Why Study Abroad?

 

Jennifer Miller for InternationalStudent.com takes us through the benefits of studying abroad.....

 

 

Whether you are able to spend a semester or a summer in a foreign country, many students agree that study abroad is their most memorable and rewarding university experience. Just imagine arriving in a foreign country open for your exploration. From day one, you will be immersed in life among the locals, taking classes and enjoying the country’s activities and traditions. At first you may feel disoriented, with an unfamiliar language, new customs, and difficulty manoeuvring through the streets. But a few weeks after becoming acquainted with your surroundings, you will begin to feel like a local yourself.

 

Study abroad is an opportunity you will not want to miss – and here’s a few of the reasons why.

 

Personal Growth          

 

Studying abroad is a fun way to learn about yourself and how you interact with the world around you. Not only will you have a heightened awareness about your new environment, but you will become more independent, self confident, and mature. While studying abroad you have the opportunity to be on your own, meet many new people from different countries, and get involved in new and exciting activities that you may never thought possible. The journey may open your mind to new ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. You may even find a new hobby or interest that you may want to continue when you return home. The benefits of studying abroad are endless as the experience will travel with you for the rest of your life. After studying abroad, many students have even said that they had a clearer direction about their life goals.

 

Cultural Understanding

 

Studying in a foreign country helps you understand that country and its people much better – but also will give you a deeper insight into your own country, its cultures and traditions. Exposure to new foods, languages, and ways of life will broaden your international prospective. In fact, many studies agree that one learns best by doing and experiencing- and here is your opportunity! What will leave a greater impact on you – studying ancient Egypt in a classroom, or visiting the Sphinx and the Pyramids? You may even learn to cook new dishes with spices and vegetables that you may not have thought existed. Even the style of clothes may be different. And for each new insight you gain – whether it’s how to access health care, pay a bill or use a phone – you’ll think to yourself, that’s different than what I’m used to but it works. I wonder why they do it like that, and why in my country we do it the way we do?  

 

Travel Opportunities

 

Travelling is an unforgettable experience where pictures become reality and adventure becomes your major. University is the perfect time to see the world and you can even continue your coursework and graduate on time. There are many study abroad programs to choose from that are geared toward your particular interest. Whether you are interested in language, history, government, business, or the environment, there are many programs that focus on specific concentrations. Whether you choose to travel to Europe, Asia, Australia or Latin America, you will be able to earn credits while you explore new countries. You may even have the opportunity to visit neighbouring countries to see how life compares. 

 

Learning a new Language 

 

Immersion in a foreign culture is the best way to learn a new language. Your language ability will increase daily and hourly, as learning is not limited strictly to the classroom. Whether you are buying groceries, eating at a restaurant or asking directions from a local, you will amaze yourself at how quickly you learn a language when you are fully immersed.

 

Learning a language this way can be intimidating. The more language study and preparation you have before you leave, the better; and to ease the process further, you can also enrol in a language school as part of your study abroad program, or in addition to it. However, there is no faster, more effective way to integrate into the community and learn about your new environment. By understanding the language, you will have a much deeper and more subtle understanding of your temporary home and its people.

 

Career Enhancement

 

As globalization takes hold, more employers are looking to hire students with international experience. More than ever, companies have teams comprised of people from all over the world. Living in a foreign country makes you a more competitive job applicant since you have shown that you are able to adapt and be flexible, work well with others, and have an interest in the international community. Working knowledge of a foreign language is an additional plus in today’s global environment. From Mercedes to Toyota, from Barclays to Royal Bank of Scotland, and from Disney to Starbucks, the leading employers of the 21st century are spread across the planet, and these companies need leaders that understand our world.

 

Just Plain Fun

 

We’ve put forth lots of solid and serious reasons to study abroad, from career to language and cultural understanding. But to be completely honest, the best reason to study abroad is the most obvious – its just plain fun! You will meet some of the most interesting people and make lifelong friends, and you are guaranteed to laugh on a regular basis. The memories of your travels, the people you have met, and the lessons you will learn will be with you forever.