7 Reasons Studying Abroad Will Change Your Life

Studying abroad could be one of the best and most memorable experiences of your life!

The idea of leaving your family, friends and home behind to study in a new country may seem daunting. You might be wondering how studying far away could possibly be beneficial. These are completely rational thoughts one may have when considering an opportunity to study abroad. But we're here to tell you that that it could be one of the best and most memorable experiences of your life.

Studying abroad can...

1. 1. Help you escape your comfort zone
   We've all heard that Neale Donald Walsch quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." As cheesy as it sounds, this statement could not be more true. Learning and growing as a person takes place when you engage in new experiences. It can be daunting to take the first step out of your comfort zone, but every experience you face from that point on is an amazing opportunity for you to grow.
2. 2. Provide opportunities for continuous learning
   Aside from your studies, living abroad will provide you with countless opportunities to learn. By just living in a new place, you are constantly learning, whether it's adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, experiencing a different way of living or interacting with people much different than yourself. You'll also, of course, have the opportunity to learn about your chosen subjects with a different perspective, and a new light!
3. 3. Be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
   Unfortunately, in life, nothing is guaranteed. The opportunity to take a large chunk of time to travel, study and explore abroad won't be guaranteed to you in the future. If you have the chance to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity now, take it. You may not get the chance later in life once you're burdened with commitments and responsibilities.
4. 4. Add spontaneity and adventure to your life
   When living abroad, you have the ability to live freely and take things day-by-day; something you often don't have the ability to do at home. The beauty of studying abroad is that you have the freedom to do you, whatever that is. Why not travel during your spare time? Doing this over weekends and breaks ensures that you get to explore your newly-adopted part of the world!
5. 5. Help you discover your self-worth and independence
   Learning how to put yourself first and discovering your self-worth is an important (if not the most important) lesson you will take away from your time abroad. By going abroad solo, you are forced to put your needs first and have to do so without relying on others. Traveling alone will provide you with the opportunity to continuously get in touch with yourself and how you are feeling, and by doing so, you will make decisions that most benefit you.
6. 6. Allow you to meet new people and make lifelong friends
   When traveling to a new place, especially alone, you are forced to meet many new people and make new friends, regardless of your personality type. Ask anyone who has ever gone abroad what one of the biggest impacts of their trip was on them, and their answer will be embracing the perspectives of the people they met along the way.
7. 7. Give you the ability to self-reflect and forward think
   Taking a step back is always a useful problem solving tool. Take, for instance, when you're stuck writing an essay. Stepping away and identifying the bigger picture is always helpful in removing a mental block. It's the same as with your life; going abroad gives you the chance to step back and gain a better perspective. Looking at the bigger picture will help you narrow down what you're trying to achieve.

Studying abroad isn't just a matter of going to school in a different country, it's an opportunity for growth and unforgettable memories. Going abroad to study will change you for the better by altering your perspective, engaging you in new experiences and ingraining in you a sense of wonder and worldliness that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Interested in studying abroad? Check out some of our resources!