Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity offered by most UK universities. You can either chose to do a year aboard, or a term or a summer program depending on what is best for you. Studying abroad comes with a lot of opportunities and benefits so is really something you should consider!
Your university will usually be paired with different universities around the world. Some courses will have tuition fees, and some may not so you would have to clarify this. Additionally, you will need to check whether the course will be taught in English or in the native language of the country you would be visiting. Of course, if you are doing a language course then this might be a great way for you to get further experience in the language you are learning. It would also be great experience to add to your CV if you wanted to pursue a job as a translator or something similar.
Here are some more benefits of applying to study abroad at university:
Makes you stand out on your CV
Getting a job at the end of university is becoming harder and harder. So, what a lot of people are trying to do is stand out on their CV. They want to take part in more experiences that show development in a person. Studying a broad is a great way to impress recruiters. Not only does it show you can be independent and move to a different country to study, but it also shows great determination and drive.
This is also something that not many students do so you will stand out against others. It also gives you a great talking point in interviews and something that you can relate to if they ask competency-based questions.
You can gain soft skills
There are so many different skills you can learn from studying abroad. You will gain so much confidence living in a brand-new city by yourself. You will be able to meet lots of different people which is another bonus as it can help work on your networking skills. Of course, I always go back to that saying of “the mor people you know…”. You never know when a contact of yours can come handy, so it is good to meet as many people as possible.
It will give you even more chances to work with new people on your course and work on your teamworking skills and leadership skills.
Get a different experience
Living in a new city can introduce you to new cultures, new foods, new people and lots of new experiences. Not only does this look good on your CV but you will have the best time! You can ultimately do whatever you want with your free time so why not take the opportunity to explore the area you are staying in and meet up with new friends to here about their experiences.
Career opportunities
If you are someone that is not tied down to a certain area where you will need to find a job within a certain distance, then what’s stopping you from finding work in your new city! Studying aboard can open up a range of new jobs for you. You may even be able to get in touch with the lecturers where you are studying and see if they have any advice for you.
It may be a good idea to try and find a part-time job in your city to make a bit of money while you are there!
Friends and family can visit
Another great advantage of you living in a different country is that your friends and family can come and visit you! You can take them round your new area and show them some of the great places you have found. A good idea is to organise different people to come and see you at different times so that you always have something to look forwards to.
Any disadvantages??
There are very few if any disadvantages to studying abroad. Some people can struggle with being away from home and the fear of loneliness. But you will make friends in no time on your course, there will also be people that are in the same situation as you are.
The finances of the trip may be a bit of an inconvenience so you may need to speak to someone at your university who can explain the ins and outs of the costs of your trip. Also, depending on where you go, food prices may be slightly more expensive or slightly less expensive than what you are used to so it may be a good idea to check this out before you go.
Again, depending on where you go and how long you stay for, a visa may be required which is an additional cost. You may be able to get support with your finances depending on your personal situation, so it is always worth asking!
Final Thoughts
There are so many great things about studying abroad and if the opportunity is there for you then you should take it! If you are worried about being away from home, then look into any summer programs that are offered so you’ll only be way for a few weeks! You should be able to find a summer program that is very close to the course you are currently taking which again, would make a great addition to your CV as it shows you are proactive, and you are wanting to learn more!
Reach out to your global/ study abroad team to find out more information and see how you can get started. If you need to sort things like your passport and your visa, then go to your support team who will be able to guide you through the process. Additionally, things like finance need to be discussed so make sure you speak to someone, so you know exactly what the costs are, so you don’t have to come across any surprises when you apply.
Not everyone gets accepted onto study abroad placements so if you do, then that is a great achievement, and you should be very proud of yourself!
