Studying abroad is a bold and life changing decision. For most students the appeal is likely to be a combination of gaining a high-quality education, experiencing immersion in a new culture, gaining a global mindset and expanding future employment prospects. This also opens doors to naturalisation opportunities, enhancing your global network and more!
Here are nine coveted reasons to study abroad!
1. See the world
One of the best if not the biggest reason you should consider studying abroad is the opportunity to see the world. By studying abroad, you will experience a new destination with incredible outlooks, customs and the opportunity to see new terrains, culture, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your host country.
In addition, when you’re abroad, you won’t be limited to traveling in just the nation in which you are studying – you can see neighbouring countries as well! For example, if you study in France, you’ll have the option to travel through various parts of Europe including Germany, Denmark and over 20 countries more!
2. Education
Another reason you might consider studying abroad is for the chance to study a discipline that you may not have been exposed to at home. Some persons wish to study certain courses but these courses may not be offered in the resident countries. Abroad study is the solution to such challenge.
3. Experiencing A Different Style Of Teaching
Each country has its own unique style of teaching. Studying abroad can help you expand your academic horizon and develop the capacity to adapt to various educational settings.
Adapting to different styles of teaching can also help you adjust to different management styles, making you more versatile in the workplace. Teaching styles, you may encounter abroad include:
- Authority Style: A teacher-centred style where a professor is the authority figure and frequently gives long lectures or one-way presentations. There is a focus on set rules and expectations, and students typically take notes to retain information.
- Facilitator Style: Professors promote self-learning by emphasizing the teacher-student relationship. They help students develop critical thinking skills by teaching them how to ask questions and find solutions through exploration.
- Delegator Style: Professors assign lab activities and give students in-class projects to help them stay engaged. This is a guided learning style that places the teacher in an observer role while helping students remain active participants in their learning.
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4. Take In A New Culture And Perspective
You will have the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life and expand your worldview. By studying abroad, you’ll learn about new viewpoints and develop cross-cultural awareness. For example, you may work with people from other countries in your next job. By studying abroad, you’ll be more comfortable with people from different backgrounds, value their unique cultural perspectives, and establish a stronger relationship with them.
Oftentimes, our cultural background has an enormous impact on how we react to different situations. Acquiring a variety of perspectives can help you look at experiences in an entirely new way. By studying abroad, you’ll meet people with different upbringings, helping you widen your horizons and broaden your mind.
In addition, the best way to experience another culture is to immerse yourself in it, and the ideal way to do that is by living in another country. You will find that you have a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history.
5. Hone Your Language Skills
By studying abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your language skills. While studying a language in class is rewarding, applying it to the real world is an entirely different experience. Developing your language skills can have a positive impact on your career, as well fluency in a second language is often helpful (if not required) when working at organizations with a multinational or global presence.
6. Discover Career Opportunities
Studying in a new country exposes you to increased career opportunities, depending on your field of study. If you’re interested in finance, for example, consider studying in a region such as London or Hong Kong—two cities well known for business. If you’re interested in tech, then look into Berlin or Tel Aviv. Most institutions allows students to work with established multinational companies on a real global issue that they are facing; hence providing unique opportunity for employment and collaboration.
Oftentimes, organizations hiring international employees want to see evidence that candidates can thrive in a global environment. Abroad study gives you the chance to showcase key skills and relevant experience on your resumé, like cross-cultural communication and an understanding of international policy.
7. Enhance Your Network
Studying abroad helps you build invaluable relationships with people from all over the world. You expand your international connections while having the opportunity to meet people that could turn into life-long friends. Some connections can even lead to career opportunities, including internships, job offers, and business partners.
You might find that you have an as-yet undiscovered talent for hiking, water sports, snow skiing, golf, or various other new sports you may never have tried back home.
8. Personal Development
Studying abroad can be overwhelming, but the challenges you overcome can help you become a more mature person. You’ll find out that you can often thrive in new, unexpected circumstances, and you’ll boost your communication skills by speaking a new language—helping you further improve your self-confidence.
Quickly adapting to your new environment will hone your self-reliance and resilience. From small tasks, like going to the doctor, to larger issues, like learning how to negotiate with a professor or adapt to a different culture’s management styles, your daily life can help you become a more capable person.
Studying abroad can also help you gain more confidence by improving certain skills that help you connect with others, such as:
- Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills are important in almost any environment. Knowing how to lead and inspire the people around you can help you establish stronger relationships, whether you’re working on a class project with a group of international students or completing an internship abroad.
- Communication Skills: Strong written, public speaking, and negotiation skills are important to communicating effectively, particularly in an unfamiliar environment like a new country.
- Cross-Cultural Awareness: Our experiences, values, and cultural backgrounds guide our viewpoints and actions. Studying abroad reminds you to be cognizant of others’ perspectives. Remember that what is considered appropriate in one culture can be inappropriate in another.
9. Impress Employers
Studying abroad can help launch your career and make you more competitive in the workforce. It gives you the opportunity to show future and current employers that you have the open mind, resourcefulness and drive needed to adapt to a different environment.
Check out our Education & Study Programmes here!For consultations, new visa applications and renewals contact us at info@afaritravels.com or call +234 906 307 0000. Drop your comment or questions in the comment section below.
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