As part of the course I took at university I had to study abroad for a year, and that was a big part of why I chose the degree. With the knowledge that in my second year I would definitely be in some far flung destination at a whole new uni, exploring the surrounding regions in my spare time and (I hoped) absorbing loads of sunshine, I was sold. All justified as part of my studies. (Not that you need to really justify travel, of course!)
As it happened, I ended up not so far flung and not so warm, either, at Sciences Po in Paris. My back up choice was Queensland, Australia (I thought I’d keep it similar, you know) – and actually I’d originally meant for my first preference to be Hong Kong. It was my last minute reading of the catalogue of what was available to study in Paris (versus the very limited selection of quite dry sounding modules in Hong Kong) that made me change my mind, and I didn’t regret it once. Being in Europe was great, not least because Sciences Po attracts students from all over the world, literally every corner – so my experience was about as international as it gets, and I got to learn from some amazing lecturers and tutors, too. Not to mention improving my French. I went for the whole year, and in my opinion one semester alone would go way too quickly; it certainly seemed to have done for the people who left Paris after just six months.
And yeah, it’s Paris. Of course it was good.
I thought I’d put together a list of reasons why I think you’re studying abroad, whether you’re struggling with the decision or haven’t really given it much consideration. Do it do it do it.
(In No Particular Order)
1. It might be more affordable than travelling after university.
When you’re studying abroad, you might be entitled to financial assistance that you would never get if you just decided to up it and move abroad later in life. If you study in Europe, and you’re from Europe, then you qualify for the Erasmus grant which is a huge help with living costs. I know people who went to other countries and recieved incentives, too, Mexico being one of them. So it’s definitely worth investigating this. On top of that, you might be exempt from paying fees if you go away for a whole year, or possibly a reduction in fees if you’re away for a shorter period of time. Money to travel? Yes please!
2. The opportunity to learn a language while immersed in it.
Yes, you can take language classes at home, but in my experience most of these haven’t even been fully taught in the language being learnt! When you’re living in the country whose language you’re trying to learn you’re forced to get over your lack of confidence, or whatever else might stop you from practicing your skills, and use the language. There’s nothing that can beat that for learning a language.
3. You’ll come away with friends all over the world.
This is good for many reasons. You make friends – good reason on it’s own. But global friends are even better in some ways – links for travelling in the future, knowledge of different cultures, even the old networking we’re taught is so important. (Ok, it is important, I just… don’t like the concept, haha.)
4. It looks great on a CV.
Especially for overseas careers or jobs in international organisations. But it also demonstrates go-getting, independence, is a point of interest, something to talk about at interview…
5. You might be able to get into a brilliant university for fairly little effort.
Depending on your university and the programmes on offer, you might even be able to get into a university with a great reputation (maybe better than your own!) without having to go through the application process, almost like a free pass. Ok, your degree won’t be from there, but you’ll still get the top-notch teaching/resources etc.
6. Gain independence and live abroad for the first time, but with a great support network.
If you are considering living abroad in the future, this is a great way to see how you do, without actually taking the leap on your own. You will probably have to do a lot of organisation for yourself, such as visas, accommodation, bank accounts… but there’s more often than not loads of support from your host and home institution. Learn the ropes and in the future it’ll be a doddle.
7. Travel opportunities.
I don’t know why this is so far down the page. Maybe because it’s obvious? Being based in a foreign country is a great excuse to explore the region, and you’re there for a limited time, so why not travel somewhere most weekends?
8. New perspectives, and everything will be different when you go back to your home university.
Ok, so ‘everything’ may not be different – in fact, you’ll be surprised at how little changes while you’re gone (and that weird feeling of never having really been away kicks in… ‘did I just dream a year in Paris?’) But what I mean is that your mindset will no doubt have changed in some way – and you’ll apply this to what you do, and in your work. I appreciated my university all the more for having been to another one, not because it’s better but because it’s different.
So, there’s a few reasons (good ones, I think!) why if you’re thinking of studying abroad, you should definitely go for it. Our time at university is so short, especially here in the UK where we in general only do three years, there’s really nothing to be lost in extending that time a bit. You can only gain. So go study abroad. You won’t regret it!
Check back on this blog for more study abroad resources as well, from my experience to advice, especially about Paris, which is where I studied. Questions welcome in the comments!
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