Overseas study is a trend that keeps on growing – for a myriad of good reasons. Did you know the number of international students has more than tripled in just 25 years? Can’t argue with those numbers!
Despite that, few studies have investigated the long-term impact of studying abroad. In 2002, The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad) asked roughly 3,400 alumni about their study abroad experience – and the results were overwhelmingly positive.
Here are some important findings from that study:
- 95% of students said their study abroad experience impacted their worldview.
- 97% said their overseas study made them more mature.
- Over 50% said they still keep in touch with friends they made while studying abroad.
Granted, the IES study is a little dated – those surveyed studied abroad between 1950 and 1999. However, we’re sure even modern international students will agree that studying abroad has changed their lives in many ways. Here are just a few.
Enhance your CV.
In today’s globalized world, employers are always looking for candidates with diverse cultural backgrounds.
As our economic climate becomes more competitive and employers increasingly favor experience over education, international students can use their study abroad experience to boost their employment prospects.
Here are just a few ways your international experience can sharpen your professional skills:
- Improves your foreign language proficiency.
- Showcases your determination, independence, and adventurous spirit.
- Builds necessary skills like project management and workflow.
- Teaches you to handle high-intensity work and meet strict deadlines.
Learn more about yourself.
Studying abroad is the ultimate journey to self-discovery. You’ll uncover cultural and political biases you didn’t even know you had, and you might even find a new favorite food or TV show.
You might also discover a new passion – and even a whole new career path!
70% of the IES survey participants who interned while abroad said they pursued a new career path thanks to their experience.
Step out of your comfort zone and increase your self-confidence.
Deciding to study abroad is scary, especially considering all the expenses and red tape that comes with it. On your journey to become an international student, you’ll fill out your weight in paperwork. (Trust us; we’re speaking from experience!)
But once all the administrative stuff is taken care of and you reach your destination, you’ll gain self-confidence knowing that you took the plunge to live away from home in a new place and culture.
You might think, “If I can do this, I can do anything!”
So take the chance to study abroad while you have it, no matter how daunting it may seem right now. Uni is the perfect time to experiment and try new things.
After you graduate and start work, chances are you won’t have much time to travel. You probably won’t be able to go abroad for months at a time (unless you’re one of the lucky ones!)
Discover new ways to learn.
Different countries have different approaches to teaching. For example, US university students are required to take a general education course covering a range of subjects on which they are tested multiple times per week.
UK students, on the other hand, typically only take classes which are related to their degree and may only submit one assignment for the whole semester.
Even the classroom experience will differ. In American lecture halls, students are encouraged to ask questions during class and participate in group discussions and presentations.
Meanwhile, Japanese students are expected to stay quiet. Instead, it’s the lecturer who asks the students questions.
Not only will you discover new approaches to learning, but you’ll also feel reinvigorated about your learning experience when you return home.
Over 80% of participants in the IES survey said their experience increased their interest in learning, and over 50% reported they chose to pursue a postgraduate degree after studying abroad.
Gain respect and understanding for other cultures.
In an era when nationalism is once again on the rise and many countries prioritize their own agendas over global wellbeing, it’s even more important to remember that we’re all in this together.
Sure, we may do things a little differently, but at the end of the day, we all share a home on this planet.
Existentialism aside, today’s international students are tomorrow’s world leaders. It makes good sense for our future presidents and prime ministers to cultivate a deep respect for and understanding of foreign cultures.
The IES study found that studying abroad plays a key role in fostering that respect and understanding: 82% of students said their overseas study experience gifted them with a more sophisticated and open-minded worldview.
Connect with new friends and potential employers.
Travelling to a place where you know no one can be terrifying, but don’t fret just yet. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make friends as an international student.
Native students will take an interest in you just because you’re different – and those differences are easy conversation starters that forge new friendships!
Connecting with your lecturers is also a great way to create new professional relationships. Your lecturers can offer references that can help you land your dream career.
They can also provide invaluable advice on everything from academic life to local attractions – so take advantage of those office hours!
Conclusion
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the benefits of studying abroad – as former international students ourselves; we found it hard to narrow all of them down!
If you’re thinking about study abroad, check out our previous post on the top reasons overseas students love the UK.
Here at International Student Pathfinder, we believe that studying abroad can be one of the best investments you can make for your career, education, and your future – for all these reasons and so many more.
Thinking about studying abroad but not sure where to start? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular study abroad tips and advice delivered straight to your inbox!
Or, if your sights are already set on your next international adventure, snag your copy of International Student Pathfinder: The Essential Guide on UK Universities and Careers.
Already took the plunge and spent some time studying overseas? Tell us about your experience – we’d love to read any advice you have for prospective international students!
Other useful articles:
https://highereducationplus.com/things-i-wish-i-knew/
