Author: Carla Costa
The most challenging question students face as they consider university is where to study. What is the next stop on their journey forward?
When deciding what their future will look like, students have many choices. Studying abroad is one of the options that will open doors and offer opportunities and unforgettable learning experiences.
Misperceptions
Let’s start by providing a broad definition of what studying abroad actually is. Studying abroad means completing an educational program, in this case, a university degree, outside of one’s home country. Sometimes, studying abroad is thought of as a long vacation or simply an adventure abroad. But the incredible learning experiences and knowledge (not to mention degrees) students walk away with can’t be acquired on a simple trip to a foreign country.
Immersion in a new culture
People who study abroad gain a deep understanding of the culture and traditions of the country they choose. Completing a degree abroad allows students to personally experience how foreigners live and to integrate into the community, experiencing it from the inside.
Self-discovery and an international community
Students will learn about a new culture, but they will also learn about themselves. Being exposed to new situations and challenges helps to identify personal strengths and weaknesses. Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to break barriers and get out of their comfort zone. Although it can be a challenge at first, students become more independent as time goes by, finding solutions to the challenges they encounter on their own. But study abroad students are never alone. As a foreign student, it is easy to meet new people and make friends. Students will meet people from diverse countries and backgrounds on campus, making it easy to make lifelong international friends. Studying abroad overturns stereotypes and exposes students to new ways of thinking as well as new ideas.
Learning a new language
Studying abroad offers an opportunity to learn a new language. Studying in a foreign language or simply living in a country where a foreign language is spoken may seem like an obstacle at first. But learning a new language allows students to stand out in the globalized and competitive professional world. Knowing foreign languages enhances one’s CV, considerably improving employment opportunities. Students completing a degree abroad will have a competitive edge in the future.
Studying abroad supports personal development. It pushes students one-step further and helps them reach their full potential. It allows them to understand cultural differences and to gain a global mind-set that enriches their academic and professional careers. Now that it’s clear studying abroad is a great choice, it’s time to choose the destination: Spain, Italy, England, and France never disappoint.
Studying abroad allows you to explore the world and discover yourself.
