Top 20 Reasons to Study Abroad and Expand Your Horizons
As you look ahead to your educational future, here are 20 compelling reasons to consider why studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. Among the top reasons to study abroad are the ways it can transform your perspective, career path, daily outlook, and personal network.
Why Studying Abroad Will Change Your Life Forever
Studying abroad offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. From experiencing new cultures and cuisines to boosting your resume and making lifelong connections, the benefits are endless. Discover reasons to study abroad, and how this transformative experience will shape your future, expand your worldview, and enrich your career!
1
Discover the Beauty of a New Place
From wandering through local museums to tasting authentic cuisine or strolling through your favorite park, you’ll find beauty everywhere in your study abroad destination. This beauty will inspire you and broaden your worldview in ways you never imagined.
2
Expand Your Knowledge
StudyAbroad.com’s programs offer enriching experiences that will benefit you personally and professionally. Explore our study programs in incredible places across the world, like learning Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico, or the academically stimulating Business & Economics programs in Shanghai China.
3
Develop Leadership Skills
Research has shown a clear link between living abroad and gaining valuable insights through self-reflection. This can lead to career success, a greater appreciation for diverse cultures, and an expanded perspective that enhances decision-making, stress management, and job performance.
4
A New Home Away from Home
Studying abroad comes with adjustment and perhaps some homesickness and culture shock, but soon enough, your destination will feel like a second home. You’ll be planning your next trip back before you even leave!
5
Ignite Your Sense of Adventure
Studying abroad is packed with adventures—both planned and spontaneous. With organized excursions and last-minute weekend getaways with new friends, you’ll create a ton of unforgettable memories!
7
Build a Professional Portfolio
Studying abroad offers an incredible opportunity to enhance your professional portfolio. By participating in unique academic projects, extracurriculars, or volunteer work, you’ll gain valuable skills and experiences that distinguish you in a competitive job market.
8
Gain a Global Education
A study abroad experience boosts your career prospects and stays with you for life. The knowledge and insights you gain will enrich your conversations and provide a worldly perspective. For instance, consider joining StudyAbroad.com’s International Studies or Communication programs in Seoul, South Korea or Milan, Italy.
9
Collect Passport Stamps
Beyond your studies, studying abroad offers numerous travel opportunities. Whether it’s weekend trips from Rome to Athens or exploring London and Cambridge, your passport will soon be filled with stamps from incredible destinations!
10
Enhance Your Resume
An international education distinguishes you as a well-rounded candidate. The skills you develop while studying abroad, such as foreign-language proficiency and cultural adaptability, will stand out in job interviews and showcase your global perspective. These experiences not only enrich your personal growth but also make your resume more appealing to potential employers.
11
Flexible Program Choices
Studyabroad.com offers a variety of study abroad experiences tailored to your specific field of study. With programs available in different lengths, times of year, and locations, you can find the perfect fit for your academic and personal goals. Whether you’re looking for a short-term adventure or a longer immersion, there’s a program that meets your needs and budget.
12
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Personal growth comes from pushing your boundaries, and studying abroad is likely to challenge you unexpectedly. Embrace the unknown and embark on an academic adventure that will shape your future!
13
Embrace Cultural Immersion
Anthony Bourdain once said, “Move. As far as you can, as much as you can.” This is your chance to live that philosophy! Become a global citizen by immersing yourself in your host country’s food, history, language, and traditions. You might even be inspired to live and work abroad someday.
14
Experience the Local Cuisine
Bourdain also famously said, “Do we want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through France, Mexico, and the Far East, eating only at McDonald’s?” Experiencing local cuisine is an essential part of studying abroad! Tasting authentic dishes not only satisfies your palate, but also connects you with the history and stories behind each meal.
15
Build Lifelong Friendships and Networks
The friendships you make while studying abroad can last a lifetime! Whether you travel with acquaintances or venture solo, you’ll bond with new friends as you navigate language barriers, explore, and share experiences.
Studying abroad also helps you build valuable professional networks, creating relationships that can lead to future opportunities and collaborations in your chosen field.
16
Improve Your Language Skills
Intensive language programs in France or Colombia are just a couple examples of programs that can help improve your language fluency. There are plenty of options, whether you’re learning Spanish, French, Italian, or another language.
17
Enhance Your Cultural Awareness
Studying abroad enhances your cultural awareness by immersing you in diverse customs, traditions, and ways of life. This exposure broadens your understanding of global perspectives and helps you appreciate the richness of different cultures. As you engage with locals and navigate cultural differences, you develop empathy and open-mindedness—qualities that are increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world.
18
Personal Growth
Studying abroad encourages self-discovery, independence, and confidence. As you navigate new cultures and face unfamiliar challenges, you’ll return home with a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
19
Post-College Career Advantages
The advantages of studying abroad last long after you return home. The statistics reveal numerous benefits of going abroad, from gaining entry into graduate programs and earning higher starting salaries to developing essential skills and adapting to diverse work environments. Regardless of your field of study, international experiences can enhance your future.
20
No Regrets
Many individuals later regret missing the chance to study abroad, highlighting the many reasons to study abroad. Don’t let this be your story! Remember the saying, “If not now, when?” Take the leap and study abroad—you’ll be grateful you did!
Find your dream study abroad program today at StudyAbroad.com!
