February 2016
If you're thinking about studying abroad, but aren't sure how to convince your parents or yourself, here are some of the best reasons why spending a semester or year overseas is the smart and fun thing to do.
1. Improve Employment Opportunities
Want to impress potential employers? Companies around the world continue to invest in the global market, and prefer to hire employees who have international experience. Not to mention knowledge of a 2nd language. Your resume will stand out from everyone else applying for the same position.
2. It Can Be Cheap
Depending on your school, tuition fees may remain the same. Additionally, there’s funding in the form of grants & scholarships that is available. In fact some countries allow you to study abroad for much less.
3. Personal Development
Break out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with uncommon experiences that make you reconsider or strengthen your values. Get a better sense of who you are and what’s important. Discover what you want out of life. Become a more independent person. International travel shows you what you’re really made of.
4. Learn Foreign Languages
Language teachers say being totally immersed in a culture that speaks the language you want to learn is the quickest and most effective way to learn it. Mastering a foreign language opens up all kinds of new opportunities. As globalization brings the world together, it’s important to be competent in more than one language.
5. Acquire New Skills
When you study overseas, you can take courses you don’t have the opportunity to take at home. In addition to university classes, you can explore new hobbies or sports that aren’t as popular (or even possible) to practice. Traveling outside your home country is an education in itself, learning to interact with & navigate through a culture different from your own.
6. Forge Lasting Memories
Most students who’ve studied abroad claim their time overseas was the best year of college. You’ll meet new friends who will want to share their culture, ideas, and learn about yours. Create lasting memories and develop life-long friendships
7. Experience Different Cultures
Immersing yourself in a totally different culture is powerful. You’ll experience things like trying different foods, celebrating traditional customs, and learning the history of another country. A person’s culture reflects deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence their way of life. You’ll gain an understanding of this that can’t be taught with books.
8. Expand Your Worldview
Previously held beliefs about foreign countries will change once you’ve been abroad. However you’ll gain a completely new perspective on your own country too. It can be surprising just how much you know is slightly biased, based on where you’re from. It’s also a unique opportunity to educate others on your country, dispelling their stereotypes about you!
9. Earn Money
You can also earn while studying abroad. English is the international language of business and is an important language that many foreigners wish to learn. You can get paid for teaching, interpreting or translating English while studying abroad.