9 Ways Studying Abroad Can Change Your Life for the Better
Studies show that people who study aboard are twice as likely to find employment within a year of graduating. In fact, 90% of study abroad alumni found a job within six months.
Furthermore, they got hired for more money than their peers who stayed stateside. They were also more likely to get accepted into their first or second grad school choice.
The benefits of studying abroad relating to future endeavors are well documented. But, what about the personal benefits?
The truth is, the thought of studying abroad can seem a little scary.
You’re in a new place, where you may not speak the language. You don’t know anyone and the thought of being away from everything you do know is a little frightening.
But, studying abroad can actually change your life for the better. In this post, we take a look at nine ways how.
1. Learn a New Language
You may not speak Italian when you first arrive in Rome, but it won’t take long before you start speaking the language. After all, communicating is a necessity!
You may even find learning a second language through real-world experiences will be easier than you first thought.
2. Experience a New Culture
Without traveling overseas, you’re never truly able to learn about new cultures. Sure, the Internet and books give you a peak, but without fully immersing yourself into day-to-day life, you won’t experience what different cultures have to offer.
Seeing new places and learning about a country’s true history will open your mind more and broaden your horizons.
3. Be More Independent
If you’ve always relied on your parents or family, studying abroad gives you a sense of independence.
From waking up and getting to class on time to managing money, you’re responsible for yourself in every aspect of life.
4. You’ll Learn New Things
This one may seem pretty obvious, but it goes a little deeper than language and culture.
You’ll learn how to follow directions, solve problems, and even the metric system! Depending on where you study, you may even learn how to drive on the left side of the road.
5. Taste New Foods
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad? The food!
You’ll learn to try foods you never thought you would and your palette will experience flavors you never imagined. If you’re lucky, you may even pick up some recipes from your new friends to take back home.
6. Hear New Music
Whether it’s traditional folk music or a DJ or band you’ve never heard before, studying abroad will open you up to new music.
You may even catch a future chart-topper “before they were famous.”
7. Meet Different People
The friends you make when you go overseas will help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Who knows? You may even talk them into coming to the U.S. to study abroad! You could even end up applying for the same grad school.
8. You’ll Learn About Finances
Living far away from home will teach you about managing your finances. You’ll need to learn how to convert money and live within a strict budget.
You may have the opportunity to work part-time while you study, which will teach you about money and your new surroundings.
9. You’ll Find Your True Yourself
When you travel and study abroad, you’ll find who you really are.
You’ll be more confident. You’ll learn you can depend on yourself. You’ll learn to go with the flow.
When you get back home, you’ll surprise yourself by how much you learned about yourself and grew as a person.
Ready to Start Studying Abroad?
There’s no end to the benefits of studying abroad. It opens the doors to possibilities you didn’t know were there, both in your professional and personal life.
If you have the opportunity to go overseas and don’t at least consider it, you may regret it for the rest of your life. So, definitely think about it!
If you need more tips and ideas on traveling, check out our blog.
