Study Abroad: 10 Lifelong Benefits

by Laetitia Fernandez

Photo Credit: hccs.edu

Want to learn French in Paris, or Spanish in Barcelona? Are you wondering if studying abroad is an option for you? Bravo! By studying in a foreign nation, you will be observing, living, and assimilating the culture of that country. You will participate in one of the most enriching experience one may enjoy. Nothing is quite like it: it goes far beyond learning a new language and seeing the world; it is more like the adventure of a lifetime, and an inner journey also, with benefits that last an entire career. Here are 10 reasons why you should put your doubts aside, and pack your bag right now.

Why you should study abroad

1. A once in a lifetime opportunity: "We're only young once." In that short period of time between finishing school and entering the workforce, it might be the only chance one has to leave his country and go on an adventure to discover the world. 
2. See the world: Traveling is not just making pretty pictures and sharing them on social media. It's much more than watching colorful documentaries on Discovery Channel. The reality is: it's a feast for the senses. Not only is it a treat for the eyes, but it combines with a banquet of new tastes, a perfume of foreign fragrances, a jukebox of new sounds, and a network of new connections, all joining together to build you a lifetime of memories. 
3. Discover a new culture: Ever wondered what foreigners think of you country? Ever been curious to find out if your vision of other countries is correct? While living in a host country with a foreign family, you will be totally immersed in the culture and the everyday life of a native, and make huge steps towards embracing a different lifestyle, and understanding your own cultural biases. You will see, do and discover things you never knew existed.
4. Enrich your Education: Along with discovering a new culture, comes the benefit of being exposed to different principles of Education. Concepts of Education also vary immensely from one country to another, and studying in a foreign country will introduce you to a completely different viewpoint.
5. Broaden and refine your language skills: There's definitely no better way to become bilingual than to learn by immersion in a host country. you may even be introduced to more than one language if you are staying in a country that has multiple national languages. Think Switzerland, Belgium or Luxembourg for a multicultural immersion, all in one place!
6. Enjoy new hobbies: During a study abroad program, besides classes and work, much time is spent with classmates and new acquaintances. In a Language Homestay Program especially, your tutor and his family will bring you along on excursions. They may show you the local's favorite hang-outs, take you out for dinner in their preferred restaurant, show you the best shopping places, or introduce you to their exotic hobbies. 
7. Make new BFF's: Recruits connect with new people every day. Foreign scholars often group together to go on escapades across the country. They support each other and share their good and bad times, as well as their exploits. Students will knot particularly close ties with their roommates, which are likely to become new Best Friends Forever, or like a second family away from home.
8. Personal development:  As the French saying goes "Les voyages forment la jeunesse" ("Travel broadens the mind"). Traveling and moving abroad forges character. It is an inner journey that turns teenagers into more independent, sophisticated and well-rounded adults. Living abroad teaches students to become more tolerant, open-minded and adaptable. While studying abroad, students generally grow in confidence, maturity, resilience, and interpersonal communication skills.
9. Entering Graduate School: By studying abroad, students demonstrate their engagement in their own education. They prove they can face difficulties and surmount challenges. Finally, by taking his education into his own hands, the student exhibits signs of autonomy and leadership that university recruiters will surely recognize and appreciate. 
10. Career Impact: In an ever growing global market, employers are looking for talents with an expertise in interpersonal communication, with cross-cultural and international skills, which are trademarks of study abroad students. A survey from the IES (Institute for the International Education of Students) also demonstrates that a majority of study abroad students later found work faster and got paid more when entering the workplace.  

Photo Credit: nova.edu

How to choose a location

You could just choose a location for its weather or the language you want to learn, but you also should market your skills by picking a place recognized as a global hub in your field. For example, students should choose Washington and Brussels if they study politics, or New York, Hong Kong and London for a career in Finance. Germany would be the location of choice for students in the field of Technology. Find out which school has the most modern science equipment, the best reputation, or the most advanced research, in order to get the most of your Study Abroad Program.

Eurolingua One-to-One Language Homestay Program 

Wherever you want to go, you can find a program fitted to your needs with the Eurolingua Institute. Grab your backpack and go travel across Europe to learn French, Dutch, English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. 

What does this program offer? 

• Total linguistic and cultural immersion, 
• Learn with an experienced and qualified native speaker, 
• Individual tuition, structured in 15, 20 or 25 hours per week, and planned to fit your schedule (daytime, evenings, weekends),
• Learn at your own pace, with your style of learning, 
• Practice through informal conversation with the host family, friends, neighbours, and professional colleagues etc., 
• Visit the local community (shopping, post office, bank, bakery, etc.), 
• Cultural activities such as theatre, cinema, sports events, fiestas, or parades,
• Social activities with your new friends, your hosts and their connections,
• Touristic activities such as visiting castles, ruins, lakes, coastline, rivers etc. (client pays their own entrance fees where applicable).

So don't wait another minute, and contact the Eurolingua Institute to plan your next study abroad adventure. For more information, follow @eurolingua on Twitter and Facebook.

References:

Survey for the International Education of Students, extracted from Transitionabroad.com at http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0403/benefits_study_abroad.shtml
10 benefits to studying abroad, extracted from http://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/guide/ten-benefits-to-studying-abroad/
Benefits of studying abroad, extracted from ​http://www.studyabroad.com/articles/why-should-i-study-abroad.aspx
Studying abroad: the benefits, extracted from http://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/studying-abroad/studying-abroad-benefits