Studying Abroad Statistics

There are many personal benefits of studying abroad, as well as ways to grow professionally and personally. In fact, choosing to study outside of your own country can be one of the most enriching, interesting and stimulating educational experiences of your life. But not everything is so simple for those who decide to do so, as there are certain things that you will undoubtedly miss and others that you will have to adapt to. Are you willing to pay the price? Then rest assured that you will be rewarded.

First, you must be clear about your goals, what you want to study and for what purpose. Take enough time to evaluate the pros and cons of leaving your country either to study another language or to pursue graduate/postgraduate studies.

There are definitely many benefits when it comes to studying abroad

• It’s an enriching experience that allows you to meet other cultures and lifestyles.
• Make new friends and meet people of different nationalities.
• It allows you to interact with different teaching methods, professors and researchers of recognized that may have a different way of thinking that what you have been used to.
• You have access to a higher category of studies and new opportunities for research.
• You can learn and/or improve in another language.
• It boosts your confidence, as you learn to grow and get by in new and unknown environment. The experience helps you mature in many aspects.
• You learn to better manage your resources (time and money for instance).
• It opens up opportunities for you to work abroad, or get better work alternatives when you return to your country of origin.

Let’s now go through some potential inconveniences to keep things real and balanced:

• You will need some time to adapt to the customs of the country. It will not be easy to get used to some of them instantly.
• There will be periods when you will long for your country, your home, your family and friends and even the delicious meals of your hometown.
• Studying abroad requires several bureaucratic requirements and procedures, such as filling out the applications, processing visas to enter and stay in the destination country, passing certain language tests or specific subjects, etc.
• Some student homes and universities require you to speak the language spoken in that country.
• Studying abroad can be quite expensive, but don't be discouraged if you don't have all the resources. There are other options such as study grants, discounts, loans, or work-study programs.
• Another disadvantage is the long process that often involves the approval or validation of diplomas in your country of origin.

If you want to study abroad, you will need a lot of willpower, but it will certainly be worth it. Studying abroad also leads to personal and professional growth experiences.

Personal growth

Global point of view

While studying abroad, you have the opportunity to expand your academic studies in a different country. There are many courses and programs to immerse yourself in a culture hitherto unknown to you. With so many programs, it will be easy to find the one that best suits your requirements and expectations. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the world. Discover new places, other cultures and people. Not only can you surround yourself with people who can become a new network of friends, but you will also get to know yourself even more, by settling into an exciting environment and lifestyle. Globalization can also help you understand how you, as an individual, fit into this world.

Expand your experience

It’s easy to have a limited view of the world we live in, but traveling can relieve and heal you. You will learn that your home also fits with the rest of the world, and through the eyes of others, you can reflect your own culture. While you learn the traditions of another country, you also understand the meaning of your own traditions. Share them with the world. Experiencing new frontiers could help you see the world through a new perspective.

Accept the challenge

Studying abroad also comes with its challenges, which are directly related to the benefits of studying abroad. No matter where you end up, you are probably out of your comfort zone, while facing obstacles, such as nostalgia, using a foreign currency and being in a place that’s not familiar to you. These may seem like little things today, but when you look back, you will be proud to have known how to solve these issues. You will return home wiser and more prepared to face any challenge that crosses your path.

Professional growth

Look better in interviews

Employers frequently look for students who impose challenges and learn from their experiences. The experience and knowledge acquired when studying abroad can give you countless situations, which you can integrate in an interview to better illustrate your work ethic and effort. Your recently acquired personal growth in general will reinforce your cover letter by seeking employment in an increasingly diversified world of work. Don't forget to include your international skills in your CV

Discover a new career

Experiences used abroad can also influence the rest of your life with respect to your career and career goals. You will probably discover a new passion, or finally decide that you want to work abroad, or learn a new language. One way to differentiate yourself from the rest of the students is to continue your studies in another country. Perhaps, it’s not a bad idea to continue your master studies elsewhere.

Get interpersonal skills

Employers may be interested in your personal growth and interpersonal skills, so don't discard your experiences abroad just because at that time you were not in a work environment. Having known how to communicate with other people in another country can become an important differential if the company that hires you has a multicultural and international environment. Having studied in another country also demonstrates to your employers that you are able to adapt to new situations, and that you are not afraid of change.

To conclude, studying abroad may have its difficulties, mostly on a personal or emotional level, but it can have many benefits professionally. Putting aside negative emotions and making the effort will pay off without a doubt.

And remember...

You will learn a language better: as much as you already master a certain being in a country where you speak it all the time and you hardly listen to other languages ​​will teach you jargon words and expressions that you may not come across even in the best language courses/books.

It may cost a little to be away from family and friends but then it will pay off and expand your possibilities: studying away from home means that you must fend for yourself, away from the support of the family. This is how you will learn to organize yourself in a way that you would never try when you live at your parents' house. The ability to perform multiple tasks at once is very valuable when you transfer this skill to the professional field.

You will adapt and assimilate culturally: adapting to new situations and being tolerant of other cultures are two very positive factors that someone can develop. There are more and more multinational companies and businesses abroad. Having a candidate who has developed the capacities for adaptation and multiculturalism is a considerable plus in these companies.

You will connect with institutions and people around the world: one of the most powerful tools that a professional has is their network of contacts. If you study abroad and you are presented with an opportunity to do an internship in another country, you will be linked not only to the university you are attending, but also to international companies and colleagues from all over the world. Studying abroad gives you the possibility of networking in a way that can be very useful for you in the future.