10 Things You Learn When You Study Abroad

Studying abroad is awesome for so many reasons! Whether you would like to study abroad for just a semester on exchange, or you’re thinking about doing your full degree abroad, you will learn so many things! Here are just a few of the reasons why you really shouldn’t miss out on studying outside of your home country!

1. You learn to build new friendships across borders

International friends are the best! You can learn so much from each other and there is literally always a good topic for conversation! Learning more about each other’s culture and habits and all of the differences and similarities is so much fun and helps you to understand others better! Plus, you can incorporate some of those foreign practices or beliefs in your own life!

2. You will learn to live outside of your comfort zone

Living in a different country can be challenging as you run into all these small and big differences. Overcoming these challenges though and simply living with them, will make you more confident and challenged to take on other adventures.

3. You will learn to be more open-minded

Constantly being surrounded by people with different cultures, languages and habits will make you more open-minded towards diversity. It is interesting to explore and appreciate all of the differences between you and the others.

4. You will learn more about a foreign culture

There is no better way to learn about a culture than experiencing it. Living abroad will help you understand and appreciate the country’s culture and the people’s habits and you can choose to incorporate some of those in your daily life.

5. You can learn a new language

Living in a foreign country is the perfect opportunity to improve your language skills or learn a completely new language. You will be surrounded by the country’s language all day, hearing people speak and reading signs. Use this opportunity to get better at this foreign language by taking courses or simply practicing as much as you can and you’ll see a huge improvement soon!

6. You will learn to deal with foreign food

Everything is just a little (or a lot!) different in a foreign country and that includes the food. Doing grocery shopping can be very challenging because of this, as you might not be able to find everything you’re used to seeing in the supermarket. However, you’ll just learn to deal with it and try out lots of new flavors!

7. You will learn to adapt to a different style of teaching and learning

The way of teaching and learning might be very different at a university abroad, than what you’re used to. This new perspective can help you to improve your learning strategy, combining some of the new things you learn there with the things you’re used to in your home country.

8. You will learn to be on your own

While studying abroad you will be away from your family and friends, and even if you make new friends that become your family abroad, you might have to face homesickness or other issues on your own. But being able to be on your own to face challenges and solve small problems is important and will make you feel more confident. You can do this!

9. You will learn more about yourself

You will be challenged when you live abroad and this will help you to learn more about yourself and your responses to certain situations. New, international friends may also help you to discover more about yourself.

10. You will learn more about your own culture and habits

This may sound a little weird, but living abroad and hanging out with people from other countries may actually help you realize that a lot of the things you see as ‘normal’ or that you’re used to are because of where you’re from! This will usually make you appreciate your own country more!

These are just a few of the things you’ll learn when you study abroad! So start packing your bags, get going and enjoy the adventure!