Top 8 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Your time at university will undoubtedly be some of the best years of your life but what would you say if we told you there’s a way to make it even better. Don’t believe us? Read on to see why studying abroad could be one of the best decisions you make at uni.

1. You’ll learn a new language

If you aren’t already studying a language then this is the perfect opportunity to learn one. Immersing yourself in a country and speaking the language every day is the best way to pick it up as quickly and painlessly as possible. It’s still going to be tough but native speakers will always be the best teachers you can find.

2. You could save money

Tuition fees are now prohibitively high in the UK, so it’s unsurprising that there has been a massive rise in students heading further afield to find cheaper fees and better experiences. The Netherlands was a popular place to study abroad in 2012 thanks to the €1,771 yearly tuition fee and the huge range of courses available. It also helps that virtually everyone speaks English so you can be gently introduced to the new language.

Hands up if your usual uni routine goes something along the lines of: wake up around midday – go to uni – have dinner – watch TV – nap – pre-drinks – big night out – kebab – home – repeat. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with this routine but there is so much more out there to experience. There are so many new places to see, new people to meet, new foods to sample and then there’s all the local drinks to try. While living abroad, virtually every day becomes a new experience.

3. Learn about a new culture

What better way to learn about a new culture than by living it? When you’re completely immersed in a culture, you see so much more in comparison to visiting a new place on holiday. Learning all about a new culture can also teach us so much more about our own culture when you have the experience to compare the two.

4. Life skills away from the classroom

There are some things you can’t learn in the classroom, like how to get a taxi home when no one speaks the same language as you, how to deal with culture shock and get along with people who have had a completely different upbringing to yourself. You’ll also find yourself becoming more independent and feeling like you can accomplish anything; if you can survive a year studying abroad you can survive anything, right?

5. Experience a new education system

Let’s face it, the actual studying part of uni can be pretty dull so mixing things up in a new country can reignite your passion for your chosen subject and help you to learn in new ways.

6. Enhance your CV

Having that something extra on your CV is absolutely vital to make sure you stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for a job. Having a second language and spending time studying abroad can give you the boost you need to land your dream job

7. International friendships

Having friends all over the world is great for so many reasons. Do you want some insider tips on where to go in France? Looking for a sofa to sleep on for a few nights in Barcelona? Need a Dutch speaking friend to get you out of a tricky situation? Having an international friendship group generally makes life more interesting and it means you get to play tour guide when they come to stay with you in your home country.

8. You get to travel

Of course, we’ve left the best and most obvious reason to study abroad until last; you get to travel! Forget spending the weekend slumped on the sofa watching TV and think about exploring some off the beaten track destinations in and around your chosen country.