While there are many advantages to studying close to home, such as proximity to family and the chance to save money on accommodation and commutes, there are also a large number of benefits to recommend studying elsewhere. From learning a new language to immersing yourself in a different culture, attending university abroad can provide opportunities and experiences perfect for convincing potential employers that you’re a great candidate.
Studying aboard may sound like a daunting process, especially if you haven’t travelled much in the past, but while it’s bound to be a big change but it needn’t be a difficult one. For a start, most colleges and universities welcome international students and have special support services set up to help them find their feet when they arrive.
On the other hand, if you’d like to garner some of the experience that studying abroad can bring without committing to an entire course of study, you can look into an exchange programme. Lots of universities team up with other establishments across the world so that they can offer mutually beneficial exchange programs typically lasting anything from a term to one academic year. This is great opportunity to see how you enjoy living and learning in a new country for a shorter time.
From help finding accommodation to introductions to social clubs or the provision of access to language classes to help you perfect the tongue of your chosen destination, student support services generally prove invaluable to travelling students. Advice can range from the best place to enjoy a cheap night put or the smartest way to make cheap calls to Canada, France, Scotland or wherever your family stays.
These support groups are great for helping you make friends and putting you in touch with other people who have decided to study abroad. This means that together you can make the most of your time in a different country and learn invaluable skills for the future.
While many people find that they miss their family and old friends a lot when they decide to move to a new country, the benefits of studying abroad can well outweigh this unfortunate fact. What’s more, in the digital age it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with the loved ones you’ve left behind and in a new country you’ll find yourself free to apply yourself to making new connections and studying hard so that when the time comes to look back on your years at university, you can say that you made the most of every opportunity offered to you.