Seize your opportunity to see the world

Studying for a degree abroad is not a vacation. It’s hard work. Exams, dissertations, assignments, and networking events – your schedule will be packed. But the free time you do have can be spent exploring in and around your new city and immersing yourself in a different part of the world. Studying abroad doesn’t limit you to one country. Embrace the opportunity to pay a visit to as many countries as you can. Excellent student travel deals and international budget airlines make seeing the world more affordable than you might think. Your school may also have international exchange opportunities that will maximize your international exposure. 

Develop a better understanding of other cultures – and business

American author Mark Twain put it best when he said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” In a world that is more connected than ever, an open-minded appreciation and understanding of other cultures is essential. Not only will living and studying abroad enrich your understanding of different people and customs, you will also gain a broader context for understanding today’s most pressing global issues. From your peers to your professors, learning in an international environment will challenge your assumptions and introduce you to new ways of thinking about the world.

Expand your network – 

Meeting people from around the world is one of the most common reasons for studying abroad. As part of your degree studies, you’ll collaborate with other students from all over the world. You’ll connect with an interesting and diverse new peer group and a professional network that spans the globe. Building a good relationship with your professors is also valuable while abroad. Their expertise, connections, and mentorship can prove a wonderful asset throughout your studies and beyond.

Many students develop close friendships during their time overseas. Today, oceans are no longer barriers to keeping in touch. The friends you meet abroad will become part of your network for life. Along with building rewarding personal friendships, the connections you make are the most valuable asset you can have in your professional life. Wherever your career may take you, having international connections can open the door to unexpected opportunities. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, but who you know.

Gain essential life skills and building resilience

For some students, studying abroad is their first time living away from home. Even for graduate-level students, the experience of adjusting to a new culture and life abroad can be overwhelming. Quickly adapting to your new environment will not just put your problem-solving skills to the test. It will also hone your communication skills, self-reliance, and resilience. Developing these key “survival skills” is one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad. Once the culture shock fades, you’ll be left with a sense of self-confidence and independence. From mundane personal tasks like setting up an international bank account and registering with a doctor, to understanding how negotiation techniques and leadership qualities differ from culture to culture, your daily adventures overseas all contribute to you becoming a more confident and capable person. And these skills will prove immediately applicable in your professional life, regardless of your career path.

Boost your employability

It’s no secret that a study abroad experience is great for graduate employability. From gaining foreign-language fluency or earning a specialized qualification, to developing key “soft skills” like adaptability, communication, and cross-cultural understanding, your time abroad is an excellent opportunity to build your resume. You may also have the chance to gain practical work experience abroad during or after your studies. Depending on your visa status and the country where you’re studying, it may be possible to take a part-time job, do an internship, or even continue your career abroad. Restrictions on student work will vary by country, so it’s worthwhile to do your research before choosing your course abroad. The career advisors at your school will also be a valuable source of information on professional opportunities and other ways to boost your employability after your degree. Whatever your field or career aspirations, international experience will certainly help you to stand out in today’s highly competitive global job market.