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- 10 Benefits to Studying Abroad
Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for a college student. By studying abroad, studentshave the opportunity to study in a foreign nation and take in the allure and culture of a new land. Here is a listof the top 10 reasons to study abroad!
1. See the World
The biggest reason you should consider a study abroad program is the opportunity tosee the world. By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities.The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarksof your host nation.
In addition, when you’re abroad, you won’t be limited to traveling in just the nation in which you are studying –you can see neighboring countries as well! For example, if you study in France, you’ll have the option to travelthrough various parts of Europe includingLondon,Barcelona, and Rome.
Checkout our International Student Travel Center for informationon how to find discounts on airfare, accommodations, rail passes, and more.
2. Education
Another reason you might consider studying abroad is for the chance toexperience different styles of education. By enrolling in a study abroad program, you’ll have the chanceto see a side of your major that you may not have been exposed to at home.
You’ll find that completely immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way to reallyexperience and understand the people, its traditions, and its culture. Education is the centerpiece of any studyabroad trip—it is, after all, a study abroad program—and choosing the right school is a very important factor.
Study in the U.S.
Study in the U.K.
3. Take in a New Culture
Many students who choose to study abroad are leaving their home for the first time. When they arrive in their newhost country, they are fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives. When you study abroad you will findincredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres.
You will find that you have a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history. You willhave the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life.
Checkout out our classic blog post "CultureShock When Studying Abroad". It often takes some time to adjust to a new culture, new language,new people, and new surroundings.
4. Hone Your Language Skills
Chances are if you’re planning on studying abroad, one of the major draws is the opportunity to study a foreignlanguage. Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new language, and there isno better way to learn than to dive right in.
In addition to the considerable language practice you will get just in day to day life, your host university willlikely offer language courses to provide you with a more formal education. Immerse yourself in a new culture andgo beyond a purely academic experience
5. Career Opportunities
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 tofuture employers.
Many students find that they love their host country so much that they decide to seek work there. If you can relate,you will find that a local education will be very valuable when searching for a potential job in that country.
Our Student Job Center can help you in your search for acareer withcountry work guides,resume writing, andinterview preparation.
6. Find New Interests
If you are still questioning why to study abroad, you should know that studying in a different country offers manynew activities and interests that you may never have discovered if you’d stayed at home. You might find that youhave an as-yet undiscovered talent for hiking, water sports, snow skiing, golf, or various other new sports you maynever have tried back home.
You’ll also have the chance to discover other new and exciting forms of entertainment. Plays, movies, dancing,nightclubs, and concerts are just a few activities that you can enjoy.
7. Make Lifelong Friends
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from differentbackgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with students from your host country. This givesyou the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.
After the study abroad program ends, make an effort stay in contact with your international friends. In addition torewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be important networking tools later down the road.
Check out all the different ways to keep in touch with your friends and family back home, and with your new friends from around the world.
8. Personal Development
There is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. You might find that studying abroad reallybrings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad become explorers of their new nation and reallydiscover the curiosity and excitement that they harbor.
A benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a differentculture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, and it tests your ability to adapt todiverse situations while being able to problem solve.
9. Graduate School Admissions
Like future employers, graduate school admissions boards look very highly on study abroad experiences. Students thatstudy abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves indifficult situations.
Most importantly, students who have studied abroad show just how committed they are to their education. Graduateschools regularly look for candidates who will bring a unique aspect to their university. Students who have studiedabroad have shown that they have the curiosity and educational acumen to be a leader in graduate school.
View your options for getting a graduate degree in the U.S., and checkout our USA School Searchtofind a schools that meet your criteria.
10. Life Experience
Why study abroad? For most students, this time may be the only opportunity they ever get to travel abroad for a longperiod of time. Eventually you will find a job and career, and the opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be aonce in a life time opportunity.
Take this opportunity to travel the world with no commitments but to study and learn about new cultures. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other.
These are just some of the advantages of studying abroad. The benefits of this experience really can’t be explained in such a short article. Boost your language skills as you live in another country, get out of your comfort zone and meet people from different places of the world and at the same time get the best education.
Living in another country exposes you to things you cannot experience in your home country and in the future it will help you stand out from the competition as you apply for jobs and your experience of studying abroad is somethig you can share on your resume.
What's Next?
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Study Abroad Guide
