5 Great Benefits of Studying Abroad

If you ever considered studying abroad, this article is for you. If you never did, I hope it will convince you to do so! This article is written based on personal experience and the least expressions I could use to describe such an experience would be “life changing, mesmerizing, enlightening”. Choosing to carry on such an adventure will expose you to new cultures, broaden your vision and open up your mind, it will impact you positively forever, and here are the biggest benefits of studying abroad:

1- Cultural embrace

Prepare to be amazed as soon as you’re settled. New food, new habits and new people! You will know very well that you’re off to a new start. While you might not feel it at the beginning of this experience, your exchange with different people from varied cultures will open you up to new perspectives. As a result, you will learn to approach many issues from a totally different angle; you will embrace and adopt some new habits while letting go of some old ones. It is no exaggeration when I say to whoever asks me: “this experience is life changing!” Oh and those friggin stereotypes? You’ll learn to let go once and for all as you embark on a first person exploit!

2- Personal growth

Now you might be thinking, what about those weird customs? Am I going to get that? This leads to what I want to emphasize: personal growth… Part of studying abroad will expose you to minor conflicts of opinion or perspective, and this is what hones a very special skill of yours: acceptance. As a matter of fact, you will get acquainted with accepting certain divergences, which is all part of maturing. Furthermore, you will become independent, just because you have to, and you will love it. Ever thought doing the laundry, cooking dinner and washing the dishes might give you a sense of self-satisfaction? Neither did I. But you will soon get creative and cook delicious food, this I guarantee.

3- Strong bonds

Third on our list of what will remain with you forever are friends. Although you will leave a whole world behind, the new one can easily be more exciting, especially that it’s a short lived one. Soon you will hang out with some people more than others, shortly after that, you will be dragging in each other’s dorm rooms until the late hours of night, your bonds will quickly strengthen. Those friendships last a lifetime, and you will gain a home in many countries around the globe, same as your friends will gain a home in yours. My only advice is to profit while you are there, because those reunions might not come too often in life’s later stages. In the end, what are the odds of being in a room of five or more people from different countries when this adventure ends?

4- Get passionate about what you do

Whatever it is that you are studying abroad is your priority; you’re traveling, but also going after bigger dreams. The good news is you will learn to love what you do like never before. You are there with other people that are passionate about the same topics. It is inevitable that your field of study will become an entertaining subject of discussion because in the end, this is what you are breathing. Your whole environment is mainly made of people in the same field, chasing similar dreams. Your ambitions will multiply and your passion will grow and this will only push you forward. The field that you study will probably become what you do for the rest of your life, learn to love it and it will love you back.

5- Career Opportunities

This environment I mentioned above should be taken advantage of. You are surrounded by students, but also international experts on your topic. Do not make the mistake of not staying in touch; do not be shy to introduce yourself whenever you have the chance. After all, if you are the best person in the room, how can your future employer or contact person possibly know if you never speak out? This is why I say profit, because you never know when that person you kept in touch with might open a door for you. We call this door an opportunity, and by increasing the odds of having those opportunities, you are doing your future self a priceless favor.

Finally, my shortest answer if someone was asking “why should I study abroad?” would be to just do it, and find out for yourself. Now you would understand why I can’t stop recommending people to do so. Do your friends a favor and let them know! Have similar experiences? Let us know in the comments!