Studying abroad is a two in one package. You will get your degree and on top of that, learn a new culture. By the time you graduate, you will probably be speaking a new language, be able to cook foods from a different culture from yours, and you will have made important international friends.
If you have ever dreamt of studying abroad, now would be a great time to apply for a vacancy in your dream institution, apply for a student visa, and go after your dreams. If you aren’t convinced that studying abroad would be your best decision yet, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven compelling reasons why you should consider studying abroad and exploring new cultures. Please be our guest.
1. You have a valid shot at becoming globally competitive
Technological advancements have reduced the world into a global village; local businesses are going global and job seekers are no longer confined to their home countries. As you study, you need to have it in mind that you will not be competing for jobs with your countrymen only. Many international students will be competing for the same jobs you are targeting in your home country. That’s why you can’t bank all your hopes of getting your first job locally. How competitive will your degree be outside of your home country? Pursuing your degree in a foreign university allows you to acquire unique skills that local universities may not be offering, which in turn makes you competitive back home and in your host country.
2. You have a chance to see and interact with the world
Building on the first point, seeing many cities outside of your home country and interacting with people from diverse cultures will prepare you for the world. If you are young and energetic, studying abroad could be your chance to see the world. You can, for example, be studying in London but still have the time to visit other cities within the United Kingdom as well as other major Western European cities such as Rome, Paris, and Madrid. When searching for jobs or business opportunities in the future, you will have an easy time with all the cities you traversed during your college days.
3. You can learn a new language
Learning a new language comes with its own pros. You can work or do business with people who cannot speak your language but can speak your acquired language, it provides you with a platform to learn more languages, and it allows you to learn other people’s cultures in an intimate level. All these will help you later in your career.
4. You get more reasons (and chances) of touring the world
As a student, you will have the chance of joining students’ clubs and other extracurricular programs that will take you to other countries. You might even be involved in a research project that would take you to many international universities and give you an invaluable chance of meeting other scholars. All these interactions keep expanding your list of friends. After graduating, these international friends will either host you for social visits or recommend you for jobs.
5. You will become more independent and, well, mature
Don’t get it twisted here – You are already a very mature person. But have you ever thought how you would cope with living around new people, having to adapt to new cultures, having to eat foods you never heard of before, and being taught in a language you aren’t used to? If you can cope with all that without the support of your childhood friends or relatives, then your independence and maturity levels will have gone a notch higher. You will actually be a leader and role model to many younger students back home.
6. You will understand yourself better
Being alone in a foreign land will necessitate a new coping mechanism. You will have to try out new hobbies, develop new interests, and find new sources of entertainment and inspiration. You may realize that your new hobbies and interests are actually more fulfilling than your previous ones.
The first days also presents you with the best introspection moments: You reflect more on your life and that helps you to better understand your fears and strengths. Later on, after making a few friends, you start trying out new talents which can potentially change your life completely.
7. Enhanced chances for graduate school admission
Graduating from a foreign university gives you an upper hand when searching for future scholarships and graduate school admissions. It communicates your confidence and determination to survive in new environments and underlines your commitment to your education. Sponsors and international universities will be impressed by your undying spirit and offer you opportunities that you wouldn’t have gotten had you studied in your home country.
With the seven compelling reasons herein, the only remaining thing for you to do is to take up your next available chance of studying abroad with confidence and determination. You don’t have to worry about traveling logistics as there are companies who can help you to apply for a student visa and walk you through the entire travel process until you receive the visa. If you intend to study in the U.S, in particular, these companies will make your traveling plans extremely easy.
