The Benefits of Studying Abroad in College

Studying abroad is exactly what the name suggests, going somewhere else in the world (usually out of the country your current university is in) and studying elsewhere for a month, a full summer, or even an entire semester/year. Students will attend similarly structured lectures to what you already experience at your current university, but at different universities across the world. You get the opportunity to attend a whole new college campus, explore a new city, live with new people, and maybe even be housed with a host family! Study abroad costs can be steep, but many schools have programs and scholarships you can apply to to help curb these costs and make your time abroad as inexpensive but worthwhile as possible.

EXPANDED CULTURAL AWARENESS

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to be exposed to all sorts of new cultures and experiences. Living in a foreign country exposes you to people from diverse backgrounds, allowing you to understand and hopefully appreciate these beautiful cultures. Immersing yourself in a new culture also means learning and speaking a new language to allow for more communication with the locals. This is also a skill that you can carry with you for the rest of your life! You can also create all sorts of cross-cultural friendships with people from wherever you study abroad, which fosters empathy and tolerance and allows you to see all sorts of similarities people of your age have even across national borders and international waters!

Studying abroad provides many diverse academic programs that cater to specific majors. They might offer programs and opportunities that may not be available at the university you are currently at. Studying abroad also exposes you to the different teaching methods of professors from all over the world. This broadens your overall view of learning and studying and will prepare you well for any future professors you have that might have some outlandish teaching styles. Some study abroad programs offer research opportunities that align with your interests and allow you to gain more insight into your major. They are also a great resume booster, as well! Much of what you learn abroad, as well as the experiences you garner, are great to add on to your resume. Adding these items onto your resume demonstrates your willingness and ability to try out new things, embrace challenges, and broaden your horizons!

SEE THE WORLD

Because you’re living in a completely new place, you can immerse yourself entirely in this culture and spend the days you’re not studying or at school exploring! Studying abroad somewhere like Europe is very different than being in the United States. Traveling from state to state in the US is already a hassle as it is, but traveling from country to country in Europe is done easily. Take the trains that they offer to travel to a neighboring country and be back by nightfall! Expose yourself to the languages and traditions in the country, and visit cultural landmarks and try traditional food. Plus, what other time in your life will you be able to travel with friends for lower costs and low stakes? Take advantage of the opportunity while you can!

Studying abroad fosters all sorts of personal advancements such as learning to be independent. Managing your daily life in a strange country across the ocean from your family and friends is no easy task, but you’ll eventually get it, and this form of independence will serve you well for the rest of your life! It’ll even help making the transition back to your home university a little bit easier as well, and the small things will roll right off your back with this newfound independence. Overcoming challenges of living abroad will take some time, but will teach you perseverance and increased self-confidence. Studying abroad is also great for your career, as employers are typically impressed by attendees because it represents a form of adaptability and strong cross-cultural communication skills. Picking up other languages from abroad is also great to add onto your resume and gives you another step up. Plus, depending on what field you’re studying, going abroad can provide dozens of unique opportunities for research, internships, and all sorts of other experiences directly related to your future career.