SIX REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD
There are many reasons why you should study abroad. Here we
list some of the biggest benefits and what to think about to get the
most out of your studies abroad.
1. Become more attractive on the job
market
Several studies show that students who have studied abroad are more
attractive on the job market. It is easier for them to get a job, they are less
likely to stay unemployed for an extended period of time and their initial
salary is higher than for people who have not studied abroad.
There are many reasons for this. Most of which can be found below in this
article. Employers appreciate employees with good language skills,
international understanding who are willing to take on new challenges.
Study abroad stands out in your CV and if two candidates have a similar
CV employers tend to choose the one with international experience.
If spicing up your CV is your main reason for studying abroad you should
pay careful attention to where and what you choose to study. Studying at
a well-known prestigious university can really stand out on your CV.
Another option is to broaden your education by studying a
complementary subject abroad. If you for example have a degree in
Computer Science from your home country it can be a smart move to
study business for a year abroad since many IT-companies work with
different business systems.
2. Take a subject you can’t take at home
f you are from a small country, your choice of schools and educational
programs may be limited and it can be very challenging to get accepted to
popular programs like Medical Education, Design Programs or Music
Education. However you don’t have to give up if you dream about a career
in one of those professions, you have the option to apply to such a
program abroad instead.
If your plan is to return and work in your home country after your
education is finished it is important that you check which programs are
accepted in your home country and if you need to take some kind of
conversion program before you can use your foreign degree. If you plan
to work within business, design or performing arts this is usually not a
problem but if you for example study Medicine abroad you might need to
take a conversion program. Studying law requires extra caution since the
legal systems can wary a lot between different countries.
3. International understanding
We are all different. We act and react in different ways and what is
obvious to you might seem strange to someone else. These differences
are strongly influenced by our cultural backgrounds. There is no better
way to gain understanding of a different culture than to live in that
country for an extended period of time, especially if you live like a local
and not like a tourist.
If you really want to get to know and understand the country where you
study you should take this into consideration when you plan your studies.
Step one is to learn the language. Maybe you start your stay there with a
language course or take a language course parallel with your main
subject. Take cultural classes if you can to learn more about the country.
And choose whom you spend your time with. If you only hang out with
other international students you will never get a deeper understanding of
the country and its culture. Choose a school where natives study and try
to make friends with them.
Another great way to get to know the local culture is to stay with a host
family. That way you will really live like a local. Many students are
intimidated by the prospect of living with a host family but if you have a
strong cultural interest I really encourage you to try. Start by booking one
month with a family. If you like it you stay and if not you move to some
other accommodation after the first month.
4. Personal development
I was 18 years old the first time I studied abroad. I had never been in the
US before, I had never flown alone before and I had never lived for a long
time with someone else than my parents before. Studying abroad is a
great way to accelerate your personal growth and become more
independent. We learn by doing new things and when you study abroad
basically everything that we experience is new. It can be challenging at
times but hang in there and you are in for a very rewarding experience
with friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
5. Learn a language
As I mentioned above learning the language is the key to truly
understanding a different culture and to get the most out of your studies
abroad. Language skills are also highly valued by employers. There is no
better way to learn a language than to study it in the country where it is
spoken. You don’t only learn in the classroom but everywhere you go you
are exposed to the language and more or less forced to use it. It can be
incredibly rewarding when you realize that you can make yourself
understood and have a real conversation with natives of another
language.
If your main goal with your studies abroad is to learn the language and or
to get to know the local culture I recommend that you study at a
dedicated language school. The sole purposes of those schools are to help
people like you to improve your language skills. They usually focus on
conversation and practical language usage and classes are much smaller
than in universities. Just make sure to check that the school you pick have
good reviews and/or is accredited by relevant quality organizations.
6. Have fun!
Who does not like to travel? When you study abroad you really get the
chance to explore a new country and see things that ordinary tourists
would never experience. Every day offers the opportunity for new
adventures. Just beware that studying abroad does involve actual studying
with homework and tests etc. If having fun is your primary purpose for
studying abroad you probably should look for a school that is not so costly
or demanding for example taking a part time language course. Or maybe
studying is not for you at all. There are other options like Work and Travel
or backpacking if travelling and having fun while discovering the world is
your primary goal.
