Once you’ve decided on the course you’d like to take at university, it doesn’t matter where in the world you study, right? Wrong. The course is just one of the factors you’ll need to consider before you start this new and exciting chapter of your learning.
For example, if you’re only looking at courses in your home country, then you’re already missing out on world-class universities, the chance to explore a new culture and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’ve been asking yourself, “why should I study abroad?”, then read on to find out.
Why studying abroad is the best decision you’ll ever make
You can embrace a diverse and vibrant new culture
It’s very rewarding and enriching to study abroad and experience a new culture. It’s an opportunity to see and do things you might have never expected. You’ll discover new foods and get involved in fascinating traditions and celebrations.
It isn’t just the sights and sounds that make a new culture so exciting, it’s the people too. Study abroad and you’ll get to meet people from all over the world. There’ll be the friendly and welcoming locals who make the city such a fantastic place to be, plus lots of other international students who’ll share these amazing experiences with you.
You can also take advantage of the student societies and clubs that the university has available. They’re student-led groups that celebrate a specific interest or hobby. Join a club you know you’ll love or try something completely new - either way, it’s a great way of making new lifelong friends.
You’ll earn a degree from a world-renowned university
If you restrict your university choices to just the academic institutions in your country, then you’re missing out on some of the best in the world.
If you wanted to study Business, for example, then universities in your country and across the world will all cover the degree programme. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have the same learning experience as students on the same course somewhere else.
Study abroad at a prestigious university and you'll gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and be part of industry-leading research.
Having a degree from a university like this gives you the best possible chance of pursuing your dream career. The university you attend can ensure you have an advantage over other possible candidates for a job you really want in the future.
You’ll get the chance to perfect a language and use it to live independently
The main goal of attending university is to earn a degree and increase the career opportunities available to you. But there are lots of other benefits you can take advantage of.
One of the most useful is learning a new language, if English isn't your first language. If you decide to study here in the UK - you might already have a good understanding of English. But moving here will allow you to practice with native speakers every day. This will help you to understand slang and dialects, allowing you to live independently without any kind of language barrier.
If you attend a university that’s close to where you live now, then there’s always going to be a temptation to have regular trips home. You’d be taking advantage of home cooking and not having to worry about your laundry. Studying abroad forces you to do these things for yourself, making you a more well-rounded and developed individual.
You can meet and network with industry experts
Attend a world-class university abroad and you’ll be able to network with industry experts. The top universities attract leaders in each specific field of study. So, if you want to build professional relationships with the biggest names in your chosen industry, you need to study where they’re carrying out research.
You never know who you’ll meet at university and how important those initial greetings are. The right introduction can increase your opportunities when it comes to career prospects. Meeting these people and working alongside them gives you a competitive edge over other candidates at future interviews.
It’s more than just the degree. Studying abroad at a top university gives you the connections and opportunities you need to be successful once you’ve graduated. Any university can provide a degree, but the very best can give you a wide set of skills to use after you’ve finished.
We’ve covered why you should study abroad, but now it’s time to decide where in the world you’d like to do it. We’ve already mentioned the UK in this blog and that’s because it has everything an international student could ever need.
See why so many international students come to the UK
There are amazing sights to see, world-leading universities and a welcoming and diverse society. You’ll receive the best possible learning experience and then in your free time, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes, active social scene and creative spaces that make the UK such a fantastic place to study.
For more information on what life is like in the UK for international students, make sure to download our free guide below. It’s packed with useful tips on visa applications, travelling around and how to stick to a budget.
