture
One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad for many international students is the chance to become immersed in a totally different environment.
This enriching experience will enable you to see and do things you wouldn’t expect, and meet people who have grown up in a different culture.
Top quality education
Of course, no matter where you study, your goal is always going to be to get the highest possible quality of education.
Becoming an international student can greatly broaden your study options. After all, why be limited to choosing a university in your home country?
Often, the best choice for you may be to study at a foreign university. For example, the USA, UK and Australia all have extremely highly regarded higher education systems, and a huge percentage of the world’s highest ranking universities are in these few countries.
Brush up on your language skills
One huge benefit of studying abroad is the chance to learn a new language. Learning a language can be a real challenge, but there is nothing quite likes living somewhere where that language is spoken natively. It really helps!
Since English is such a universally used language, it can be quite advantageous to study in a country such as the USA or the UK. You’ll be able to study in English, speak to locals and really develop your language skills.
Career opportunities
Of course, the main reason for getting a degree in the first place is to improve your career prospects.
In a globalised, well-connected world, employers increasingly value graduates with international experience and education.
Make new friends
No matter where you go to university, you’re sure to meet lots of new people and make new friends who are all in the same position as you.
You may not love every single person you meet, but chances are that you’ll meet at least one lifelong friend (if you’re good at keeping in touch, that is). A shared international study experience is a great way to bond with your fellow students.
Meet a diverse range of people
Your exposure to many different types of people will not only help you to develop your people skills, but it will also give you a more in-depth knowledge of others, particularly those from different cultures.
Study and learn differently
Often those studying abroad will experience a completely new way of teaching. This can be daunting, but it will also open your mind to new ways of learning.
Gain independence
Studying and living abroad requires you to be independent, without the safety of your home comforts. Look at this as an exciting new challenge (rather than something terrifying).
Learn self-reliance
Moving abroad is the ultimate test in self-reliance. When (or if) you move back, you’ll likely rely on others less and you’ll take more responsibility for yourself.
International travel
As well as experiencing the culture of your study destination, you will also be able to travel to other nearby countries. For example, if you go to a UK university, you can easily catch a flight to continental Europe to see Paris, Rome, Barcelona and many more fascinating places.
Become independent
It’s often said that going to university is when you become truly independent from your parents and family. This is especially true when you go to university in another country!
You’ll actually get to experience your place of study in the long term, picking up local knowledge such as where sells the best coffee, what tourist traps to avoid and how to get the most out of your new city.
Gain a global mind-set
Whether it’s in work, study or play, you’ll be able to use your new global mind-set to back up arguments, inform your beliefs and steer your future.
Increase your international job prospects
While you can always go home at the end of your time as an international student, many choose to stay put and apply for a working visa. Even if you return home or decide to seek work elsewhere, the international experience provided by studying abroad is likely to be looked on favorably by employers.