In an increasingly globalized world, study abroad courses have become a trend. But is it simply a trend? Or does anyone gain benefits from study abroad courses over studying at home?
If you’re considering studying abroad in graduate school, here are seven ways it can benefit your education and career.
- It’s a lifetime experience
Since childhood, I have always dreamt of seeing the whole world. If you too have ever then planning to study abroad is the first step towards your achievement. Take the opportunity to travel the world and experience all things, unlike others. Seeing the world with the eyes of a student is completely different than a tourist. You can learn about new cultures, visit nearby cities or countries, sightseeing in your new city, and can get to know your territory more intimately than if you just visit for a shorter time. With international budget airlines and travel deals, exploring the world is becoming more affordable. Also, your new-found connections can show you areas that tourists otherwise wouldn’t experience.
- Makes you courageous
There is nothing more courageous than being on your own and step out in a country full of new faces. You’ll feel more free, independent, and resourceful about yourself. study abroad courses in a new country will make you more flexible towards new surroundings, new people, and of course to new cultures. This is one of the most enriching or life exchanging experiences you gain from study abroad courses. You can discover the real you, your capabilities, your strengths, and weakness, and it also tests your abilities to adapt to changes. Although you always have the support of your university and forging new friendships, being far from home helps to develop qualities for your good jobs.
- Different style of teaching
The main reason for overseas education is to be part of the great universities. These foreign universities are recognized globally for their teaching styles and high employment rate. From effective classrooms and labs to innovative faculties and great alumni networks – all foreign universities are excellent. Each country has its own unique teaching pattern. Adapting to different styles of teaching can also help you to adjust to different management styles. Teaching styles you may encounter abroad include:
- Authority style, where a professor is the authority figure and gives one-way long lectures or presentations.
- The facilitator style promotes self-learning by focusing on building student-professor relationships.
- Delegator style refers to assigning lab activities and in-class projects to engage students at work.
- Learn about new Culture and polish your Language skills
study abroad courses will give you better opportunities to understand and appreciate people’s cultures and history. When you’ll arrive at your host your country you’ll be are fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives, you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres. Or have you ever studied any foreign language in your school? If yes, then this is the best time to hone your foreign language skills. Learning in a classroom is entirely different than applying it to the real world. In foreign, you’ll learn the language fast because here you can be able to pick up a conversation, which will enable you to speak like a local. Also, fluency in a second language can be very helpful when working with multinational or global presence organizations.
- Impress employers
Studying abroad is a very effective manner to prepare you for the international job market. A period spent studying abroad, adapting to new surroundings, unfamiliar cultures, and a new language – are some qualities which impress your bosses. According to a recent survey, 64% of employers consider study abroad courses experience to be an important part of the CV and 92% of the employers look for people with transferable skills such as flexibility, problem-solving, communication, etc. You’ll definitely have a higher chance of the workplace than those who don’t have any experience of study abroad courses
- Build a global network
study abroad courses – especially at a university with a diverse student population will help you to build your network as wide and varied. You’ll graduate with a range of networks from around the world which will be very useful to you throughout your career and social opportunities. You can turn your relationships into lifelong friends or some even lead to career opportunities, including internships, job offers, and business partners. Not only this, but these universities also have good contacts with industry and organize various events so that the students can connect with some leading people. Doing so is a unique opportunity to build relationships and expand your global networks.
- It can transform your life
Last but not the least, study abroad courses can totally change your life upside down. From seeing the world and making new friends to developing a global perspective and teach about new cultures to boost your confidence – studying abroad offers you a full package to make your life. Staying for 3-4 years of a university full course allows you to observe a new culture and integrate with your surroundings. Many students even end up making their study destination a permanent home for living. These are just a few simple reasons for what one gains after studying abroad. It’s worth researching just how much international study experience is valued in your chosen field and where the best courses in your chosen subject are taught.