From enhancing your global network to being immersed in a new culture, there are significant benefits of studying abroad for your education, career, and personal life.

Only a minority of UK students get the opportunity to study overseas. In fact,  just 7.4% of undergraduate students study, work or volunteer abroad as part of their degree. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the main advantages of studying abroad as well as share some important information regarding Brexit’s impact on studying in the EU.

Studying Abroad After Brexit

Brexit has had an effect on UK students studying in the EU. To date, students from UK universities could study abroad as part of their degree without the need for a visa or a residency application. However, post-Brexit, things are a bit different.

The impact of Brexit will vary from country to country so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the rules and regulations regarding studying in your chosen EU country. For the latest information, check out gov.uk’s useful tool detailing Brexit’s impact on those studying in every country in the EU.

Why Study Abroad

Now, let’s get down to business. If you are considering studying abroad but haven’t made your mind up yet, take the time to consider the range of benefits this experience could give you. We’ve compiled a list of the advantages that studying abroad has to offer.

See The World

Studying abroad gives you the chance to travel to different countries that you may have never been to. You’ll get to learn about new cultures from the locals, new lifestyles and different outlooks on life. In turn, this will allow you to build new perspectives and develop cross-cultural awareness.

On top of being able to discover everything about the country you’re studying in, you can also travel to neighbouring countries to experience even more. For example, if you’re studying in Germany, you’ve got other countries like France, Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Poland, The Czech Republic, and more right on your doorstep.

Develop Your Language Skills

If you are currently undertaking a language degree, the chances are your university will require you to spend a year of your degree in a country that speaks the language you are studying. But even if you’re not studying a language, you’ll still get the chance to hone your language skills in a foreign country. By immersing yourself in the culture and getting to know the locals, you’ll quickly pick up the language. The ability to communicate in another language is highly sought-after by employers. It also opens many doors for your own personal growth and development.

Experience an Alternative Teaching Style

After going through the UK education system, you’ll have experienced specific styles of teaching and ways of studying. However, when you enter the education system in a foreign country, you may find new styles of teaching that you’ve never experienced. Adapting to different styles of education can help you adjust to different management styles and make you a more versatile employee.

Impress Potential Employers

Studying abroad makes you more employable. Employers consider people who have studied abroad to be more open-minded, resourceful, confident, and have the critical skills needed for employment in today’s workforce. Studies show that studying abroad is linked to increased job offers, improved teamwork skills, and greater development of transferable skills.

Improve Your Confidence

Studying abroad boosts your confidence, benefitting your personal life and career prospects. By jumping in at the deep end and immersing yourself in a new country and culture, you will develop valuable life skills required for personal growth. These include skills like learning to be independent, adapting to new situations, and improving your overall communication skills.

Make Friends

One of the most important benefits of studying overseas is the opportunity to make new friends from different backgrounds and walks of life. By putting yourself out there and possibly overcoming your fears, you’ll hugely enhance your experience abroad. As many other students will be in the same position as you, you’ll have common ground from the offset which will make it easier to strike up a conversation. Living through the shared experience of studying abroad will help create deep bonds that are likely to last a lifetime.

If you are planning to work or study abroad, be sure to browse our Work Abroad series on our blog. You find dedicated guides for working abroad in the USA, Australia, and more.

Key Takeaways

There is a vast array of benefits to studying abroad. Not only is the experience good for your own personal growth and development, but it also makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. You have the opportunity to become a more well-rounded individual with a different perspective on life.

Of course, there are factors to consider such as the cost of studying abroad and where to study. Do your research before making any final decisions.

If you’re still undecided, make sure to check out Developing a Student’s help and advice section. We’ve got dedicated guides on topics like gap years, travelling, volunteering, and much more. If you’re looking for a job, be sure to search our live jobs board for listings in your area.

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