5 Benefits of Studying Abroad

Are you a wannabe world traveler? Do you have an urge to explore countries other than your own? Are you a little bored at your current school/state/home? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then studying abroad may be a great option for you! While it might sound a bit scary (and expensive) to go to school out of the country, it can be a fun, rewarding experience that can be more affordable than you might think. If going to school in another country is on your mind, then this list of benefits of studying abroad are sure to convince you to do it!

1. Make yourself sound more interesting

Every graduate program/job out there appreciates a well-rounded, interesting student or employee. What’s more interesting than being able to say that you spent a year in France, Australia, or Costa Rica? Studying in another country will definitely help you stand out amongst your competition in grad school or a future job.

2. Learn about a new culture

Learning about a culture from a textbook is one thing, but it’s a lot different (and way more interesting) to learn about it in person. Being around a different culture than your own will open you up to new customs, people, language, food, festivities, and the list just goes on and on.

3. Become a real “adult”

When I say adult, I mean it in a self-sufficient, independent sort of way. Of course, it’s totally fine to not feel like a real adult yet (I know I don’t!). When you study abroad, you are on your own, at least until you make friends and/or meet your host family. Being alone will teach you essential skills like managing money, doing laundry, cooking, etc. It might be scary at first, but it’ll be a good way to learn how to truly be on your own.

4. Discover different education styles

Every country teaches its students a little differently, which can be a great eye-opening experience for someone who has only been around American education. By being in another country, you may learn about different aspects of your major that you hadn’t experienced here in the U.S., or find different learning styles that you’ve never seen before.

5. Break from your daily routine

If you’ve been feeling a little stuck in life recently - not knowing which major to choose, not sure what to do after graduation, or just feeling a little bored with your current situation - then studying abroad could be a great way to break from that current routine. Going to school in another country is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can open your eyes to new things, like jobs that you never knew about and different ways that people live their day-to-day lives.