Study abroad
If you’re considering studying abroad, there are lots of things to think about first. It can be an expensive proposition, so it is important to understand what it can offer you should you choose this route.
Benefits include making lifelong international friends and becoming fluent in a foreign language. As well as this, you can grow personally and enhance your career prospects by acquiring new skills in an unfamiliar environment.
Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of studying overseas.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to find new friendships, made special by your shared international experience.
You might feel lonely when you first arrive at your destination. But try not to worry, as most people will be in the same position as you. Get to know people within your accommodation when you arrive, so you can become acquainted with your neighbours.
Additionally, join some extracurricular activities to find those with common interests. This provides a solid basis for friendship, and allows you to chat with people in a fun setting.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and invite people to hang out. Suggest a trip around the city, offering you the chance to see all the major sites and immerse yourself in the local culture.
When your time abroad finishes, you could plan a trip to visit your new friends. This gives you a reason to stay in touch with people as well as plan a new adventure.
Studying abroad can allow you to become fluent in a foreign language if your destination country does not speak your native dialect.
When you’ve selected the location you are going to be studying in, it is a good idea to enrol in some language classes to increase your knowledge of the language. This can help you immensely in everyday conversations and make transactions much simpler.
After you have arrived, practice your language skills as much as you can with the locals. Using the language will enable you to understand your mistakes and give you an opportunity to improve your language knowledge much faster. This could be as simple as ordering a meal at a restaurant or asking for a train ticket.
It can also make it easy for you to move to another international country, at a later point, that also speaks this language. The moving transition would be smoother because you can converse with the locals and conduct your administrative tasks quicker.
Adapting to life abroad is a challenge, but one which could benefit you in your future job searches. Being able to communicate with people from a range of different backgrounds and thrive in a new atmosphere can stand you in good stead.
If you have the correct visa in place, you could also look into gaining some work experience while in the host country. This might even help you secure a post-graduate job.
While on your year abroad, try to make the most of the unique opportunities presented to you. Most universities will have a careers service that can provide you with useful advice, which might be worth considering.
One potential benefit of studying abroad is you can access high academic standards. Global institutions can provide you with knowledge you might not learn back home, and introduce you to topics you’ve not previously thought of.
You could also have the option to take a new subject class, where you can develop a passion for another area of study. There is also the opportunity to lean from world-renowned tutors who are at the top of their field of expertise.
Education quality is one of the most important factors to think about if you want to study abroad. Do plenty of research before selecting a place of study, and make sure you’re happy with your decision.
The university you select could also have a rich history and have been attended by famous names in academia. This can provide you with the inspiration you need to make the most of your time overseas.
It is often thought that when you move away from a familiar environment, you can push yourself out of your comfort zone. This is definitely something you will experience if you choose to study overseas.
You can learn the different cultures and customs of your destination country, what the local food is like, and explore a new area.
Not only this, but you can become sensitive and respectful of a culture that is unfamiliar to you. Take the chance to explore the country while you’re there too, visiting its hidden gems as well as its most famous landmarks.