How to Study Abroad Guide: Why Study Abroad?

If you're asking yourself, 'Should I study abroad?', you're not alone. There are so many reasons why studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. However, you should also ensure that this decision is aligned with your own goals.

Is an international education right for you? If you still need convincing why study abroad programs could be worth it to you, continue reading to learn why study abroad programs can be so important for students.

1. You’ll become more independent

Whether you’re traveling outside of the country for the first time, or even living alone for the first time, studying abroad pushes you to become more independent and self-sufficient. There are challenges that come with this, but it’s incredibly rewarding in the end! Students often say that studying abroad was a period of huge personal growth for them.

2. You’ll learn about another culture

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling across ten time zones or just the next country over. Studying abroad exposes you to new people, a new way of life, and a new culture. Our society is more global than ever, and these experiences will expose you to different types of people that will make you a better employee, student, and person overall.

3. You’ll stand out to future employers

You’ll gain valuable skills studying abroad, and employers will take notice. You’ll be a stronger communicator, have better interpersonal skills, and gain intelligence that will help you think critically, no matter your profession. With internships and work opportunities as an international student abroad, your resume will outshine the competition at home and abroad.

4. You’ll broaden your education 

Let's say you’re an archeology student. Studying in a country where you can actually go on-site to ancient ruins will be so incredibly valuable. No matter the field you’re in, studying abroad will simply expose you to new paths to pursue your passions, or even investigate new ones. The world has so many outstanding universities – so look beyond your current school and explore the possibilities.

5. You’ll learn more about yourself

When you remove yourself from an environment you feel comfortable in, you should expect a lot of personal growth to happen. It’s not always easy to leave your home city and move to a completely new environment. But stepping outside of your comfort zone can be truly invigorating. Even in the most stressful moments of homesickness, language barriers, and dealing with foreign currency, you’ll learn to rise to the occasion and find out what you’re truly made of!

6. You’ll gain valuable travel skills

Traveling well is indeed a skill, and it’s one that all global citizens should have. Understanding and eventually mastering how to get around a new city will make you more confident in your everyday life, and possibly even more eager to explore new areas! While there are plenty of apps you can use to help you find your way, you will still develop a new skill set that will follow you back home.

7. You’ll expand your network

Studying abroad is a great way to build friendships. It can be scary to make new friends, but it’s so rewarding. You may realize you have so much in common with someone who lives in a different country. Whether or not you’re bonding with someone else from your country who is on the trip with you, or making friends with a local, expanding your network is great for your social life, your career, and your own growth. And with friends abroad, you’ll always have an excuse to go back!

8. You’ll immerse yourself in a new language

Learning a new language can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s been years since you've studied one in school. Even if you’re just learning the basics, you’re still exercising a part of your brain. And going to a country where they speak the same language as you is still a fascinating experience – you’ll learn new slang and speech patterns, and see your own language through totally different eyes.

9. You’ll go on new adventures

You don’t even need to hike a mountain to go on a study abroad adventure – trying a new food might be adventure enough. But you’re still exposing yourself to new things you wouldn’t be able to expose yourself to at home. And while you can (and certainly should!) take pictures for Instagram and your friends back home, you’ll probably be so wrapped up in these new experiences that you’ll put your phone down and just enjoy.

10. You’ll bring all of these new skills home with you

Coming home after a semester (or years) abroad can bring forward all sorts of emotions. Reverse culture shock is real! But those emotions mean you’ve changed, and have likely brought a lot of skills back with you. You might even realize how much you’ve missed your home country, and gain a new appreciation for it.