Studying abroad can be both an exciting and daunting adventure. If you’re still hesitating to take the plunge, here are five reasons that will convince you to discover a new country.
First of all, let’s see together how to prepare well before departure:
Indeed, good preparation beforehand will make your life easier upon arrival. First, learning the basics of the local language is recommended because being able to communicate with locals will only be beneficial and much less stressful (we’ll come back to this point later).
To do this, many options are available. But if you’re looking for something as fun as it is effective, trusting a method like Babbel’s is a very good option. Their program dedicated to students is suitable for all levels and the time one can devote to it.
Moreover, Babbel has currently launched a referral program for students, which might be worth exploring further. To approach this departure calmly, it is also advised to find out about the necessary formalities to enter and stay in the country. Of course, your student status opens doors more easily, but administrative procedures are inevitable!
Also budget for the duration of your stay, extras, accommodation, groceries, etc. Speaking of which, housing will also be important to consider, so inquire about the cost of apartments or rooms, neighborhoods, and whether they are already furnished or not. Subscribing to health insurance is also strongly recommended—though we hope you won’t need it—it’s better to be covered considering the sometimes costly hospitalization or medical care fees in some countries.
Let’s move on to the main topic of the article, namely the five good reasons to study abroad:
-1) Learn a foreign language
First of all, studying abroad is the best way to learn a language; indeed, it’s often the primary goal of such stays, regardless of their duration. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with natives and practice this new language continuously in your daily life, both in class and outside. This will help you gain fluency, improve your accent, and enrich your vocabulary. Thus, by pursuing your university studies in another language, you’ll possess more technical vocabulary specific to your field, enough to impress your future recruiters. If you want to become completely bilingual, a one-year stay is required. To achieve a good command of the language, a three-month stay should suffice, provided you’ve learned at least some basics before your departure, as mentioned above.
-2) Make new friends from all walks of life
This stay in another country is also the perfect time to make new friends. You’ll have the chance to meet native students from the country or other foreign students, just like you, from different countries. Thanks to these new friends, you’ll be able to discover your host country differently; they’ll show you all their favorite spots, better than a tourist visit! You’ll also have the opportunity to return to this country after your studies to see them again or visit your foreign student friends in their respective countries.
-3) Discover a new culture
This stay abroad will allow you to discover a new culture, different from your own. Indeed, every country has its own traditions and customs. You’ll have the chance to live in a way that’s different from what you’re used to. This journey will allow you to step out of your comfort zone, gain open-mindedness, and realize that there are many ways of living and thinking.
-4) Become more independent
Going to study abroad on your own and leaving your family and friends will help you become more independent. Indeed, if you’re still living with your parents, you’ll have to learn to fend for yourself. You’ll also need to learn to find your way around an unfamiliar place and make yourself understood using a language you don’t fully master yet. Don’t panic! You’ll grow from this experience, and by the end, you’ll be able to handle any situation.
-5) Enhance your CV
This stay abroad will allow you to enhance your CV. Indeed, today, with globalization, foreign training is a big plus for recruiters. It obviously highlights your proficiency in a foreign language but also demonstrates your adaptability and intellectual curiosity.
