Studying abroad is akin entering a new world. International students taste, smell, and hear a variety of things that are totally different from the ones provided at the local campus. While walking the streets, various languages and dialects swarm your ear. Your brain starts to scatter with thoughts. For most people, studying abroad is a rewarding experience. To others, it’s the complete opposite.
The following are the different ways studying abroad changed my life:
#1: Enhanced my passion for learning
While there’s a plethora of students that are curious about traveling the world, most of them attend institutions of learning abroad because of being coerced by parents. Others do so in order to climb the career ladder. Unfortunately, in most of the cases, many lack the passion for learning. The good thing is that learning doesn’t always need to be measured by numerical scores or letters on a paper. Study abroad programs as well as in-class lessons and lectures are complemented by ‘field trips’ out of class. Visits to art galleries, museums and churches certainly put excitement right back to learning. That goes miles in enhancing passion for learning.
#2: Improved my critical thinking skills
Right from when one is born to the time he or she starts to make his or her own decisions; every decision is based on the values, principles, and ideologies inculcated by parents. However, as one grows things start to change. This is especially true when you travel abroad to study. When you become immersed in cultures, which differ from your own, you’ll begin to question the beliefs you’ve known all along. Studying abroad releases you from having to rely on the influence of your parents. To form opinions, you begin to utilize your own critical thinking skills. While study abroad students might not often change the way they behave or think, they often gain greater respect and appreciation for differences in opinion.
#3: Improved my confidence
Students that study abroad tend to exude more confidence. Learning and living in another country is often magical when it comes to reducing insecurities through the revelation of strengths. Actually, in most instances, it gives the underdog an opportunity to shine.
#4: Helped me to be independent
Most students separate from their parents immediately when they become freshmen. However, if you’re studying in the same country or state your folks or guardian live in, there’s always some sense of security. It’s completely different when studying abroad. You leave the security back home. As much as security has gotten rid of some barriers that existed a couple of years back, cultural differences and time zone discrepancies have certainly not. Rather than turning to your parent or guardian for advice, you learn to utilize your own intelligence and wisdom, to solve problems.
#5: Forced me to get out of my comfort zone
Ever heard of the aphorism, ‘Often, comfort zones are expanded by discomfort?’ One of the best ways to grow and learn so much more about yourself is by stepping into unchartered territory. In some way, studying in a foreign country might be uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it’s certainly the best way. For instance, when I was in Italy, I didn’t know the language. However, I had to be creative. I learned to communicate with my hands – just like the residents. When you go to Rome, do as the Romans!
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that studying abroad brings with it an array of adventures and experiences. In fact, it’s almost the same as the maiden semester in college. The above are some of the ways studying abroad changed my life.
Learn more about studying abroad by contacting our Massage School Abroad Admissions Team