There are plenty of great reasons for why over 250,000 students travel abroad each year to study in a foreign country. While some look forward to gaining independence and confidence through the experience, others are excited about the opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a new language, meet new people, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
According to the Institute of International Education, the number of students applying for overseas study programs is on the rise. Studying abroad offers students a chance to grow personally, academically, and professionally as well. As the world’s global economy continues to grow, students with foreign language skills and travel experience are at a significant advantage when it comes finding a job, and many corporate recruiters are on the lookout for individuals with study abroad experience on their resume.
According to university career experts, students who study abroad gain skills which set them apart from the pack, giving them the edge in job interviews and helping them advance in their career. These non-textbook skills include problem-solving, flexibility, the ability to adapt to new situations, cross-cultural communications skills, and more.
Image courtesy of umb.edu
For a more comprehensive look, here is a list of some of the greatest benefits of studying abroad:
- Experience a foreign culture firsthand, gaining an inside understanding and appreciation of the culture through immersion in daily living routines
- Learn a foreign language and attain linguistic fluency
- Learn colloquial vocabulary words and phrases not found in standard textbooks
- Improve communication skills across cultures
- Become more independent: learning to budget, buy groceries, do laundry, take responsibility for your actions/choices.
- Learn to manage your own finances: pay bills on time, learn about a new currency, manage living expenses.
- Learn about overseas shipping options, including shipping by air, shipping by boat, and express shipping
- Improve employment prospects by boasting international experience
- Develop new relationships
- Opportunity to try things you have never done before (i.e. new sports, new hobbies, new foods, new adventures)
- Network and form important contacts for your future
- Opportunityto volunteer, work part time, or intern while you study
At the same time, studying abroad has its fair share of challenges. Students studying overseas often experience homesickness and culture shock when they first arrive. They may not speak the language or know anyone in their new country, putting a real damper on their social life. The good news, however, is that these phenomena are normal and even expected aspects the study abroad experience. Over time, most students adapt well and thrive in their new surroundings.
Moving abroad is not supposed to be easy, and even though the experience is much more enjoyable when you are younger, the process of moving your belongings to another country is not an easy task. To help make your study abroad experience a resounding success, it’s worth consulting with a relocation company like us, at least 6 months before your big move.
Here at nyshipping, we will guide at every stage of the process. Request a FREE quote now!