20 Reasons To Study Abroad

Study abroad programs are an ideal option for finding career inspiration and having one-of-a-kind life experiences. However, many people are deterred from exploring these programs because of the costs and the fear that they will compromise their educational time in their home countries. Instead of a compromise, studying abroad can provide a richer educational environment and will also open many doors for future career choices. Here are just a few of the reasons to consider a study abroad program during your educational career.

• Language immersion. In order to keep up with international aspects of government and business jobs, students need appropriate cultural and linguistic skillsets. Studying abroad is a great way to get these skills in a short period of time in a manner that many programs in the United States are not able to provide.
• Studying abroad improves a student’s ability to be creative in virtually any discipline.
• Uncover new strengths. As students are presented with new situations that allow them to solve problems through unfamiliar techniques, they may discover new strengths that will be applicable in future job positions.
• Studying abroad makes students more employable, particularly in the field of business. Nearly every time students study abroad, they are more likely to get hired than students who did not, especially in the business world. Many employers appreciate students who have taken the extra step to study in another country, which involved learning a new language, culture, and way of life.
• Faster promotions. A recent article from Forbes declared that students who studied in Brazil or China often get put on the fast track for promotions and can move up as much as a year or two faster than their co-workers.
• The State Department needs job candidates with this experience. Students with international experience and multiple language skills can be a valuable asset to the State Department.
• Great opportunity for medical students. Medical students in international programs are exposed to clinical presentations and illnesses that they will not be able to get in the United States.
• Better communication skills. As students navigate routine situations in a foreign country, they bridge the gap between their routine communication skills and the skills of native speakers.
• Change in the regular education routine. Studying abroad can provide a welcome change of pace during an educational career that will prevent students from burning out on academics.
• Step out of your comfort zone. Studying abroad builds character and gives students a new attitude about taking on new challenges, which is a valuable philosophy for the workplace as well as life in general.
• Grow lifelong learning habits. Students learn to appreciate the learning opportunities of day-to-day life, such as grocery shopping and consulting a map when they’re in a foreign country, and can apply these skills to life back in the United States.
• Foster independence. Navigating a new language and culture without a large family and friend support system nearby creates independence that can become lifelong.
• Training ground for future global leaders. Studying abroad can create growth and attitudes that show all countries respect as opposed to philosophies that are centered around home countries.
• A lesson in red tape. Students learn the ins and outs of red tape and administration as they apply for scholarships, foreign degree certifications, and other logistical components of studying abroad.
• Expanded world view. There is no substitute for experiencing a foreign country firsthand. Studying abroad helps students gain a new perspective on life in another country.
• International networking. Studying abroad gives students the chance to network with fellow students from all around the world. These contacts can become lasting friendships and may lead to any number of jobs and other opportunities over the years.
• Refined view for the future. Students may decide to change majors or revise their career paths after the experiences that they have while studying abroad.
• Improved social skills. Studying abroad challenges many students to make new friends in a brand new setting. This skill can be a huge asset for networking and collaborating within the workplace.
• New outlook on domestic issues. Studying abroad provides insight into how other countries deal with any number of issues, such as economics and energy. Students may be able to gain new perspectives and insights that will be applicable in their home country.
• Studying abroad improves educational outcomes. A recent initiative from the Georgia Learning Outcomes of Students Studying Abroad has determined that students who study abroad have more successful academic performance after their time abroad. Typically they have increased graduation rates over students who did not have this experience. Study abroad programs are an excellent option for universities looking for ways to retain students as well as improve educational outcomes for students who are at risk.