Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that everyone should experience once in his or her lifetime. From making international friends to improving your job prospects, studying abroad provides endless enriching experiences that can help you to grow as a person. As much as it’s a fun and a rewarding experience, unfortunately it can also require a large investment...
Below, we’ve put together a list of the benefits of studying abroad. For those who are worried the financial cost might be a bit more than they themselves can afford, the following tips (along with these ways of studying abroad for cheaper!) can help you convince your parents to help pay for it and get you achieving your dream!
Studying English in an English-speaking country is one of the best (and fastest) ways to develop your language skills. When studying English in an English-speaking country, you’ll be forced to immerse yourself into the language by interacting with locals. You’ll use English on a daily basis, where you can practice your language skills in everyday life instead of speaking in your native language.
Convince your parents: Emphasise to your parents how much extra time will be dedicated to practising your English. Instead of speaking in your own language after classes, you’ll interact with students from different nationalities with whom you’ll only be able to communicate in English. Furthermore, living and learning in an English-speaking country means you’ll frequently use English outside of the classroom – from using public transport to ordering food in a restaurant, every conversation you have will need to be made in English, therefore giving you the opportunity to develop your language skills at a rapid pace.
Another advantage of studying English in an English-speaking country is having the opportunity to experience the way that native English speakers speak when they interact with each other. You’ll learn authentic pronunciation, and be able to observe the way that English speakers interact with each other.
Convince your parents: Focus on the authenticity of your language experience. By learning from and interacting with native speakers on a daily basis, you will improve your pronunciation, your accent and your fluency, and will not only speak English, but will quickly gain the confidence to speak English like a native speaker.
For international students that are applying to English universities, a study abroad experience is a huge advantage. Not only do university admissions officers recognise how committed students are to their education by studying abroad, they also recognise that they are comfortable and capable of studying in a host country that doesn’t speak their native language.
Convince your parents: Emphasise the academic benefits and the increased chances of being accepted into an English-speaking university. As an international student, you display diversity and commitment, and demonstrate that not only are you fluent in speaking another language, but that you are also capable of living in an English-speaking country. When admissions officers read your application, they want to see why you want to study your chosen course, and the obstacles that you have tackled and how you overcame them. Studying abroad to further your academic future demonstrates that you are committed, hard working, and very adaptable, all skills which are favoured highly by admission officer, and skills which are likely to improve your chances of being accepted into an esteemed university.
Like admissions officers, future employers are looking for employees who speak more than one language. In a society where jobs are increasingly competitive, speaking another language puts you one step ahead of your competitors, while living in a foreign country demonstrates your independence and your ability to put your language skills into practice on a daily basis.
Convince your parents: Emphasise how studying abroad will set you apart from your competitors. Hundreds of students who apply for jobs speak more than one language, but can they indicate how they put their language skills into practice? By studying (and living) in another country, you are not only showing your employer that you are culturally aware, but you are also capable of, and comfortable with, putting your language skills into context.
Aside from being able to speak another language, another key benefit to studying abroad is the way it prepares you for working in an international environment. Studying in a foreign country encourages you to be more culturally aware, and opens your mind to new knowledge and international expertise.
Convince your parents: Focus on how studying abroad makes you more employable. Anyone who is able to write on their CV that they have studied abroad can demonstrate their ability to work in a culturally diverse and global environment, a skill set which is highly desired by employers. Employers value employees with a global outlook and those who are culturally aware, so studying in an international environment is a great way to build upon these skills.
In addition to all the academic and professional benefits that you’ll gain from studying abroad, it’s important not to overlook the personal benefits that you’ll also gain from studying in another country. Aside from the lessons you learn in the classroom, by living and studying in a foreign country you’ll not only become more independent and open-minded, you'll make friends from all over the world, network with a range of different people, and become more confident as you learn to adapt and to live comfortably in a different culture. In addition to these skills, it’s likely that your exposure to new cultures will encourage you to challenge yourself by trying new things, and develop your thoughts and values.
Convince your parents: Focus on the life skills that you’ll develop. Becoming more adaptable and building on your confidence and communication skills are something that are not only beneficial to your career, but also to your personal life. Living on your own in a foreign country will test your ability to problem solve, will challenge and encourage you to adapt to diverse situations, and will teach you how to question everything around you and become more self-reliant.
Last but not least, one of the biggest (and most popular) reasons that students decide to study abroad is the opportunity to see the world. During your time studying abroad, you’ll gain exposure to new cultures, new languages and new religions, all whilst experiencing a new and exciting country. Since studying abroad often means you’ll be studying on a different continent, you also have the opportunity to utilise your weekends by exploring your immediate and more distant surroundings. With discounted student fares you’ll have the chance to visit neighbouring countries and cities, while many study abroad programs even have field trips that are included within the curriculum.
Convince your parents: Focus on your travel abroad experience in the wider picture. Emphasise the opportunity to see areas of the world you wouldn’t usually have access to, and the chance to experience different cultures, customs and religions. While seeing the world is ultimately a fun aspect for you, it will actually force you to become more worldly and cultured.
From improving your language skills to increasing your career prospects, it’s evident that studying abroad has a varied selection of benefits. While you’re going to have fun, you ultimately need to to focus on the unique educational experience that you’re going to have, and the tangible life skills that you will be able to take away from your experience. Check out our variety of study options to find the perfect program for you and get your experience started!