Speak to anyone who has studied overseas and they’ll tell you the experience is one you will never forget. Whether it’s just a week, a semester or for a full year, getting out of your comfort zone and living in a new place is unforgettable. So is it right for you?
When I was at University, I had a lot of “wants”. I wanted to do well in my journalism degree, I wanted to have the best internships at newspapers and radio stations and TV networks, I wanted to spend time with my friends, have a part time job AND travel.
“Well, you can’t have it all”, is the popular excuse.
Well actually, you can.
Thought about studying abroad? Here’s why you should!
1. You can live literally anywhere in the world, without falling behind on your study
Most universities have an exchange or study abroad program that can range in length from a couple of weeks to a full year. You either apply through your university and continue paying your normal fees to them, or you apply direct to an overseas university and then apply for credit at your home institution. This means if you want to go to London and study the works of Shakespeare you can get credit for it in your degree at home (as long as your university approves and it’s relevant to your degree).
2. You get to experience everyday life in other city
Has Japanese culture always fascinated you? Would you love to try siestas and sangria in Spain?
Studying abroad means you can take a summer, a semester or a year to become a local in the location of your choice.
Actually living somewhere gives a very different experience to just passing through on a speedy trip through Europe. Paris for four days is great, but imagine living there for 6 months. You’ll find your favourite boulangerie, you’ll know where to get the best cheese and you can spend an afternoon at the Louvre as often as you like. Bliss!
3. You’ll meet people from all over the world
When you’re studying abroad you’ll find yourself in classes with Germans, Americans and Swedes. Or living in halls or apartments with people from Hong Kong, Canada or New Zealand (and Aussies, there’s likely to be a lot of Aussies).
Not only does this make for a fantastic learning environment with perspectives from all over the world, it also means you’ll have friends to visit all over the globe. Not a bad perk!
4. You’ll be able to travel regularly
If you pick your location wisely, you can spend your time off exploring nearby cities. If you’re based at a university in Barcelona for example you’ll be able to jump on a train for spontaneous weekend trips to France, or spend your mid-semester breaks touring Scandinavia. The added bonus is you’ll be surrounded by people eager to find travel companions.
Get a group together, find some cheap tickets and make the most of your experience!
5. Studying abroad looks great on a resume
Some people think this is a cop out.
“How could spending a semester getting tipsy and traipsing across Europe possibly make a difference to your job prospects?” your parents may say. But international experience truly is a valuable asset and you can make your experience work in your favour academically.
If you’ve ever though about learning a language, now is the time to do it. Language immersion is a great way to pick up a new language quickly, and employers love it when you have an extra language up your sleeve. Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish… give it a go!
Even if you’re an English speaker studying in the UK or US, you can still find ways to make the experience beneficial to your future job prospects. Use the time to network with people in your field of interest. Talk to your professors, line up internships and add some impressive international experience to your CV.
6. You can study at some of the best universities in the world
Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge… they’re all highly respected universities and they all have Summer programs where you can get a taste of University life and learn from exceptional professors.
You can live in college halls, dine with your new classmates and don’t even get me started about checking out the sandstone… or the ivy.
If your parent/goldfish/inner critic is still pestering you about how studying overseas is a waste of time, just show them the course catalogue. If you want to learn about the intricacies of US Foreign Policy where better to do that than one of the top universities in the United States (and the world?)
7. If you’re considering a permanent move overseas, this can be a good test
Perhaps you’re wanting to a Masters degree overseas when you’re done with your undergrad degree, or you’re considering taking up a job in Berlin.
Studying overseas is a great way to test the waters and find out if a city appeals to you. If you’re looking at further study it’s a great way to see if you enjoy campus life and are satisfied with the course offerings. It’s also a great way to meet people before you make a permanent move. If you decide after a semester it’s the right place for you you’ll already have a network of friends on hand to help you adjust to a more permanent living situation.
8. It can be a great way to try new things and step outside your comfort zone
You know the good thing about studying at a university on the other side of the world? No one knows you (usually). You can dust off any past inhibitions or worries and be absolutely whoever you want to be (yes, you should in theory be able to do this at home too, but sometimes it’s easier to do this when away).
Take up salsa dancing, go speed dating, sign up for a drama class or take subjects you wouldn’t normally consider. It’s all about trying new things, challenging yourself and having fun. The best part is if you take the opportunity to take risks and find a new hobby or subject you really love, you can continue that when you go home.
9. It really can be like it is in the movies
You really will see cheerleaders in the United States, you’ll be able to take culturally acceptable naps in Spain, you can dine in mahogany dining halls in Oxford and pretend snow is no big deal in Norway.
The amount of picture perfect moments will blow you away and the best part is, you’ll be living in it!
10. It will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made
Talk to anyone who has studied overseas and they’ll be bursting with stories of charming quaint European towns, crazy frat boys in the US and wild nights out in Japan.
Studying abroad is one of the few times in your life you’ll be able to truly have it all. You can travel, experience a new culture, learn something new, make new friends AND get credit for it. You’d be crazy not to take the chance. So do some research, pick your dream university and away you go!
Have you studied overseas? What was your experience like? Where would you like to study? Leave a comment below!
