Why Study Abroad
Benefits of Study Abroad
Experience a new culture
Nothing beats the immersive international experience you get while studying abroad, the best way of finding out about another culture is by immersing yourself in it, and you can only do that by living in a country. Once you are working, your holiday or experiences overseas might be limited to only two to four weeks per year so studying abroad is a great opportunity to remain in a country and learn all about it over a longer period of time.”
If you’ve stayed closer to home for your undergraduate degree, enrolling in a master’s program can be the perfect time to get this international experience, students will often pursue a master’s degree at a foreign institution to gain a unique cultural experience while acquiring new skills.”
Make friends from around the world /Gain Interpersonal Skills
It’s likely that the university you choose for your international studies will have a large community of students both from the local area and all around the globe. If you take full advantage of this opportunity, you could graduate having established lasting friendships with people based in many different countries – great for future trips, and also a good basis for an international professional network. Spending time studying abroad can provide an excellent opportunity to make new contacts and build invaluable relationships with peers from around the world.
Being part of an internationally diverse academic community can also enhance the quality of your learning, providing a wider spectrum of opinions and expertise.
Become truly independent/broaden Your Experience
The experience of university is, for most new students, a steep learning curve in gaining independence. But studying abroad takes that a whole step further, challenging students to really develop as individuals. You obviously have to cope on your own when you are studying abroad. You have to be able to look after yourself and sort out your own affairs.
Change the way you think: Globalize Yourself
Studying abroad may well change the way you view all kinds of things which you’d previously taken for granted. Studying abroad provides an opportunity to expand one’s field of view and helps one to understand and analyze problems and phenomena from a longer-term, worldwide perspective, Moreover long-term experience in other cultures has a tendency to help one think objectively about oneself and one’s home country, tolerate differences, and recognize and appreciate diversity.
Take the Challenge
Studying abroad comes with its challenges which directly relate to the benefits of studying abroad. No matter where you end up, you will more than likely be out of your comfort zone as you face obstacles like homesickness, spending and budgeting foreign currency and simply living in a new, unfamiliar place. These may seem like small feats now, but in retrospect you’ll be proud of the accomplishments you have achieved. You’ll most likely return home a wiser individual and ready to face any future challenges head on.
Get ready for an international workplace
Students are more open to new knowledge and expertise when abroad, and that knowledge is often more easily applicable and adaptable to situations requiring international interaction; thus one can expect to be more competitive in today’s era of globalization.
Studying abroad is likely to enhance your future job prospects. Employers are looking to graduates to have international experience either by studying or working abroad. Now there are many more opportunities to study and work abroad post study.
Furthermore anyone who is able to put on their CV that they studied abroad is at a great advantage in terms of impressing future employers.But much more importantly it will prove to your potential employer that you have the ability to stand on your own two feet, that you can fit in when placed in different environments, and that you are resourceful and have initiative.
Develop your language skills
For many international students, studying abroad is a chance to develop language skills, either through studying in a second language or by practicing the language spoken locally. A growing number of courses around the world are taught in English, particularly at graduate level, and of course proficiency in English has many applications across all kinds of careers. But indeed any additional language skills are an asset.
Study in a global hub for your field
Studying abroad is also a great opportunity to spend time in a location which is known as a leading global hub in your field of interest. This could mean you may have opportunities to learn from renowned experts and guest speakers, and perhaps gain some impressive work experience. For example, those studying finance may be attracted to global hubs such as New York, London or Hong Kong, while those interested in politics may be looking at universities in major political centers such as Washington DC or Brussels.
Some countries are especially well-known as leaders in a particular field of research and development, or a particular strand of education. Germany is synonymous with advances in engineering technology, the US with top business and management programs such as Harvard, MIT and Stanford (to name but a few), Australia screams art and design and sport, and Canada has its world-renowned ‘co-op programs’.
Travel more widely
Finally, studying abroad is a chance to travel more widely around the world region in which you’re based. Obviously you will not just be tied to the university or city you are studying in. You will also have the time and opportunity to travel within and around that country. Country-hopping during holidays and weekends is also possible, depending on where you are based. This will normally be with the added benefit of cheaper travel, as you will be armed with your student (discount) card.
