TOP 5 Benefits of an International Education

Scholarly February 2020

Studying and living abroad is a proven way to broaden one’s horizons and experiences. The whole process of applying, getting selected to one’s dream university, moving to a new country to pursue higher studies, living independently and working part time is exciting and enriching experience. Let’s look at some of the reasons why studying abroad is beneficial.

#1 All-round Personality Development

“Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time and energy needed to develop yourself.” – Denis Waitley

Studying abroad in a new country amongst students from different nationalities, cultural backgrounds and learning from the world’s best teachers is undoubtedly a fascinating, life-changing exposure for a student.

By taking responsibility for themselves and seizing new opportunities, students get empowered to become their best version and develop essential all-round life skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their adult lives.

#2 Creates Global Awareness

“Nothing develops intelligence like travel.” – Emile Zola

Today’s generation is witnessing an interconnected world where an ability to understand, respect and work cohesively with people from diverse cultures is increasingly important for social and academic success.

Experience gained by interacting with students from multiple nationalities, learning new languages/ cultures while studying global curriculum and living in a new country makes a student more open-minded, aware and respectful of other cultures, countries and traditions.

What’s more, it inculcates habit of thinking about solutions after exploring solutions implemented globally, a coveted skill for career growth.

#3 Makes the World More Accessible

“We should celebrate neurodiversity – the world would be poorer and life duller if we were all the same.” – Neil Milliken

 Encountering life in a completely new foreign location is another major highpoint of studying abroad. Students can develop hobbies and participate in co-curricular activities like sports and music during their stay abroad.  In addition to their studies, the students can benefit from visiting well-known tourist attractions in their new cities such as museums, libraries and historical landmarks as it creates a greater sense of awareness and increases knowledge about the world.  As they see more of the world, they learn to keep an open mind, embrace diversities and easily adapt to new places, people and experiences – a skill that will come in handy as they move between jobs, companies and locations, throughout their professional lives.

#4 Enhances Career Opportunities

“Your future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

With the corporate world getting fiercely competitive every day, a foreign education in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects or other disciplines can greatly improve a person’s chances of interning with their dream company and starting their dream job. 

Not to forget, an education abroad looks great on the resume and makes a person more attractive to employers who are always looking out for people with fresh perspectives and global outlook to join their organization.

#5 Improves People Skills 

“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

A classroom that’s filled with international students is a unique learning platform for any individual. Interacting and communicating with people from different parts of the globe, holding their own in a discussion and creating a place for themselves is a unique and beneficial experience that helps a child to become more confident in his / her abilities.

The sooner a student learns to participate in group discussions with people from altering viewpoints and perspectives, the better equipped they are to foray into the professional arena where they must know how to hold their own and create a rightful place for themselves.

It is also seen that the connections and strong networks students make during their stay and higher education abroad can help them for years to come in their job hunt as well as starting a new venture.