Need any more reasons to study abroad? Check out these 14 ways in which studying abroad will transform your life for the better.
Not that you really need an excuse to fly to a far-off country in order to gain a world-class education, but here’s our list of 14 reasons to study abroad just in case you’re not convinced.
1. 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.
2. Brush up on your language skills
Remember the foreign languages you learned in school? Refresh them by studying abroad; you might be surprised at how much you remember. Taking extra language classes when you’re out there can also be a great way to meet new people.
3. Living in a foreign country is completely different to a holiday
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.
4. 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.
5. Make lifelong friends
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.
6. Study and learn differently
Those studying abroad will experience a completely new way of teaching. It will open your mind to new ways of learning.
7. 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).
8. 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.
9. Learn more about yourself
Throwing yourself into a completely new environment will help you to figure out what you’re good at, as well as what you’re not so good at. These are things that can then be built on during your study abroad experience.
10. Gain life experience
One of the ultimate reasons to study abroad is to gain life experience. You’ll learn how to organize your life and condense it into one suitcase, handle unforeseen situations, be independent and self-sufficient.
11. Be spontaneous and adventurous
When you’re thousands of miles away from home, spontaneity and adventure are your best friends. Open your mind up to new experiences and sights and the fun will come your way.
12. 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.
13. Use your spare time to explore
In between lectures and lab sessions, studying abroad should leave you with plenty of time to explore. Whether you’re one for visiting iconic landmarks, trying new foods or bartering at local markets, there’s always bound to be a better way of spending your time than scrolling through Facebook!
14. 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.