10 Undeniable Benefits of Studying Abroad in Rome
You haven’t had world-class pizza until you’ve been to Rome.
Amazing cuisine is just one of the reasons to consider studying abroad. You’ll also expand your perspective and build confidence. Not to mention the impact it’ll have on your career outlook.
It may seem scary at first, but the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the fear. You’re guaranteed to have an experience you won’t regret.
Ready to find out if studying abroad is right for you? Keep reading to find out ten benefits of taking your education international.
1. Experience a New Culture
There’s nothing like immersing yourself in a new culture. Music, art, and festivities are what makes each city unique.
In Rome, you have access to world-renowned art museums and attractions. You’ll be among some of the oldest ruins still standing on earth. Learning about the history can take months, even if you go on all the colosseum tours.
No matter where you study abroad, there’s a new culture to embrace. Try the food and drinks; explore the places that locals like to go. Use your education to learn about the world.
2. Learn from Different Education Styles
Different countries have different views on the education system. You may be from a country that is very rigid and strict in its methods. Going somewhere more casual and liberal would be a huge change.
Opening your education to learn in different countries lets you experience differing styles. You may discover that learning in Rome has made you more engaged in your studies. Or, that you prefer the teaching style back home.
Either way, the only way you’ll know your preference is by giving it a try.
3. More Career Opportunities
Studying abroad instills skills that are very desirable to employers. It shows your independence, initiative, and leadership abilities. Studying abroad also shows your ability to adapt to new situations and make the most of them.
Plus, did you know that students who study abroad find jobs faster than their counterparts?
Studying abroad improves your chances of landing a job right after college. And, it’ll likely be a job that appreciates the skills you developed overseas.
4. Learn a New Language
There’s something so beautiful about the Italian language. Being fluent in it allows you to converse with another section of the world that you couldn’t before.
Studying abroad allows you to learn the language and become fluent in it. Since you’re immersed in the culture you don’t have much choice other than to learn to communicate.
Studies show that being multi-lingual means you have stronger cognitive skills. Problem-solving, multitasking, and the ability to focus all improve. When you study abroad, you’re unintentionally improving your cognitive functions.
5. Personal Growth
Have you ever traveled by yourself? Or, what about living by yourself?
When you’re forced to rely on yourself to get from point A to B, you learn you’re stronger than you thought. Studying abroad facilitates this type of personal growth.
Of course, it’s scary to be in another country without knowing anyone. But, overcoming that fear builds character and confidence. You’ll return home a more mature and knowledgeable person.
6. Find New Interests
If you’ve grown up in a land-locked state, you may never have experienced the joy of sailing. Or, if you’ve grown up on the coast, you may not know how to cross-country ski.
Living in a new landscape opens your horizons to new interests. You can explore hobbies and activities that you don’t get to do at home.
What if going to Rome introduces you to your love of winemaking? You’ll never know unless you study abroad.
7. Graduate School Opportunities
Are you planning on going to graduate school after your program? Applying to graduate programs can be just as competitive as applying for a job.
Your grad school prospects are wider if you’ve studied abroad.
Recruiters for schools are looking for students who show adaptability and initiative. Plus, studying abroad shows you have an expanded perspective and strong thought processes. Both are important factors recruiters consider when looking at grad school applicants.
8. Build Your Community
The friends you meet in your year abroad can become life-long bonds. Since you both are going through a similar experience of being somewhere new, you have that in common. It’s something you don’t have in common with anyone back home.
Studying abroad expands your community. After this experience, you could have friends all over the world. Not only does this create awesome vacation opportunities, but you feel super supported.
9. Expand Your Perspective
It’s crucial to take in how people live in different parts of the world. It can make you aware of your privilege, or of other’s privilege.
Studying abroad teaches you how to be empathetic towards everyone you meet. This is especially true once you return home. The way you look at newcomers to your country will change because you’ve been a newcomer, too.
10. Push Your Limits
Were you the smartest kid in your high school? Are you excelling in your university program? Going abroad could be a chance for you to be around people who push you.
Instead of being a big fish in a small pond, learn to be a small fish in a big pond. The world is full of brilliant people you can learn from. Even if you’re an expert at a subject, there’s more to know.
Use your studying abroad experience to push yourself.
Are You Ready to Reap the Benefits of Studying Abroad?
Rome is just one of the hundreds of cities that offer study-abroad education programs. Think of a place that’s always interested you.
Consider researching the study-abroad programs available in that place. You won’t regret it, especially not after you reap all the benefits of studying abroad.
For more tips and tricks to grow as a person and be the best you can be, check out the Self Improvement Blog.