“Studying abroad was an amazing experience that changed my life.”
This is a common quote from students who have studied abroad. The majority of students report that studying overseas has had the following effects:
Increased self-confidence
Increased maturity, both personally and intellectually
Better understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses
Desire to learn more about their own culture
Studying abroad is a challenge. Why?
You will be removed from your comfort zone and placed in a foreign environment
You will be exposed to new traditions and social and academic customs
You may not speak the language
You have to make new friends
Studying abroad is full of ups and downs. If it’s not learning a new culture and language, then it’s making new friends from diverse ethnic and national backgrounds. Learning from these challenging experiences will give you greater self awareness and help you grow.
In the end you, like most students, will return with a new sense of independence and more confidence. That will equip you to face challenges presented by the real world during college and in your professional career.
