For many years, studying abroad has been a rite of passage for ambitious university students all around the world. While the allure of new experiences and a vibrant social life remains strong, the academic, cultural, and career advantages of studying abroad are now more important than ever.
Studying abroad is no longer only for undergrads. The number of graduates seeking higher degrees abroad, notably in the United States, has increased in recent years. In today’s worldwide market, it’s easy to see why business graduates are especially eager to get overseas experience as part of their education.
Our students come from all over the world to study at Hult’s worldwide campuses. From a bachelor’s student pursuing a profession. To an MBA applicant seeking for a new opportunity. Each person has a unique motivation for studying abroad for a degree.. Here are the top five advantages of studying abroad that we’ve discovered.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to travel throughout the world.
Studying for a degree in a different country is not a holiday. It’s a difficult task. Exams, dissertations, assignments, and networking events will fill your calendar. However, whatever spare time you do have may be spent exploring your new location and immersing yourself in a foreign culture.
You are not limited to one nation while you study abroad. Take advantage of the opportunity to go to as many countries as possible. Traveling the world is more inexpensive than you would expect thanks to great student travel discounts and international budget carriers. Your school may also offer foreign exchange programmes that will broaden your international experience. Students, including those on one-year programmes, may live and study in up to six different countries across three continents because to Hult’s worldwide campus network.
- Gain a greater knowledge of diverse cultures – both personal and professional
“Travel is deadly to prejudice, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness,” American novelist Mark Twain once stated. An open-minded admiration and knowledge of various cultures is crucial in a world that is more linked than ever.
Living and studying abroad will not only broaden your awareness of diverse people and cultures, but it will also provide you with a larger framework for comprehending today’s most serious global concerns. Learning in an international atmosphere will challenge your preconceptions and introduce you to other ways of thinking about the world, from your classmates to your instructors.
- Make new connections
One of the most prevalent motivations for studying abroad is to meet individuals from all over the world. You’ll work with students from all around the world as part of your degree programme. You’ll meet a fascinating and varied new peer group as well as a global professional network. While studying abroad, it is also beneficial to develop positive relationships with your lecturers. Their knowledge, contacts, and mentoring may be extremely beneficial during your education and beyond.
During their stay abroad, many students form close bonds. Oceans are no longer an impediment to communication. The people you meet while travelling will become lifelong friends. The relationships you develop are the most significant asset you can have in your work life, aside from fulfilling personal friendships. Having foreign contacts might open the door to unforeseen opportunities wherever your profession takes you. It’s not what you know, but who you know, as the adage goes.
- Develop essential life skills and resilience
Some students are experiencing their first time living away from home while studying overseas. Even for graduate students, transitioning to a new culture and living in a foreign country may be difficult. Adapting quickly to your new surroundings will put your problem-solving abilities to the test. It will also improve your communication, independence, and resilience.
One of the most significant advantages of studying abroad is the development of these crucial “survival skills.” After the cultural shock wears off, you’ll feel more self-assured and independent. Your everyday travels abroad help you become more confident and capable, from routine personal activities like opening an international bank account and registering with a doctor to learning how negotiating strategies and leadership traits change from culture to culture. And, regardless of your job route, these talents will be instantly useful in your working life.
- Make yourself more employable
A study abroad experience is well known for improving graduate employability. Your time overseas is a wonderful chance to improve your résumé by learning a second language or acquiring a specialised certificate, as well as building crucial “soft skills” like adaptation, communication, and cross-cultural understanding.
During or after your education, you may have the opportunity to obtain practical job experience overseas. It may be feasible to work part-time, perform an internship, or even continue your profession while studying abroad, depending on your visa status and the nation where you’re studying. Student work restrictions differ by country, so do your homework before enrolling in an international course. Your school’s career advisers can also provide useful information on professional prospects and other strategies to improve your employability after graduation.
International experience, regardless of your subject or career goals, will undoubtedly help you stand out in today’s increasingly competitive global employment market.
