You might have always dreamed of enrolling at a university in another country, or it might be something you’re only just now considering. Either way, there are so many reasons to study overseas. Here are just a few of them to show why it’s a decision you won’t regret.
Why you should study abroad
- It's a once in a lifetime experience
- It’s a chance to get out of your comfort zone
- You'll learn at the world’s best universities
- You'll perfect a second language
- Exploring a new country is an amazing thing to do
- A new culture will show you new things that you love
- You'll have the best time of your life
- You get to be at the forefront of research and innovation
- It means you can find the right course for you
- And join a welcoming community that will make you one of their own
1. It's a once in a lifetime experience
Completing a degree in another country is something that not everyone gets to do. It’s a special experience that you’ll remember forever and is one that will shape the rest of your life. There are so many different memories you’ll create and amazing opportunities waiting for you to take advantage of.
You never know who you’ll meet but what’s certain is that you’ll make friends for life and maybe even a partner (business or otherwise!) helps make the rest of your adult life amazing.
2. It’s a chance to get out of your comfort zone
Studying in the country you live in could be seen as a slightly easier path for you to take. You might think that studying abroad is a little bit daunting, but moving to any university is, so why not attend one that’s one of the best in the world? You’ll meet new people and join a vibrant and welcoming community too.
You’ll find new hobbies (some that you might never have even heard of). You'll discover new foods (have you tried authentic British fish and chips?), learn how to live independently (it’s amazing) and create incredible memories that last a lifetime.
3. You'll learn at the world’s best universities
Choose to study overseas and you’re able to pick from the world’s top universities. For the best possible learning experience and career prospects, you need to choose the right university.
Europe is home to some of the very best universities, regularly taking the top spots in the world rankings, especially those which are in the UK.
4. You'll perfect a second language
Being able to speak a second language fluently makes you a fantastic asset for an employer. You’ll probably already have learned the basics but being able to practice with natives of that country can help you to perfect the language without even having any type of accent.
By studying in the UK, you’ll graduate with your English ready for any future job role, which is especially important in today’s business world. And this is in addition to a degree respected all around the world, and having lived in one of the world’s most exciting and culturally diverse countries.
5. Exploring a new country is an amazing thing to do
Studying overseas allows you to visit amazing places that you wouldn’t normally get the chance to. Pick an old university in the UK and feel like you’re studying at Hogwarts or pick a European university and have an exciting part of the world’s history and culture right on your doorstep.
Wherever you choose to study, you’re never too far away from somewhere new and exciting thanks to the excellent transport links and cheap flights throughout Europe. Pick a UK university and you’ll receive a world-class education and still only be a short trip from other amazing countries, cities and landmarks.
6. A new culture will show you new things that you’ll love
Your new favourite food, drink, hobby or band is waiting for you to discover when you study overseas. It’s an opportunity to try new things and find something that you love forever. Find out more about another culture and explore their history, traditions and celebrations.
Here in the UK, you can start the night with the previously mentioned fish and chips (which surprisingly isn’t our national dish). Did you know that coveted title belongs to chicken tikka masala?
No matter where you are in the UK, you’re only a short train journey from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a huge celebration of comedy and the arts. Or even the Globe Theatre in London to catch a Shakespeare production in the same location they were performed hundreds of years ago. Newcastle is perfectly placed between the two, allowing you to easily reach both fantastic cities on the train.
7. You’ll have the best time of your life
Study overseas and take advantage of all the new hobbies, social events and nights out you can enjoy. Universities have all kinds of clubs and societies that you can try. These are groups set up by students surrounding a particular activity at interest. Here at Newcastle University, we have everything from Argentine tango to board games and jazz orchestra to esports.
Whichever society you choose, it’s a fantastic opportunity to have fun and meet new friends. At Newcastle there are over 150 societies and clubs for you to explore and join, so there’s definitely something for you.
Whether you’re trying something for the first time or carrying on something you already love in a new country, there’s a welcoming group you can be a member of.
8. You get to be at the forefront of research and innovation
Whatever your chosen subject and topic of study, attend a university overseas and you can make sure you’re at the forefront of the industry. Choose a university that’s committed to research and ensure you’re learning valuable skills and knowledge that will be attractive to an employer.
In the UK, for example, Newcastle University is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities whose members are global leaders in research. A degree from one of these universities shows that you’ve been supporting cutting-edge work in your chosen industry, giving you the edge over your competition when applying for future jobs.
9. It means you can find the right course for you
The universities at home might not offer the degree programme that you want to study. Don’t settle for another topic on something you’re less interested in because you might not have the same enjoyable experience and you could graduate with a degree that’s not a good fit for your chosen career.
Study overseas and you’re able to enrol on the course that’s perfect for you and your future goals. UK universities offer hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, allowing you to find the perfect degree to suit you.
10. And join a welcoming community that will make you one of their own
Universities are hubs of learning and activity - they’re a fantastic place to live and work. Any slight worries you have about moving overseas will soon vanish completely thanks to the welcoming community and support you’ll have access to.
Take Newcastle University, for example. We offer language courses that will help you to master English - from everyday conversations to more technical academic language. This is just one of the steps we take to ensure that international students settle in well. From welcoming societies to just being someone to talk to, we’re here to ensure you’re feeling happy, comfortable and ready to have the best time of your life at university.
If the various cultures, world class facilities and the valuable degrees the UK had to offer is something that interests you, then you’ll benefit from finding out more about what it’s like to study at a UK university.
Consider the UK for your overseas study
Our reasons to study overseas are applicable to all kinds of different countries, but we think the UK should be your preferred study destination. The diverse communities, world-leading universities and excellent graduate prospects make the UK the choice for thousands of international students each year.
For more information on what life is like at a UK university, make sure to download our free guide. It covers everything from budgeting and accommodation to travel and the visa application process.
Download your free copy of the Guide to Studying at a UK University now using the link below.
