Florencia Basavilbaso
Content Writer At Gradehacker
Studying abroad! How ideal, right? It can be a magical opportunity if you have the right information. Knowing how to approach this new adventure can be a lot, especially if you have never done it before, but luckily we are here to simplify it for you!
At Gradehacker, we prioritize the well-being of college students and look for ways to guarantee a remarkable academic experience, making us the non-traditional adult student #1 resource. When it comes to studying abroad, a lot needs to be said for it to go well!
Now we are here to provide you with information that will contribute to level-up your experience!
Ready to see how this next chapter in your life would be?
Let’s start!
Benefits of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that offers numerous benefits for students.
First, if you want to have an insight into how this experience in your desired host country will impact you, knowing the information we will mention can help you understand where you are standing and if it’s where you want to go!
Some of the top advantages of studying abroad are:
Exposure to New Cultures:
International education allows you to:
- Immerse yourself in a new culture
- Learn about different customs and traditions
- Gain a unique perspective of the world
Language Skills:
Whether the country you are traveling to uses your native tongue or speaks a foreign language, adopting and practicing new phrases and vocabulary from foreign languages or a different culture can help you improve your communication skills widely.
Personal Growth:
This will definitely challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, adapt to new surroundings, and become more independent.
The experience of studying abroad can help you develop valuable life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and self-reliance.
Opens New Opportunities:
Studying abroad can enhance your resume and make you stand out to potential employers.
Employers value candidates with international experience, as it demonstrates cultural adaptability, communication skills, and a global perspective.
New Interactions:
This way of studying provides opportunities to meet people with the same goals as you but from different backgrounds and cultures, including fellow students, professors, and professionals in your field of study.
You can establish relationships overseas in a way you may never think possible. You will definitely learn and grow from that experience.
Discover New Places:
When studying abroad, traveling and exploring new sites will never be wasted time.
Easy access to neighboring countries allows you to take advantage of weekend trips or longer breaks to experience different cultures and see new sights.
Personal Enrichment:
Lastly, studying abroad is a unique experience that can enrich your life in many ways.
It allows you to understand yourself better and the world, expand your horizons and create lifelong memories.
What You Need For Studying Abroad
While studying abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience, it also requires careful planning and preparation.
And even if it’s a short-term program, there are many things you need to consider when preparing to study abroad:
- Choose a Destination: Research different countries and universities to find the best fit for your academic goals, language proficiency, and personal interests
- Apply to Universities: check the International program application requirements. This includes transcripts, recommendation letters, and language proficiency exams
- Apply for a Visa: This will depend on the program type and country. Check specific requirements and timelines for your destination
- Plan your Finances: Plan your budget carefully. Know the program fees, cost of living in your destination, tuition fees, transportation, and other expenses
- Accommodations: Depending on the education institutions and location, you'll have different housing options. Search and book your accommodation in advance
- Prepare for Cultural Differences: Be aware of the culture shock you may encounter in your host country. This includes social norms, customs, and etiquette
- Learn The Language: If you are in a country where English isn’t the primary language, learning some basic vocabulary before you arrive is a good idea
- Pack Appropriately: You may need to pack for different climates and cultural expectations. Be sure to research the weather and dress codes
If you are planning to go to a country where you will need to pull off some foreign language skills and you are looking for a quick, inexpensive way to learn, check out our experience with Duolingo!
Tips For Studying Abroad
Even though there is nothing to be afraid of when studying abroad, the experience can also come with its own set of challenges.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time studying abroad:
- Stay Organized: Keep track of important documents, deadlines, and appointments in a planner or digital calendar
- Immerse In This New Place: Try to absorb this new culture as much as possible. You can try new foods, attend cultural events, and make friends with locals
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with loved ones back home through regular communication, while building relationships with your fellow students
- Manage Your Finances: Stick to a budget and be mindful of how much you are spending on things like food, transportation, and entertainment
- Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid risky situations. Have handy emergency contacts like the number of local authorities in case of an emergency
- Take Advantage of Resources: Many universities offer resources and programs for international students. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of these
- Explore: You'll have the opportunity to meet new places and cultures. Travel and experience as much as you can.
- Keep an Open Mind: Be open to new experiences. Things may not always go as planned, but embrace the challenges and learn from them
Popular Ways Of Studying Abroad
There are many popular programs and ways to study abroad. Some of the most common options include:
Exchange Programs:
American students can find information about the programs available on the US government’s Educational and Cultural Affairs website.
Study Abroad Organizations:
Internships:
Some students choose to participate in internships abroad, which offer the opportunity to gain professional experience while also learning and immersing themselves in a new culture.
The internship you’ll get will depend on what field you are looking for. Some popular ones are:
Language Immersion Programs:
For those interested in improving their language skills, there are language immersion programs that offer intensive language classes and cultural experiences.
You can check on websites like:
Faculty-Led Programs:
Some universities offer faculty-led study abroad programs, where students travel with their classmates to a different country for educational purposes.
For this program, you’ll need to check if the university you are going offers it, but you can also check on Go Overseas for more opportunities
Volunteer Abroad Programs:
There are also volunteer programs that allow students to give back to communities while also experiencing a new culture.
Some known platforms where you can search for this program are:
Ultimately, the best option will depend on your personal preferences and goals for studying abroad. Researching different options and choosing one that fits your needs and interests is important.
Get Ready to Study Abroad!
After all, studying abroad requires careful planning and preparation during the application process. Still, once you find the foreign university where you feel you will progress the most, the benefits are well worth the effort.
Whether your destination is Costa Rica for its different way of viewing life and appreciating nature or Switzerland because you enjoy calm and cold places, make sure you are confident about where you’ll be spending your next period of study.
And if at some point you need help, we can help you with your essay writing, discussion boards, resume creation, guidance to earn your degree faster, and more!
You can also read these other articles with valuable information for all college students:
Florencia Basavilbaso
Florencia Basavilbaso is a content creator passioned for writing, music, films, and the arts. At Gradehacker, she helps to improve non-traditional students life’s by finding and providing the most useful information, so they can always progress. You can find her on LinkedIn.
