There are many benefits to choosing to study abroad, including:
- Cultural immersion
Studying abroad allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn about different customs and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
- Graduate School Admissions
Admissions boards for graduate schools highly value study abroad experiences, similar to how future employers do. These experiences demonstrate diversity and a willingness to take on new challenges and difficult situations. Additionally, studying abroad showcases a strong commitment to education, which is a trait that graduate schools seek in candidates. Students who have studied abroad bring a unique perspective to the university and have the potential to be leaders in graduate school due to their curiosity and educational abilities.
- Life Experience
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity for students to travel and experience new cultures for an extended period of time. It may be the only chance they have to do so before starting their career. By studying abroad, students can immerse themselves in a new environment and gain language skills while receiving a quality education. The benefits of studying abroad go beyond just language and cultural immersion. It allows students to step out of their comfort zone and meet people from all over the world. This experience cannot be fully explained in a short article, but it is one that will help students stand out in the job market. Living in another country provides unique experiences that cannot be found in their home country, and this experience can be shared on their resume to set them apart from other job applicants.
- Personal Development
Studying abroad can be a transformative experience that allows students to discover their independence and explore a new country. It provides an opportunity for personal development and a deeper understanding of different cultures. Being in a foreign country alone can be challenging, but it also allows students to test their adaptability and problem-solving skills. This experience can be overwhelming at times, but it can also bring out a sense of curiosity and excitement that students may not have realized they had. Overall, studying abroad provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. It challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and embrace new experiences, which can lead to a greater sense of independence and confidence.
- Make Lifelong Friends
Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to form lasting friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. By attending school and living with local students, you have the chance to build meaningful relationships and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. These friendships can extend beyond the study abroad program, and it’s important to make an effort to stay in touch with your international friends. Not only do these relationships provide personal fulfillment, but they can also be valuable networking resources in the future. Overall, studying abroad can broaden your social circle and provide opportunities for meaningful connections with people from all over the world. These friendships can enrich your life and provide valuable support and resources throughout your personal and professional journey.
- Find New Interests
Studying abroad can introduce you to a wide range of new activities and interests that you may not have had the opportunity to explore in your home country. By immersing yourself in a different culture, you may discover hidden talents and passions that you never knew existed. For example, you may find that you have a natural aptitude for outdoor activities like hiking, water sports, skiing, or golf. Alternatively, you may discover a love for new forms of entertainment such as theater, movies, dancing, nightclubs, or concerts. Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. By embracing these new experiences, you can broaden your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.
- See the World
One of the most compelling reasons to consider studying abroad is the chance to explore the world and experience new cultures. By studying in a foreign country, you will be exposed to different customs, perspectives, and activities that you may not have encountered before. Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to discover new landscapes, natural wonders, museums, and landmarks that are unique to your host country. Moreover, studying abroad allows you to travel beyond the borders of your host country and explore neighboring nations as well. For instance, if you choose to study in France, you can easily travel to other parts of Europe, such as London, Barcelona, or Rome, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these fascinating destinations.
- Language skills
Did you know that studying abroad can help you improve your language skills and make you more employable? Being fluent in multiple languages is seen as an advantage by employers, as it allows you to communicate with customers and markets that were previously out of reach. Studies, such as one conducted by the European Commission, have shown that multilingual employees can earn between 11-35% more than their monolingual colleagues. In addition to the hard language skills, learning multiple languages also helps develop cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly valued by employers. This is particularly beneficial for students who plan to return home after completing their studies or those who wish to obtain a work visa. For example, a student from the UAE who studies in New Zealand can improve their English skills and transfer this knowledge to a company in the UAE, potentially increasing the company’s profitability and reputation. Therefore, students who study abroad and immerse themselves in the local culture are more likely to find employment quickly and have a competitive edge in the job market.
- Career opportunities
Having the ability to speak multiple languages is a highly valued skill that can provide opportunities to work in various countries. Many international students opt to apply for work visas after completing their studies to explore job opportunities in the country they studied in. Studying abroad can expand your postgraduate options and open up new job opportunities in different countries. Moreover, the personal skills you acquire while studying abroad can be attractive to potential employers. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, your global perspective, and your independence are all qualities that are demonstrated through your decision to study abroad. These traits can make you a desirable candidate for employers seeking individuals with a diverse set of skills and experiences.
- Exposure to new ideas and perspectives
Living in a new country can expose you to different ways of thinking and doing things. This can broaden your horizons and help you become more adaptable and open-minded.
- Adventure and excitement
Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure that can provide you with new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Again, it’s important to carefully consider the potential challenges and drawbacks of immigrating, such as homesickness, culture shock, and the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment. But for many people, the benefits of immigrating outweigh the challenges and make the experience well worth it.