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Ask anyone who has done a study abroad programme and you’re likely to hear about what an amazing experience it was. Travel is always eye-opening and often life-changing, but there are a number of benefits of studying abroad, rather than just travelling abroad.
Here are some of our top reasons to study abroad:
Take your foreign language skills to the next level
One of the top benefits of studying abroad in a country where your native language is not spoken is, of course, the opportunity to improve your foreign language skills.
Whatever language it is that you’re learning, nothing beats being fully immersed in a country where that language is spoken. Especially if you’re a student, you’ll be attending classes, talking to classmates and teachers and going about your daily life all in that language – there is no better way to learn!
Become a true local
Much of the time when you’re travelling you’re only spending a limited amount of time in any one spot and only going to tourist attractions. When you live and study somewhere, you have the unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, traditions and language.
You get to go beyond the top-rated restaurants and attractions and discover your own little gems that only someone who lives in a place has the time to find – your local hairdresser, your favourite bakery, your favourite place to go for a walk. You’ll make local friends, meet your neighbours and hear stories about the local area that you might not get to hear if you’re just passing through.
Open your mind to different ways of life
Did you know that in Japan it’s rude to talk on the phone or speak loudly while on the train? Or that in Spain it’s commonplace to eat dinner at or after 9pm? Each country – even each region within a country – has its own way of life that may seem strange to those unfamiliar with that part of the world.
And as an international student, you will get to experience these differences in what is one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad: if we can understand the things that make us different, as well as the things that make us similar, then that creates more room for compassion, empathy and tolerance – no matter the culture or language.
Explore many new places
For most people, one of the top reasons to study abroad is to travel and actually living abroad gives you a great base from which to travel from. If you’re in Taiwan, you can easily travel to China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and other parts of Asia. If you’re in England, a short flight across the sea will take you to Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and other parts of western Europe.
Even if you leave international travel out of the picture, you’re in a new country so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do domestic travel and truly get to know your host nation.
Stand out on job applications
Regardless of what career path you choose, it’s undeniable that a study abroad experience looks impressive on a job application. Progressive employers understand the importance that studying abroad has in helping people develop skills and qualities desirable in the workplace. These include foreign language ability, adaptability, problem solving and communication.
These are just some of the amazing benefits of studying abroad. Studytrip.com is dedicated to helping you get as much out of your time abroad as you can through the combination of language study and fun cultural activities. Visit studytrip.com for more information.
Last Updated on May 7, 2019
