Why Go Abroad for College?
Imagine waking up to a hot cup of British tea with milk surrounded by puddles and sandstone buildings in London, or perhaps enjoying a breakfast of hagelslag—soft bread with butter and chocolate sprinkles—on your way to class in Amsterdam. Whether you're strolling through the storied walls of an ancient university or exploring the bustling streets of a new city, studying abroad can open up a world of experiences. Here's why attending college overseas can be one of the most enriching choices you can make.
1. Expand Your Community and Build Lifelong Connections.
One of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. By stepping outside your local community, you instantly begin to build a global network. College is already a place for forging friendships, but when you're abroad, the friendships you form can be even deeper and more unexpected. Being immersed in a new culture often opens you up to connecting with people you may not have crossed paths with back home.
As someone who has lived abroad for many years, I can confidently say that the bonds I've formed while studying overseas are among the most meaningful relationships in my life. We've bonded over shared experiences—discussions about professors, new foods, and even flamenco dancing. These friendships, born from the unique environment of studying abroad, are connections that will last a lifetime.
2. Gain a Global Perspective.
Attending college abroad is a transformative experience that extends far beyond the classroom. You'll live in a new country, surrounded by people with different backgrounds and viewpoints. This exposure broadens your perspective, helping you understand complex global issues from various angles. Meeting people from diverse foundations, cultures, and values allows you to form new connections to your existing knowledge.
Interacting with individuals from different countries is invaluable in today's interconnected world. By navigating cultural differences and learning from those with different upbringings, you'll cultivate empathy and become a more compassionate, dynamic global citizen.
3. Experience a Different Approach to Education.
There's no single way to study or approach academics, and studying abroad is a chance to explore alternative educational systems. Whether it's discovering new ways of writing a research paper, participating in unique philosophical discussions, or adapting to different grading systems, studying abroad exposes you to an array of learning methods.
Many universities abroad offer world-class faculty and specialized programs that may not be available in the United States. Whether studying art history in Florence or political science in Paris, you'll have access to academic experiences that deepen your knowledge in ways you may not have imagined.
4. Build Confidence and Resilience.
Studying abroad challenges you in ways you may not expect. From adapting to a new culture to navigating a foreign currency, there are constant opportunities to build personal resilience and independence. Being away from your familiar support system—friends, family, and home—encourages you to rely on your own resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities.
Every challenge you face abroad, big or small, is an opportunity for personal growth. These experiences will help you build confidence as a young adult and instill a sense of adaptability that will serve you well in both your personal and professional life.
5. Improve Your Language Skills.
If you've ever wanted to learn a new language, studying abroad is one of the most effective ways to immerse yourself. Depending on where you choose to study, you'll have the chance to practice your language skills daily, whether in the classroom, at a local café, or while chatting with new friends.
Immersion is arguably the best way to learn a language, and living in a foreign country accelerates your fluency in ways that textbooks and language apps can't match. Whether it's ordering food in a local restaurant or getting to know someone in their native language, the experience of speaking a foreign language will enrich your time abroad and become an essential skill in your future career.
6. Travel More Than You Ever Thought Possible.
One of the greatest perks of studying abroad is the opportunity to travel. Living in a new country often places you closer to destinations you might not have otherwise considered. Whether you are studying abroad in Australia and able to visit Southeast Asia, or going to school in the UK, you'll be in a different time zone with a different airport hub. When I lived in Madrid, Spain, I made it a point to travel during weekends and breaks. I visited over 25 countries, exploring everything from the romantic gardens of Florence to the wintery castles of Slovenia and the snowy slopes of Switzerland.
Attending college abroad allows you to travel throughout your host country and neighboring regions, soaking up diverse cultures, cuisines, and histories. With weekends and holiday breaks at your disposal, the world becomes your classroom.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is not just about earning a degree—it's about expanding your horizons, discovering new passions, and transforming into a more rounded, worldly individual. From forging lifelong friendships to gaining a global perspective, experiencing different educational styles, and building resilience, the benefits of studying abroad are undeniable. If you have the chance, embrace it. The world is waiting for you, and there's no better time to start exploring it than during your college years.
Liz Suh is an educational consultant passionate about international education. She began her education journey as a teacher in Madrid, Spain. After completing her Master’s in Education abroad at the Universidad de Alcala, Liz moved back to the US and began college counseling for clients in the Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle area. She has been to over 25 different countries, and continues to write, teach, and learn as a global citizen.
