Our careers adviser shares 19 reasons why you might study abroad!
It will look good on your CV.
Gaining international experience through studying abroad is one of the most structured ways to gain and develop the skills needed to work in the global economy which ticks a massive box for most employers.
Meeting new people
If you study abroad you’ll meet people from all across the world, giving you the opportunity to develop your people skills, but it will also give you knowledge of others and how other cultures think. You’ll make new friends and have a sofa to sleep on when you go travelling in the future.
Because you can...
Unlike any other time before, universities have opened their doors to students from all over the world in a bid to create diverse intercultural campuses! This is a generation first which is becoming more and more popular with students from all over the world!
Taking a flight to the east coast of the US is often quicker than a train from London to Newcastle.
Discover new and exciting foods
Food is a big part of life, and if like me, you plan your life around food, you’ll never be lost for great places to eat, no matter where you are in the world! Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to experience new cuisines without having to try too hard.
Being globally mobile
It is very likely that we are all going to do a lot more travel in the future! Once you study abroad, you’ll have the confidence to travel to new places without feeling overwhelmed! This is important because one day your job might include travelling to carry out business!
Develop your self-resilience
Studying abroad is the ultimate test of self-reliance which you won’t get by studying locally. When (or even if) you move back, you’ll likely rely on others less than you did before and you’ll take more responsibility for yourself.
See your own culture through a new lens
Intercultural awareness and understanding is bit of a mouthful but it’s hugely important that we develop such skills. By studying abroad, you’ll be able to see just how narrow viewpoints can become because of a lack of experience. It will prove that there are other ways to look at the same problems whether you are debating inside or outside the classroom, you’ll learn the art of forming an argument whilst factoring in other cultural viewpoints - a hugely important skills for the workplace.
Study and learn a new way
Often those students who study abroad say that they experience a completely new way of teaching. This might be daunting to begin with but inevitably it will open your mind to new ways of learning and set you up for lifelong learning!
Gain life experience
You’ll do something that most people don’t do, although there is a growing number of students studying outside their home country, it is still considered unique. Therefore, you’ll have stories to tell when you come back.
Global affairs
When you live in a new country you’ll begin to look at global affairs very differently through the media you consume, the people you are with, and the attitudes of the city/country you are living in including political, social and economic issues.
Develop your language skills
Wherever you study you’ll likely study in English but you’ll have the opportunity through the university to develop the understanding of the basics of the domestic language of the country which you are living in. Outside the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself with friends and locals who’ll no doubt help you to learn the local language. The greater Toronto area is made up of over 140 different nationalities and areas like "Little Italy", so when ordering a coffee, you’ll soon learn the lingo for ordering a coffee or using the basics such as hello and thank you etc.
Gain a global mindset
Something you’ll need irrespective of the career you have after finishing your studies. You will be able to use your new global mind set to form arguments, shape your beliefs and determine your future.
It’s an unforgettable experience
Your friends back home might get bored of hearing about your study abroad adventures (warning: they will), but your experience will stay with you long after it’s over.
Have the best IG profile ever!
When you study in a new city there’ll be every opportunity to take pictures of new and exciting things. Your IG profile will soon become someone to follow!
Use your spare time to travel
Whether you’re one for visiting landmarks, trying new foods or visiting local markets, there’s always going to be opportunities to see and experience new things. When you are living on the west coast of the US you begin to see the scope of opportunities available to you to travel with ease to new places like the midwest or you might live an hour outside on Montreal and use the weekend to go check out the festivals in the height of summer with your new friends.
Take advantage of lower tuition fees or find better value for money in education systems overseas.
Minister for Education Jo Johnson has recently argued that UK degree programmes need to provide better value for money. However, the UK system is a long way off from reform. Arguably, the UK education system is the most expensive in the world! You can find degree programmes for less in Europe, degree programmes with better value in Canada but priced around the same as the UK, or vast funding scholarship and financial aid opportunities in the US. You just need to know how - we are here to do that!
International student funding is becoming more common
There are 1000s if not more funding opportunities available. Often students don’t feel they’ll be eligible but this is often not the case. You need to think carefully about how you finance your study abroad adventures but keep in mind the university might be able to offer you support. Our advice is to ask each university.
Increase your international job prospects
You could stay in country after you finish your studies or use the confidence that you have gained from studying overseas to travel further. You may even return home for a bit whilst you figure out a plan for the future, but fundamentally, and perhaps most importantly, the international experience provided by studying abroad is likely to be looked on favorably by employers of all kinds and will likely give you the confidence to apply for jobs in all corners of the globe!
Final words: Variety is what keeps us sane.
Doing the same thing over and over and getting the same results is the definition of madness! It might be a sense of familiarity that keeps you in the UK or living in the knowledge that you are taking the easy road but there’s nothing easy about staying in your comfort zone! Variety is the spice of life, just by thinking about overseas education you’ve begun to doubt the default, now explore your study abroad adventure further and visit one of our shows!