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While studying you might get the opportunity to study abroad at some point. And if the chance arises and you have the means to do so you also might be wondering if it is a good idea.
And before you even start reading the rest of this post, let me just tell you that it certainly is always a great idea! But if you want to know why then you’ve have got to keep reading. Here are 10 reasons to study abroad!
And now you are wondering who am I to tell you all the benefits of studying abroad, did I ever study abroad myself? I’d like to think that I have taken every opportunity I could have to study abroad. The first time I studied abroad was in High School when I moved to the US for a year to study at an American High School.
Then I have also done my entire University education abroad in the Netherlands, and did semesters abroad in both my Bachelor and my Master study to experience what university is like in South Korea and in Bratislava, Slovakia. So I do think I have a bit of experience when it comes to studying abroad.
All the Benefits of Studying in a Foreign Country
And here are just 10 out of many reasons to study abroad.
1. Make friends from all over the world
This reason alone would be reason enough to study abroad. When studying overseas there will also be a bunch of other exchange students from countries all over the world. When are you ever able to meet this many international people and spend so many months with them at the same place?
2. Get to practise another language
If you need to work on your English skills then obviously being in an international environment is always perfect for practising. You don’t necessarily need to be in an English speaking country to improve.
But of course you can also practise the language that is spoken in your host country or among the other exchange students.
For example, when I was studying abroad in South Korea I did take some Korean language classes. But when I studied in Slovakia I was not too keen on learning Slovak. However, I was studying Spanish at the time and there happened to be a bunch of Spanish exchange students. So instead of speaking Slovak, I got to practise my Spanish every now and then.
3. Get to know another country in more depth
Of course living in a foreign country is always going to give you a totally different experience than if you just visit it on vacation for a couple of days. You will get to interact with the locals, experience the culture and learn more about their traditions and the way of life in the country.
4. Try some foreign dishes
Staying in a foreign country for so long your are bound to try a variety of local foods and dishes. And you might discover your love for some foreign cuisine.
5. Go out of your comfort zone
If you haven’t lived abroad before, the first time will always require you to get out of your comfort zone. And it is such an amazing feeling! Once your start testing your limits you will become so much more confident and you will start doing things you never thought were possible.
6. You will get to travel some more
This obviously depends on where you are study abroad as well. But especially in Europe you might get to visit some new countries you have never been to before because there are just too damn close.
When I was studying in Slovakia, I was literally less than an hour away from Austria, Hungary or the Czech Republic. All three countries I had never visited before and got to visit while studying abroad.
7. See what education is like in a different country
Maybe not your main objective but it is certainly interesting to see what university is like in another country. How is the teaching style, is participation required, how are the grades made up or what’s the campus life like? These are all questions you might actually soon have an answer for.
8. It may positively impact your future plans
You might not be aware of this but at times studying abroad can impact your future life or even your career plans in a positive way. Maybe you enjoy living in a foreign country so much that you also want to work abroad.
Maybe you are taking a course not related to your field of study that makes you want to do a follow up study in a different field of expertise.
9. Appreciate your own culture
You’ll often only start appreciating your own country once you have been abroad and see how things are different somewhere else.
For example I have never been a fan of my own country. But when I went to High School in the United States I was really shocked about all the security guards at school, all the strict rules and the lack of freedom students had by having to go literally everywhere by car.
That made me appreciate having gone to school in a country with a bit more freedom really. Especially now almost 10 years later, looking back at my experiences.
10. You’ll make the very best memories
Some of your very best memories will be made while studying abroad with all the new friends you have made. Especially because the focus is more on your social life rather than studying non-stop like you might do back home. You will have so many opportunities to explore and create some amazing memories.
Some resources you should know about when studying abroad:
Skyscanner: Find the cheapest flight to and from your host country
Hostelworld: Travelling a little in between? Find the cheapest hostel accommodation deals.
italki.com: Brush up on some language skills and speak with some native speakers. Sign up now and get $10 of italki credit if you ever spend $20 on lessons. This honestly is my favourite website for studying languages, I book lessons at least once a week!
Flixbus: Studying abroad in Europe? Find the very best deals to travel around super cheaply.
Have you studied abroad? Where did you go?
Have a lovely day,
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