Don’t limit yourself to learning within the four walls of your classroom – there’s so much more to gain by studying abroad!
From becoming more independent and self-reliant to developing a greater understanding of other cultures, college students who study abroad come back with skills and experiences that anyone cannot teach in a classroom.
So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to join an exchange program, consider these top reasons why you should go for it!
Studying abroad has many benefits, including personal growth, new experiences, and learning about other cultures.
Experiencing a different country with its unfamiliar lifestyle, culture, language, and people can be advantageous. It allows you to break out of your comfort zone, gain independence and become more open-minded.
You’ll develop essential life skills such as resilience and resourcefulness that you can only learn by going abroad. Plus, it looks impressive on your CV! The unique cultural environment will expand your knowledge base, provide new experiences and give you an understanding of other cultures.
By learning to interact with locals in everyday situations, you’ll also get to practice the language – something that’s hard to do when just studying in class!
Studying abroad also includes unexpected bonuses like developing a broader global network. Whether attending interesting courses at universities around the world or partaking in social events, there are many benefits when studying abroad!
Through overcoming the challenges of navigating another culture with its unfamiliar customs, currency, and lifestyle — students may begin to question their own values system — no matter how great or small.
As a result, this experience offers students self-growth opportunities that affect every aspect of their lives after returning home from abroad.
Many different programs are available, so you can find one that fits your interests and needs.
Many educational opportunities are available today, from culinary schools and language academies to acting programs and business classes. No matter what your interests or needs may be, it’s likely that you can find a program that fits them.
Begin your search by knowing how to apply for a university abroad. Then, start looking for specialized courses at local schools and universities. Many offer short courses that allow for flexibility in terms of start times, duration, and price.
After which, consider online programs designed with the 21st-century student in mind. Many offer self-paced curriculums and synchronous sessions for an interactive learning experience. You can also try heading out into the field and participating in hands-on learning via shadowing or apprenticeships.
Lastly, think about apprenticing with an established professional who has mastery in the topic of your choice.
It can be affordable if you plan and research scholarships and financial aid.
For many students, affording college can seem like an impossible challenge. However, with some planning and research, college can be more affordable than you think.
For example, scholarships and grants are great ways to pay for education without taking on excessive student loan debt. Research is key to finding the scholarships for which you qualify and maximizing the awards at your disposal.
Additionally, financial aid offers a range of federal and state grants and loans that can be used to cover tuition costs. Furthermore, applying ahead of the standard deadlines may result in lower tuition rates or additional funds from scholarship programs.
Websites are also dedicated to helping students compare tuition rates with their peers to ensure they get the best deal available.
You’ll make friends from all over the world and build a network of contacts that can help you in your future career.
It’s often said that the key to success is who you know – and a great way to build up your network of contacts is to make friends from all over the world.
Meeting new people from different countries can open our eyes to other beliefs, cultures, and ways of life, making us more knowledgeable and giving us a wealth of knowledge we can tap into in future situations.
By establishing meaningful relationships with people from various backgrounds, you’re choosing to engage in meaningful dialogue that gives everyone involved invaluable life experience and a better understanding of each other. Plus, every person you meet has a network of contacts they can introduce you to – expanding your reach even further!
When you study abroad, you can learn so much more than just what’s in your textbooks. With benefits like personal growth, new experiences, and learning about other cultures, it’s no wonder many college students choose to study abroad. And with careful planning and research, studying abroad can be affordable. So if you’re looking for a way to stand out on your resume and make friends from all over the world, consider spending a semester overseas!
