6 Essential Things to Consider When Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences a college student can have. Abroad study enables the student to truly become immersed in a culture. Whether you want to visit South Korea in order to learn their language and learn more about their culture or you’re interested in studying in Mexico in order to become fluent in Spanish, studying abroad opens a huge range of possibilities when it comes to your education and your future career.

Many students also attest to having an edge in the job market having studied abroad, specially if one learns a different language. Experience of being with different people from all walks of life makes one a well-rounded person, easy to adapt, and open-minded.

Range of Studying Abroad

One thing that’s important to consider is that regardless of your major, you can study abroad. Most students choose to study abroad for a set period of time, such as two months, one semester, or an entire year. The amount of time you choose to dedicate to studying abroad depends on your current financial situation, your personal responsibilities, and whether or not you have a family. After all, heading overseas when you have kids can be a challenge.

Look into scholarships offered by Universities abroad. This will lessen your load when it comes to school fees, accommodation rent, and other expenses.

Which Country

When you decide to take the leap and go overseas, you’ll need to choose where exactly you want to study. Consider your major and what areas have a strong university with classes in your field. For example, if you want to study law, you may find that learning about legal issues in Australia is a beneficial choice. You can study Statutory Interpretation in Australia or even work on your law degree while overseas.

Each University offer students a range of degree programs, but most have specialties. You have to do a little research to pinpoint where or which institution would best fit your career goals.

Safety

There is risk and the thoughts of being unsafe when visiting any country. It is best to research on how a particular city you choose implement women’s safety, as well as overall safety of students – for all genders. Read on student experiences within the campus to have an idea of school security.

When you’re finally at the uni, register with the city department, list emergency contact numbers, and be extra watchful of your surroundings.

Language

Learning the language of the country you choose is a big step to being safe and having a sense of security. You become a less obvious target of crime. It is also a way to show respect to the locals, so that they would understand you better when communicating.

Accommodation

Student housing is usually offered when you apply through scholarship programs and is relatively cheaper. However, you can also search for your own place if you have the means. Nowadays, there are many options for accommodation when staying longer in a city or commune.

Make Friends

When you do go overseas, make sure you actually get involved in the local community and the people around you. Avoid the temptation to stick in a group with your friends. After all, the value of being overseas is that you can talk to native speakers of the language you’re learning and truly get absorbed in the culture and the community.

Consider joining a club, or even an activities group, or join school trips. It might need additional expenses but the memories and experiences you gain, along with friends would be worth it.

If you go to Taiwan, there are plenty of places to go hiking and exploring. Consider joining a hiking group that goes on regular activities. Visiting Japan? Why not join a tea drinking group? You’ll be able to explore and try a variety of different tasty treats while simultaneously learning about the culture and expanding your personal horizons.

Different countries, different cities, different culture, being a student abroad will make you see the world from what you know and give you modesty as Flaubert puts it “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.“

While the main goal of studying abroad is to learn, living and travelling abroad will give you a lot more. As Mark Twain puts it, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.“