Benefits of Studying Abroad

What are the advantages of studying abroad?

Studying abroad provides a transformative experience that impacts not just your academic learning but also your personal and professional growth. It has long been a coveted experience for enhancing education, broadening perspective, and improving access to career advancement opportunities. 

Research has consistently shown that study abroad participants often see marked improvements in their academic performance and graduation timeline thanks to a more diverse educational system.

Studying abroad has also been shown to equip students with a broader skill set, including adaptability, networking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued in the job market, giving international students and graduates a competitive edge.

We’ll look at some of the benefits of studying abroad in detail in the next sections.

Academic Impact of Studying Abroad

Participating in study abroad programs is one of the most beneficial experiences for any student. It profoundly impacts your education and overall academic experience in several ways. Here are some of the educational benefits of studying abroad.

Exposes You to Different Education Styles

Studying abroad immerses you in educational systems different from those of your home country. It expands your academic horizon, enabling you to learn your major or other topics of interest from different perspectives. It exposes you to a variety of educational settings with diverse teaching methods, thereby improving your adaptability to new learning styles.

Learn a New Language

Schooling abroad provides an opportunity to learn a new language. While you can always learn a foreign language in a classroom setting or online, studying abroad immerses you in the environment where the language is primarily spoken. This enables you to practice consistently, learn the language nuances, and speed up the learning process.

Even if your course of study is being taught in English (if you’re from an English-speaking country), you’ll need the local language to navigate everyday living. You can take a language class and practice with the locals as you go about your daily activities.

Boosts Graduate School Applications

Graduate schools seek students who can demonstrate a high level of independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural awareness, and bring a global perspective to the classroom. Hence, an abroad study experience impresses graduate school admission boards, as it highlights your adaptability, ability to tackle academic challenges, and exposure to varied learning settings. 

Career and Professional Reasons to Study Abroad

Studying abroad offers several career and professional benefits. 

Develop Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

Studying abroad immerses you in new cultures and helps you build cross-cultural awareness and communication skills. Your exposure to international culture and diverse worldviews enhances your flexibility, curiosity, self-awareness, and independent thinking. And all of these qualities are highly valuable in navigating professional settings.

Hone Transferable Skills

Abroad study enables you to hone various soft skills like resilience, independence, adaptability, problem-solving, flexibility, communication, and language skills, among many others. These skills are transferable to the work environment and are invaluable to your career growth.

Boosts Resume and Improves Employability

Studying abroad gives you a more competitive advantage in the workforce. Beyond your formal education, participating in an internship or volunteering with international organisations is also a major resume boost.

Employers value international experience, and most say it’s a significant consideration when assessing resumes. Candidates who studied abroad are believed to have acquired the necessary skills and the drive required for thriving in diverse work environments and can contribute more to the growth of an organisation. 

Exposes You to New Career Opportunities

Moving abroad for studies exposes you to international career opportunities that may not have otherwise been available to you. It also increases your chances of landing a job should you decide to remain in your host country or region. To maximise this advantage, select an international study program in a country or city with a high demand for professionals in your field.

For example, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in tech or engineering, you should consider studying in Germany, as there is a high demand for these roles there.

Personal Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad offers numerous benefits beyond the classroom. It has several positive impacts on your personal life.

Allows You to See the World

Studying abroad grants most international students the opportunity to travel and see places that they may have otherwise been unable to visit. You can explore both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations in your country of study, try new sports and fun activities, and explore new dishes and cultural events. You may even get the opportunity to explore neighbouring regions.

For example, if you’re studying in the UK on a student visa, you may be able to make short visits to Ireland because of the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. If you’re studying in one of the countries in the Schengen Area, you are allowed to make short trips to other Schengen countries. Some International student programs even provide opportunities for cultural and research exchange within the region. 

Expands Your World View

Adapting to a new culture can be challenging at first, but it is ultimately rewarding. Interacting with new cultures expands your worldview and broadens your perspective. You’ll gain cross-cultural awareness and learn to reconcile cultural differences and work with people from different backgrounds.

Studying abroad exposes you to cultural diversity and helps you gain newer perspectives for assessing experiences and events. And this is a valuable skill in fostering both personal and professional relationships.

Fosters Independence and Boosts Confidence

Studying abroad helps you develop a stronger sense of independence. While navigating daily tasks and responsibilities in a new country without support from family and friends can be challenging, overcoming these challenges helps you develop self-sufficiency. It’ll also help you build resilience and problem-solving skills. These will, in turn, boost your self-confidence. 

Enhances Your Network

Schooling abroad gives you the opportunity to engage with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds. You’ll participate in research projects with people from all over the world, and some of these collaborations will translate to lifelong friendships. Some of the connections you make will open you to opportunities for career advancement in the future.

How to Prepare for Studying Abroad

Moving abroad for study is a significant step that requires careful planning, especially if you’re going for a full degree program or other long-term courses. The process involves completing numerous applications and paperwork, and you’ll need time to put them together. So, it’s crucial to start preparing early once you’ve decided you want to study abroad.

Here are some key steps in preparing for studying abroad.

1. Research Potential Universities and Programs: The first step in planning for your studies abroad is to research potential colleges, universities, or programs. You can research schools that offer your preferred program across different countries. Or you could explore university options in your dream country. Attend study abroad information sessions and university fairs, and also consult with your academic advisors for guidance.
2. Explore Scholarship and Funding Options: Funding your studies abroad out-of-pocket can be quite expensive,  and you’ll likely be ineligible for subsidised fees as an international student. However, most higher education institutes run scholarship programs that provide grants and loans to qualifying students. International students in the EU can access funding through programs such as Erasmus+, Germany’s DAAD, and Netherlands’ NL Scholarship. The UK also has large scholarship programs, including Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, GREAT Scholarship, and numerous university or demographic-specific scholarships.
3. Secure an Admission: Once you’ve done your research and decided on a school/program, the next step is to apply for admission. You must ensure you meet all stated criteria and get your transcripts, certificates, language test results (if required), and other relevant documents ready before starting the application. Starting the application process early is essential to ensure you complete the visa process before the commencement of your course.
4. Research Entry Requirements: You’ll most likely require a visa for long-term study abroad. Check the entry requirements and start gathering the documents you’ll need to prove your eligibility early. In most countries, you’ll need to submit proof of admission and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. 
5. Plan Your Finances: You must prove that you have enough money to sponsor your studies to qualify for a study visa. You’ll be required to submit bank statements showing that you have the amount required to cover your fees and living expenses. Your scholarship may cover most of these, depending on whether you got a full or partial scholarship. This does not include the money you’ll need to cover visa application costs
6. Secure a Study Visa: Apply for a study visa at your host country’s embassy or consulate in your home country. Ideally, you should submit your student visa application at least 3 months before the scheduled resumption date to create enough buffer for possible delays.
7. Travel to Commence Your Studies: Once you’ve secured your student visa, you can travel to the country to start your studies. Many countries allow you to travel there up to two weeks before the start of your program to give you time to unpack and settle into your new environment before classes commence.

Studying in the UK as an International Student

Overseas nationals who do not have UK or Irish residency but want to study in the UK must obtain a Student visa. There are two main types of student visas, depending on the duration of your study program.

• Short-term Study visa: For 6-month courses or English language courses that run for up to 11 months.
• Student visa: For long-term studies in a British higher education institute.

To apply for a UK student visa, you must first receive an unconditional offer of admission from a UK university with a valid sponsor licence. Once you accept the admission, you’ll be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) number with which you’ll apply for a student visa. However, an admission does not automatically guarantee visa approval.

As part of your student visa application, you’ll also be required to provide proof of funds for school fees and living expenses and evidence of English language proficiency. You may also be required to attend a visa interview and submit your biometric information. 

A UK student visa costs £524. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. You’re also required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. 

Your student visa will typically be valid for the duration of your studies, after which you must leave the UK or switch to a work visa route if you’re able to secure a job.

Tips For Making The Most Out Of A Study Abroad Experience

Here are some tips for enhancing and maximising your study abroad experience:

• Start learning the local language before you travel, even if it’s not a requirement for obtaining a visa. This will help you blend in more easily with the locals upon arrival. There are several language-learning platforms you can use to learn at your own pace.
• Join a community. You’ll find lots of communities for international students on most university campuses. Join one that suits your academic, social, and career goals. Being part of a community provides the support you need to navigate your new environment.
• Look out for volunteering and internship opportunities on and off campus. Volunteering or doing an internship adds international experience to your resume and boosts your career prospects. 
• Intentionally build your network. Do not limit your interactions to your classmates or people with similar backgrounds to yours. Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds will open you to new perspectives and opportunities.
• Explore your host country and neighbouring countries as much as possible. Visit landmarks, explore nature, attend cultural events, and try new cuisines. Maximise the opportunity to see the world.

How Can IAS Help

Studying abroad offers you a unique experience that benefits your personal, academic, and future professional life. However, the process of moving abroad to study requires meticulous preparation and can be very challenging. You’ll need professional guidance to navigate the process.

Our immigration lawyers at IAS can help make your dream of international schooling a reality. We will assist you in researching and finding the best opportunities. We can also help with preparing your university, scholarship, and student visa applications.

We provide immigration advice and relocation services worldwide, and have offices in most countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Ireland, Spain, and Nigeria. 

Contact us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or request a free call-back on our website to speak with one of our immigration experts.