Benefits of Studying Abroad

Deciding to study abroad is a big decision both personally and financially. Studying abroad can be one of the most beneficial and life-changing experiences for a college student. Not that you really need an excuse to fly to a far-off country in order to get a world-class education. But there are several benefits of studying abroad.

Furthermore, it's important to understand the benefits of living and studying in a foreign before you try to convince your parents to pay the bill. However, to find out if studying abroad is a good idea for you is to consider the reasons why many students choose to study overseas, and the positive impact it could have on your life both personally and academically.

Meanwhile, in this article, we've categorized the benefits of studying abroad into two, which are personal and academic benefits. We will briefly discuss every one of the benefits under each of the categories.

Personal Benefits of Studying Abroad

Besides the educational benefits, there are other benefits that could positively impact you personally. There are as follows:

Experiencing new countries and lifestyles

This is the most obvious reason for studying abroad. By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs, and activities. There is no better way of understanding a different culture than actually living there. Although you can certainly learn this by traveling abroad. Especially if you take the time to visit museums and heritage sites when you are over there. However, you will experience the culture of a place in far greater depth if you actually live there.

Moreover, although studying for a degree abroad is not a vacation. Your schedule will be packed, as it is hard work, exams, dissertations, assignments, networking events, etc. However, the free time you get have can be spent in and around your city and immersing yourself in a different part of the world. Immersing yourself in a new way of living can be scary at first, but tackling the challenges of living in a new country will grow your self-confidence and independence.

Furthermore, getting to know a new place also means the opportunity to explore. That is to say, you will learn about local food, history, and customs. Moreover, not only will you get the opportunity to see plenty of the country you're studying in, but many international students find that it's much easier to travel to other countries while they're studying abroad. Even though your university may be based in one city. Weekend trips away can also give you some much-needed relaxation from studying and help you get to know a country better.

Meeting new people

Another benefit of studying abroad is that you will get to 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. A benefit of living abroad while studying is the access you’ll have to societies and sports teams, so meeting new people will never be an issue.

Even if you move abroad to study alone, you won’t leave alone. Studying abroad will give you the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with students from your host country. This gives you the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.

You may not love every single person you meet, but there are possibilities that you’ll meet at least one lifelong friend. A shared international study experience is a great way to bond with your fellow students. Moreover, in addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be important networking tools later down the road. This will also open up yet more avenues for travel in the future.

Improving language skills

Just like experiencing a new culture, the best way to improve your language skills is to live in a country that doesn't speak your native language. By studying abroad, you’ll have the chance to hone your language skills. While studying a language in class is rewarding, applying it to the real world is an entirely different experience. Living in a different country increases your vocabulary daily, and introduces you to more colloquial ways of speaking in that language.

Moreover, if you are wanting to perfect your English abilities, studying in an English-speaking country is a great way to enhance your academic English, as well as your conversational skills and fluency. However, if you’re already fluent in English, then studying abroad may give you the ability to study in English, but learn an additional language from the local community depending on where the university is based.

Academic Benefits of Studying Abroad

Furthermore, opting for studies abroad can impact your life academically in the following ways:

Gaining career opportunities

Certain skill such as being able to speak more than one language is always highly regarded skill and can open up the opportunity to work in a number of countries. When you finish your study abroad program and return home, you will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.

Moreover, some international students find that they love their host country so much that they decide to apply for work visas when their course has finished as they wish to search for jobs in that country. Studying abroad can open up a new world of job opportunities in another country, broadening your postgraduate options.

The personal skills you develop while studying abroad can also be appealing to prospective employers. The willingness you’ve shown to step out of your comfort zone, your global outlook, and your independence will be traits shown through your decision to study abroad.

Getting a higher quality of education

One of the main reasons to study abroad is the standard of teaching, as it may be higher than in your home country. By enrolling in a study abroad program, you’ll have the chance to see a side of your major that you may not have been exposed to at home. Moreover, having access to a higher level of education can help you in your chosen career, meaning studying abroad could be great value for money.

You will find studying abroad and completely immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way to really experience and understand the people, its traditions, and its culture.

Furthermore, choosing the right school is a very important factor. However, if you know the type of undergraduate or postgraduate program you want to study. Then, you can find universities that are world-renowned in that field, and not be limited by what’s available in your country.

Applying for further study

Completing a degree abroad can be a real testament to your academic merit. Like future employers, graduate school admissions boards look very highly at study abroad experiences. That is to say, putting your study abroad experience on your CV is highly attractive to both future employers and graduate school admissions, and tutors, as it shows that you are willing to take on challenging opportunities and are independent-minded.

Students that study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations. Moreover, it shows them too that you are open-minded and care about what is going on in the world outside of your own country. Therefore, if you’re looking to do a higher degree, studying abroad can help boost your application and personal statement, showing your dedication to your chosen subject.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Studying Abroad

In conclusion, studying abroad provides you with several lifetime benefits. From learning a new language and developing your worldview, to increasing your professional network and enhancing your resume to stand out from others.

While studying abroad, you will develop new skills such as adaptability, communication, crisis resolution, leadership, responsibility, and time management. However, when looking at study abroad programs, consider all the educational and location options so you can make the best choice for yourself.

Students should carefully consider studying abroad when searching for a college and during their collegiate career. Students should question potential colleges about the study abroad programs they offer and find out how competitive the application process is and if grades and financial aid transfer. In addition, colleges, parents, and employers should encourage and enable students to study abroad. You can check out our other posts or guides on studying abroad.