There are a serveral reasons why you should think about studying abroad. Knowing other languages well and knowing other cultures can open many doors for your future as a professional.
However, it may not be easy for you to get out of your comfort zone. For this reason, in this post we want to show you what the challenges and advantages of studying abroad are to remove these doubts from you. We also offer you some tips and options that you have at your disposal so that you are able to live this unique experience.
Challenges of studying abroad
Studying abroad requires that you move away from your natural environment, that you interact with people who do not speak your language, that you adapt to other methods of life and teaching, etc.
As you can imagine, it requires a certain psychological effort, but it is also an opportunity to add personal experience. Usually, the excitement of discovering new opportunities and knowledge is stronger than anxiety or nostalgia.
The language barrier is soon overcome and in a short time you will have a circle of contacts who will be your support. Once you have begun to manage possible initial stress, adapt to the new climate and begin to feel safe, you may even find it difficult to return.
We could say that the real challenges of studying abroad are in your mind. You will have to overcome new obstacles and plan your student life in a different way. But all of this is a fundamental part of your learning and will make you more resilient and valid in the future.
What are the advantages of studying abroad?
As you will discover below, the advantages of studying abroad far outweigh the effort necessary to overcome the challenges:
- Getting around in another language:This is one of the main advantages of studying abroad. No one doubts that, in a globalized world, mastering a second language automatically makes you a valuable professional.
- Live new experiences: you will discover new routines, cultures, educational techniques, knowledge and ways of life. All of this will enrich you as a person. A broader horizon translates into a more flexible mind to address problems that may arise in your daily life.
- Development of personal talent: maintaining studies in a different country means that you have to adopt different strategies. You will learn a lot about independence and personal organization. It will force you to examine yourself to find out what your strengths are and areas for improvement. All this, added to the new information and the need to adapt, will build your character and give you confidence in the face of future challenges (such as facing your first job interview, for instance).
- Expanding your network of contacts:You have the opportunity to make new friends and expand your opportunities in the labor market. You can always return to work in the country where you studied and the contacts you made can help you in this aspect.
- Improve your CV: in addition to the knowledge acquired and language skills, companies value professionals who have been able to overcome the challenges of studying abroad mentioned in the previous point. This experience translates into a series of personal assets that are reflected in your Curriculum Vitae, making it richer and more notable.
Tips to study abroad
In principle, it is necessary to carry out research to decide the destination country and the appropriate training program.
In this aspect, multiple variables come into play: the knowledge you want to acquire, the prestige of the institution, the complexity of the language, the duration, the call, the cost, financial aid, etc.
If you choose an educational center with a good level of student service, many of the problems and doubts that will arise can be resolved. Including the necessary requirements to enter the country as a student, insurance to study abroad, telephone numbers that may be useful to you, accommodation possibilities, etc.
Once you are in the destination country and once you have settled in, it is important to visit and get to know the locals, shops or places that may be of interest to you, gastronomy, etc.
The underlying idea is that you start getting to know the culture and practicing the language as soon as possible.. If you stay in the apartment or dormitory, you will miss many opportunities.
However, don’t stray from your study goals. You will have to find a balance. Create a study plan and execute it with discipline. But don’t forget to enjoy the experience of studying outside your country and acquire another series of knowledge and skills that they will not teach you in class.
Options and scholarships to study abroad
Although the Erasmus program is thought of as one of the first options to study abroad, the truth is that there are some others that may be interesting. Erasmus has a regional scope restricted to the European Union and some other associated countries. It does not offer you the possibility of studying in the United States, for example.
The thing is that you can find other scholarships to study abroad. For example, the Vulcanus Scholarship consists of an aid program promoted by the Government of Japan and is specific to carrying out internships there. It is intended for EU students.
Likewise, the Chevening Scholarships are promoted by the UK Foreign Office.
Regarding theinternational agreements to study abroad, at UIE, in addition to the ERASMUS program, we have developed our own collaboration agreements with instituctions from Europe, America and Asia. Thus, among other options, we offer the possibility of studying an International Double Degree in Business Administration with the Dublin Business School in Ireland, where you will obtain a specialized official qualification. Also notable are the alliances with international institutions such as the Advanced Leadership Foundation, the Colombian Association of Administration Faculties or the European Youth Parliament.
Our International Relations Service has developed the UIE’s incoming-outgoing mobility policies, through which both students and teachers will be able to live a multicultural experience to and from different parts of the world.
