Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to explore a country and immerse yourself in its culture, all whilst learning and completing modules related to your study. There are so many exchange opportunities available to students, we’ve put together the top ten reasons why you should study abroad.
You’ll gain independence
If you thought moving out and going to university was living independently, just wait until you are navigating life in another country. It can be overwhelming at first, especially if you don’t speak the language, but soon you will learn how to make it in your new home. You will have gained a whole new perspective on your independence after you’ve done this, the world really is your oyster! This is why so many students that study abroad often decide to go traveling after their term finishes as they are well equipped with all the skills to hit the road and go backpacking.
Experience living in another culture
When you travel in a new destination you only get to scratch the surface of local life. Living and studying abroad gives you the opportunity to get out of the tourist traps and learn what things are really like. You will also get to meet and connect with people who live there who can show you things tourists wouldn’t normally get the chance to see and teach you about their culture in ways a tourist guide can only try to summarize. From preparing meals, celebrating festivals, learning family dynamics, experiencing a real siesta or hitting the plaza for some salsa lessons, to learning stories about their experience growing up there. It’s a real opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and learn about another way of life.
Learn another language
Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language. You are living and immersing yourself in a new culture so are surrounded by native speakers. Many universities and colleges will run language immersion programmes that allow you to practice, listen and speak a new language with confidence. Making friends with local students will also give you the added benefit, you can help them practice their English and they can teach their language in return! Not only will you develop a new passion for language, but you will also be able to put this on your CV and who knows what doors a second language might open!
Make lifelong friendships
The people you will meet whilst studying abroad will become firm lifelong friends. Experiencing a new country together and immersing a different culture is a bonding experience and you will learn how to navigate your new home as a group. The trips and adventures you go on will leave fond memories. You will also get to meet people from different countries and learn about their way of life, whilst you, in turn, teach them about yours. The best thing about meeting and making friends with people from different countries is that if you ever decide to visit them you know there’s always going to be a spot on the couch to crash.
Add to your CV/Resume
Studying in another country is a great benefit to have on your CV/Resume, you can put the lessons learned when studying abroad into any transferrable skills that you would need to have in your future career. One of the most important skills you need is organization and problem solving and there’s no doubt you’ll do plenty of that whilst navigating your life in your new campus. If you want to give yourself the added edge, whilst studying in your new university investigate joining any extra-curricular societies or clubs that might give you work experience. Having work experience in another country would be an added plus on your Resume/CV.
Discover new cuisine
Every country has its own unique cuisine that is just waiting to be explored and there’s no better way to be immersed in it than by living there. Learn from your lecturers and fellow students how to perfect the perfect pasta in Italy, explore the street food scene in Mexico City and fall in love with tacos, spend your evenings in Spain tucking into paella and Patatas bravas and get ready to always be craving the wonder that is a Cornish pasty.
No matter what country you are studying in, there are plenty of new dishes to tuck into. Some colleges and universities even offer new students from abroad a cultural immersion experience where they can enjoy local food that their area is famous for, this is a great introduction that will start your culinary journey. Just remember to get all the recipes so you can recreate it when you move home!
You’ll learn about other cultures
When you study abroad you will meet people from all over the world and you might be surprised to learn not only about the new country you are living in but the countries of your other classmates. The lifelong friends you have made will be able to share their culture and traditions with you, from the meaning of Thanksgiving to the meaning of Holi.
You can travel
Whilst studying in your new home, you also will have the opportunity to explore and travel outside of campus. Many colleges and universities will offer day trips to famous landmarks to get you started, but the rest is there waiting to be explored! Studying in Barcelona? Why not go to Madrid for the weekend? Studying in Brussels, take a trip to Bruges! This is the perfect opportunity to get out there and see places you’d otherwise have to pay an expensive plane ticket for.
Many students also decide to go backpacking at the end of their term, especially if terms end in summer. With all your newfound skills and confidence, the idea of inte-railing Europe or going on a road trip from the east to the west coast doesn’t seem too overwhelming. You’ll also have made lots of friends to enjoy the experience with, so it is the perfect excuse to end your term studying abroad with a bang.
It’ll put your hometown in perspective
You never appreciate home as much as when you’re not there. Living in another country will help you learn to treasure your local culture and quirky customs. Explaining them to your newfound friends will be an experience, from discussing the importance of a morning fry up to the hangover cure that is Club Orange. You’ll get to learn about what makes you unique, about the culture and language that has shaped you as a person and how important it is to cherish this and share it with others.
Have some great stories to tell
When you study abroad you will have some great stories to tell from the adventures you will have. From all those late nights out partying on Las Ramblas to the time you got invited into a family home and enjoyed a home-cooked meal, you will have some wonderful stories to tell your friends and family back home. Maybe you’ll decide to write about your experience? You could start a travel blog, document your experience on Instagram or even just write an article for your university magazine. There’s always a story to be had, whilst traveling.
Are you ready?
Studying abroad needn’t be overwhelming, if you are considering it, go for it. Your university or college will be able to offer support in making your application and completing the next stage. All you need to do is work out where to go, the world really is your oyster. Worrying about what to bring with you? Check out the ultimate packing list here.