November 15, 2021
Not that you really need an excuse to fly to a faraway land for a top-notch education, but here's our list of 25 reasons to study abroad, just in case you're not convinced.
And for those of you who have already studied abroad, let us know in the comments if you can think of any other good reasons to study abroad and if you agree with the list so far!
International experience looks good to employers because it shows that you have experience working with people from other cultures and have a higher level of adaptability. If you can explore a new country while gaining skills that will land you a good graduate job, that's already a good thing.
Do you remember the foreign languages you learned in school? No, I don't either. Refresh them by studying abroad; you'll be surprised how much you remember. Taking additional language classes can also be a great way to meet new people.
You'll get to know your study destination in the long run and learn where to find the best coffee, what tourist traps to avoid, and how to get the most out of your new city.
Contact with a wide variety of people not only helps you develop your interpersonal skills, but also gives you a deeper understanding of other people, especially people from other cultures.
You may not love every single person you meet, but chances are you'll make at least one friend for life (if you manage to keep in touch). A shared international study experience is a great way to make friends with your fellow students.
Get more paella / poutine / pierogi / schnitzel / shawarma / chimichanga / katsudon / bobotie / baklava (delete as appropriate) into your life.
Studying abroad often introduces you to a completely new way of teaching. This can be daunting, but it also opens your mind to new ways of learning.
Studying and living abroad means being independent without the security of familiar surroundings. Think of this as an exciting new challenge (rather than something terrifying).
Moving abroad is the ultimate test in self-reliance. When (or if) you return, you will likely rely less on others and take more responsibility for yourself.
Cultural sensitivity is not just a trait that politicians are said to have, but also something you can develop while studying abroad!
It's easy to accept your own culture as absolute, but spending time in another country can help sharpen your perspective on your own culture and develop your own views, rather than just accepting those defined by your background.
Putting yourself in a completely new environment can help you figure out what you're good at and what you're not so good at. You can then build on these things during your time abroad.
Accelerate your transition from teenager to adult by plunging into the unknown. You'll have to fend for yourself, buy your own food, and do your own laundry, but it's all worth it.
Have you ever studied abroad?
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