17 Reasons to Study Abroad

Embarking on an international education experience is a major decision, but the reasons to study abroad make it completely worthwhile. From self-discovery to cultural immersion to global networking and beyond, overseas studies unlock growth opportunities that you simply won't find confined within your home country. There's no doubt that studying abroad is a life-changing experience. In fact, you will be surprised to know that there are several amazing reasons to study abroad. So read on as we elaborate why prioritising an international dimension to your education can equip you for success in today's borderless world like little else can.

Top 17 Reasons for Studying Abroad

When it comes to making one of the best investments for your future, studying abroad has compelling benefits across personal, academic and professional dimensions. But if you still need convincing, here are the top 17 reasons to study abroad.

1. You'll learn about new cultures and customs

One of the best reasons to study abroad is the chance to immerse yourself fully into a new, unfamiliar culture. More than just sightseeing at different destinations, studying overseas lets you dive right in to experience day-to-day life firsthand in that country. You could find yourself living with welcoming local families, sharing traditional homemade meals, and participating in festivals and events unique to that region. This total cultural immersion creates eye-opening opportunities to gain deeper insight into the values, customs, and people's outlook that make it distinct. 

From social etiquette to arts to even everyday habits, you'll gain a sensitivity and world perspective not possible otherwise. There is just no comparison between a quick vacation to a place versus studying there for months and truly adapting to lifestyles. If you seek the immense personal enrichment that comes from cross-cultural literacy, then here's one of the top reasons to study abroad.

2. You'll broaden your horizons.

Studying abroad can be a great way to learn about different ways of life. One of the best reasons to study abroad is the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and learn new things. 

You may find that you have more in common with people from other cultures than you thought or that some things are unique to the culture you're visiting. Either way, one of the benefits of studying abroad is that it provides an enriching experience that can give you a greater understanding of the world around you, giving you more reasons to study abroad. 

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but it's important to keep in mind that your study abroad expectations may not match reality. However, even if things don't go exactly as planned, college is still an unforgettable experience where you can make countless memories.

3. You'll travel to new places.

If you're looking for an amazing way to see the world and get an education at the same time, studying abroad is definitely something you should consider. One of the top reasons to study abroad is the ability to explore and discover new places. From road trips to long vacations abroad, the benefits of studying abroad are endless! Sure, looking at pictures of Machu Picchu or the Eiffel Tower is fun, but there's nothing quite like seeing them in person. Avail the opportunity to experience one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad. 

One of the best reasons to study abroad is the chance you will get to travel and see some amazing places that you might not experience otherwise. From ancient ruins to modern metropolises, there's a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. And with service providers like Hoppa, travelling is a whole lot easier. Additionally, if you are a student who loves travelling, especially in the UK and want to spot the best road trips in the UK, then Snake Pass, Welsh Coast, and Scottish Highlands are a must-visit.

4. You'll have new experiences.

If you love exploring and trying out new things, then these are some more reasons to study abroad. One of the biggest reasons to study overseas is the awesome opportunity to do more of that while you're still pursuing your studies. There are a ton of different programs out there, so you can definitely find one that's a good fit for you. 

For instance, if you have never tried rock climbing or paintballing, this may be the right time to try them. You could even find a new favourite place that you'll want to go back to again and again. So, if you're looking for an adventure, studying abroad is definitely the way to go. 

5. You'll learn new languages

One of the most effective language-learning techniques is immersion - one of the biggest reasons to study overseas. The ability to learn and explore new languages gives you more reasons to study abroad. If you need to learn a new language then there are many language learning apps for students to gain an upper hand rather than being a novice in abroad countries.

6. You'll improve your social skills.

Mingling with people in a new country can appear to be daunting. It's natural to feel unsure when put in a social scenario. If you are socially shy or find it difficult to approach and interact with people you don't know, an overseas education can help you overcome this hurdle - it is one of the best reasons to study abroad. 

Whether you're taking classes or simply conversing with locals, some of the reasons to study overseas are the opportunities to practise your social skills and improve your fluency. Here are a few good reasons to study abroad - you can try out your new skills in different situations and see how they work for you. 

With each new opportunity, you'll get a little better and a little more confident. Soon, you'll be speaking fluently like a native speaker! And even if you're studying in an English-speaking country, you'll get to learn unfamiliar words and add local nuances to your native language. All the more reasons to study abroad!

7. You'll make new friends. 

When you travel, you'll meet people from all over the world. And if you're lucky, you'll make some great friends in college. This is one of the reasons why students study abroad to meet new people. It can be easy to stick to your group when travelling, but when you're living and studying in a new country, that often isn't an option. So, strike up conversations with locals and other travellers alike. Ask them about their favourite places to eat or drink, things to do in the area, etc.

One of the biggest reasons to study abroad is getting to meet new people and make new friends. With students from all over the world converging in one place, it's easy to meet people with similar interests and experiences. These relationships will often last long after your time abroad has ended.

8. You'll become independent.

One of the biggest reasons to study overseas is the opportunity to explore the world for yourself and get out of your comfort zone. With new challenges comes new growth, so don't be surprised if you come back from your experience feeling more confident and independent than ever before.

9. You'll learn to make better decisions.

When you're responsible for yourself, as you most likely will be when studying abroad, you learn to rely on your judgement and instincts. You also become more self-sufficient and resourceful as you navigate your way through life. The benefits of studying abroad are varied, but the biggest is the ability to learn to be more independent. 

10. You'll learn to be more confident.

These skills will not only serve you well in times of need, but they'll also boost your confidence in everyday situations. Of course, living independently comes with its challenges, too. But overcoming these obstacles will only make you stronger and more capable – further increasing your sense of self-worth.

11 You'll learn more about yourself.

One of the best reasons to study abroad is the personal growth and self-discovery that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. By challenging yourself in new situations without your usual support systems, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about yourself truly. You may end up discovering strengths, skills, interests and more that you never knew you had! Testing your adaptability and resilience is one of the top reasons to study abroad. Why not take a leap of faith on this journey to learn more about who you are?

12. You'll meet a wide range of people.

One of the best reasons to study abroad is the new friendships you'll make with locals as well as fellow students from around the globe. Sharing classes, living spaces and social experiences creates connections that will broaden your worldview as you gain exposure to diverse perspectives, ideas and upbringings. Whether you bond over a shared favourite movie or have passionate debates over differences, the people you meet while studying abroad have invaluable lessons to teach you about the world and yourself. 

13. You'll have international job prospects

Studying abroad allows you to differentiate yourself professionally as well by demonstrating adaptability, independence and global competence to future employers. With cross-cultural fluency and international connections in addition to your degree, you'll have a distinctive edge in the job market when seeking opportunities worldwide in global companies or abroad. Learning a new language also helps boost career prospects immensely. Employers highly value international exposure, so take advantage by making it one of your priorities and reasons to study abroad.

14. International student funding comes onto the scene.

Financial concerns are often a roadblock to wanting to study abroad. However, one of the best reasons to study abroad is that many top destinations offer generous scholarships, grants and funding support specifically aimed at attracting international students. Places like Canada, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and more have government-backed initiatives, university-provided financial aid as well as external student mobility programs that cover not just tuition but also accommodation, travel, health insurance and more. So take advantage and make funding support, do your research and make use of student deals and discounts that you come across to study abroad without breaking the bank.

15. You'll gain a global perspective.

Living in another country gives you access to international media, political systems and world events unfolding in real-time. This immersion broadens your global perspective exponentially. You'll gain deeper insight into other cultures, learn new ways of thinking, and approach issues from refreshed angles. Whether debating policies with locals or seeing societal roles up close, the expanded worldview you develop enhances cognitive skills and abstract thinking abilities, too. An open-minded and wide-lens global perspective is one of the major reasons to study abroad for growth beyond just academics.

16. More exposure to new and exciting foods

One of the tastiest reasons to study abroad is to try exotic cuisines and local delicacies when you live in another country and region. Asian street food, French patisseries or Argentinian steaks - whatever your cravings, studying abroad lets you experience authentic flavours in their origin places instead of just restaurants back home claiming to be the "real thing". You can learn cooking techniques firsthand, visit traditional markets with the freshest ingredients, understand dishes important to cultural or holiday celebrations, and so much more. So find yourself some great student discounts on food and satisfy your appetite for culinary adventure by putting new food exposures high on your list of reasons to study abroad.

17. Add overseas study experience to your CV.

One of the most professional reasons to study abroad is the impressive addition it makes to your resume or CV. Studying overseas shows future recruiters and employers that you are adaptable, independent, have strong communication skills and can thrive in diverse settings. As careers become more globalised, time spent immersed in another country gives your CV the edge, making it a compelling reason to study abroad from an employability standpoint, too!

Studying abroad is an investment that pays dividends across your personal, academic and professional life. The experiences and global perspectives gained are truly priceless. From stepping out of your comfort zone to trying exotic foods to adding standout credentials for job applications, the reasons to study abroad mentioned above highlight the immense value it offers. 

Regardless of the course you want to study, whether it's a short-term study abroad course or a long-term course, if you're still not sure, just think about how much fun you'll have exploring, learning, and making friends from all over the world. And don't forget that studying abroad will also boost your confidence and independence. If you are in search of accommodation while studying abroad, then amber has got you covered in every aspect.