I prepared for my first year of college by reading several books and articles on the topic of how to make the most of your time there. From what I could tell, study abroad was universally regarded as a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for college students.
A few years later, after study in Paris, France, I was able to see for myself how much my time abroad had influenced and improved me. Many factors led me to this decision, and I think you should consider doing the same if you’re ever in a similar position.
Consider going to school in a different country. Here are some compelling arguments for making the plunge to study abroad.
1. A fresh viewpoint will open up to you.
Being able to view my home nation and university with fresh eyes was one of the most valuable lessons I took away from study abroad. The experience of assimilating into a foreign school system and making friends from all around the world has broadened my worldview. I learned a lot about how other people view my nation through hearing their takes on current events and notable persons. It provided an opportunity for introspection, which helped me consider my own thought processes and how they could be enhanced.
2. You may enroll in special courses that are unavailable where you come from.
There are always some courses that can only be taken at a particular college because of its history or location. You can take courses you never would have had the chance to take at home by studying abroad at a foreign university. I made the most of it by enrolling in a French-language course on the history of the modern world.
Since I had what I believed to be a solid foundation in world history, I figured the hardest part of this course would be overcoming the language barrier. The majority of what we covered in class was brand new information for me. My American history classes had covered much of the same ground, but this time I got to hear about it from a European point of view. It was the same tale, delivered from a new perspective.
This was just another reminder of the value of trying to understand things from the viewpoint of those with different experiences.
3. Immersive learning environments are a great way to learn about the past.
Another perk of studying abroad is the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and history, whether you’re in Europe, Asia, South America, or anyplace else in the world.
While studying abroad in Paris, I had the opportunity to tour the Palace of Fontainebleau and get insight into the lives of the many monarchs who had formerly called its halls home. Paris’s exquisite Haussmanian architecture made even a stroll across the city an educational experience. I learned more from being in a location with such a long history than from any book.
Former University of Auckland student Anastasia describes a similar experience in their program evaluation.
Your adaptability will increase.
You may not be aware of it at the time, but travel alters your perspective and teaches you to be more flexible and open. This effect is magnified when you study abroad, since you are typically away for a longer period of time than you would be on a typical vacation. You figure out how to get around in a new classroom, community, and even culture.
After studying abroad for a semester in France, I returned to the United States with a new perspective on resolving issues at hand. Even though I considered myself to have an open mind before leaving, my experience abroad has broadened my perspective even more. My stay abroad taught me to think critically about issues and to adjust my strategy accordingly.
4. Your self-reliance will grow.
Studying abroad is often the first time students experience true isolation in a new environment; many have been away from home for a year or two before traveling abroad. Studying in another country is a great way to challenge yourself by stepping out of your usual routine and gaining independence in a foreign setting.
Expect to grow as a person, try new things, and develop a deeper appreciation for your loved ones back home while you’re away.
Still, don’t take my word for it. For example, in her review of the TEAN: Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia, Katie mentions the following:
6. Benefit from global networking and make connections around the world.
When applying for jobs, it is beneficial to include international experience on your resume. Employers value the skills of independence, adaptability, and flexibility that you’ll get while studying or working abroad.
Meeting people from all over the world is another great benefit of studying abroad. This can help you expand your social and professional circles. Going abroad can be a great way to get experience in your profession, and depending on the research and internship programs of your host institution, it could even pave the way for future employment.
7. Learning a new language through total immersion is possible.
Here’s your chance to brush up on your foreign language skills or go headfirst into a new language study adventure. Moving to a nation where the target language is spoken daily is the best approach to become fluent in that language. You can learn a language much more quickly than with any other method if you immerse yourself in the country, language, and culture of the target language.
However, many programs are geared toward complete beginners, and many universities throughout the world offer classes in English for those who don’t already speak the language.
8. The difference between long-term travel and vacationing abroad will become clear to you.
One of the easiest ways to experience life in a different country is to study there. More than if you were only passing through for a week or two, you can really get a feel for the local way of life and customs. Staying with a local family during your program is a great way to integrate into the culture of your destination.
Former USAC student Elizabeth spoke about her time spent with a host family in Heredia, Costa Rica.
9. New sights await you.
Studying in a different country is an apparent benefit. Why not fulfill a lifelong dream and enroll in a university in Canada? If you want to see more of your host country or even adjacent countries, you don’t have to limit yourself to just the city where you’ll be living while attending school there.
During my time as an exchange student in Paris, I started taking advantage of the possibility to travel to neighboring countries on my own. My appreciation for my own company and sense of autonomy grew tremendously as a result of this formative event.
10. Make friends that will last for a lifetime.
Many of the friends you make while studying abroad will remain close to you for the rest of your life. Making friends in a new country is a great way to broaden your horizons and open doors long after your exchange program ends.
The amazing and kind people I encountered during my semester abroad completely altered my perspective on life at home and abroad. The relationships I formed and the experiences I had during that time remain with me to this day.
10 benefits are listed here.
Even though my mom was reluctant at first, she ultimately gave her OK for me to study abroad since she realized it would be a transformative experience for me. These are just a few of the many fantastic reasons why you should study abroad; you’ll find your own reasons, and more, while you’re there. Grab the chance to travel abroad with both hands and never look back.
These ten arguments alone should convince any and all students to study abroad. A cursory perusal of the thousands of program reviews available right here on Go Overseas reveals the myriad ways in which study abroad has changed the lives of its graduates.
Find the correct program and put in the time and effort to maximize your study abroad experience.
