Going abroad, whether for leisure or for school, is always a meaningful experience. Being exposed to different cultures helps you see this world in a new and different light, and can leave you with valuable knowledge in which you can use and reflect on for the rest of your life. There are many positive advantages of studying abroad, with just a few being listed below.

1. Gain a New Perspective

It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck it the same old rut in life. Sometimes you can even feel trapped, unable to see anything beyond your own city you live in. Seeing how other people live and carry on with their lives can bring you a different perspective of the world we live in. It may also inspire you to make a change in your own life. For example, perhaps you’re not happy with where you are or what you’re doing. Traveling abroad and visiting another country may be just what you need.

2. Learn About Other Cultures

Traveling abroad, whether it’s for school, work, or leisure, can help you better appreciate what the world has to offer. There is so much more out there than you’d expect: different languages, dressing, family dynamics, and cuisine. Understanding other cultures can help you for years to come. You may be able to relate better to the people you meet, having learned about their country and where they came from. The knowledge you gain from learning about other cultures brings me to my next point.

3. Broaden One’s Horizons

I believe this is one of the most important parts of studying abroad. By experiencing other parts of the world, you can come to better accept others. There are many judgements one makes upon meeting someone from a different part of the world. Sometimes you might not even consciously realize you’re doing it, but it’s almost a normal reaction we have as humans. Due to the media or our own social circle, these judgements become ingrained into our brains. This is something that everyone should strive to change. By studying abroad in a new place that you’re not used to, you will inevitably come into contact with many of the locals. They can help you even more so in better accepting the diversity of the world. This also ties in to point number four.

4. Meet New People

Although I have not studied abroad, I have traveled abroad and have experienced these advantages myself. As said above, meeting new people and broadening your horizons ties in together. By meeting people from abroad, you further widen your social circle, which I believe is important. This helps you in many regards, such as better acceptance and bringing diversity into your life. It’s important to have this diversity in many different areas of your life. Making friends and meeting people from abroad is one way to do this. This can also prepare you for your future career by becoming accustomed to a variety of different people. After all, you might know where life is going to take you, so it’s important to be prepared.

5. Challenge Yourself

Finally, the last point to be mentioned is the advantage of being able to challenge yourself. It can be mentally and physically exhausting to study abroad. You are suddenly placed in a new, unfamiliar environment (not to mention the jet lag). It can be a good confidence booster to simply set a goal for yourself and achieve it. Once you come back from your study abroad trip, knowing you completed such a big goal of yours will give you a huge boost of confidence, not to mention all of the other valuable lessons you are able to take home with you.

As described above, studying abroad comes with many advantages. Of course, thinking about planning your trip abroad can be a bit overwhelming. The financial aspect of it alone can be enough to make someone rethink it. However, you would be surprised at the amount of resources your school has when it comes to studying abroad. Going to your school’s study abroad office can be the first step. Don’t give up! There are also many available scholarships out there that can make your dream of studying abroad become a reality!