11 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Going away from your home country is a life-changing decision. No matter if you decide to do your entire degree in a foreign land or you choose just a semester abroad. Discovering different cultures, exploring new places, and meeting new people are just some of the many advantages you will get once you book that one-way ticket.

At the age of 18, I decided I won’t be studying in Bulgaria. After I got accepted to the University of Valencia and booked my one-way ticket, my life changed completely. Studying for 3 years in Spain taught me how to take care of myself, gave me the freedom to explore my thoughts, and challenged my beliefs.

Here are 11 reasons why you should go abroad for studying

1. Meeting lots of new people from all over the world

Once you land in another country for more than just a vacation, the real experience begins. Imagine all the people you will meet during your stay. Expats like you or locals, many of them will remain lifetime friends. The fact that you are both in different countries will create a bond that you won’t find at home. The friendships you make will quickly evolve into a family. At the end of the day, when your parents are away, you will find comfort and support in your friends. Plus what better way to discover the world than meeting people and getting a close-up personal view of their culture and habits? Open yourself to new friendships and don’t forget to keep in touch once you go back home.

2. Time for self-discovery

Leaving your friends and family means you will have to rely on yourself more than ever before. This is the perfect time for you to challenge yourself. Challenge your beliefs, and your abilities, and find what you truly want and who you truly are. If you are to make this big step in your 20s, I promise you, there will be many new things that you will discover for yourself. You will grow into an independent adult, knowing how to take care of yourself, what boundaries you have, and how you perceive the world.

3. Scholarships available

Many people plan on relocating to another country once they finish their studies. The big down part here is the money situation. Once you have graduated you can only rely on your own money for food, accommodation, and everything else. If you choose to study abroad, most universities provide scholarships which will definitely make your relocating and life abroad easier! Don’t wait for that step, now is the right moment!

4. Bye, bye comfort zone

Everybody knows that people grow and find themselves outside their comfort zone. Nobody says that going abroad is easy but it is super fun! Once you put yourself out there there will be many challenges and risks. In moments like this don’t give up. Many times in hard moments I as well wanted to book my flight back home. I didn’t and I am very proud of myself for staying strong and going through every difficulty. All of this made me the strong person I am now. I promise even if it feels like a lot, the overwhelming will disappear very quickly, and then you will realize you can fight every challenge given to you in life.

5. You will find yourself bilingual

People don’t just wake up and speak a different language overnight, right? That’s what I thought too until I moved to Spain. Once you are deeply into the culture and language, if you put even minimal effort into learning the language, one day you will surprise yourself with your language abilities. Being completely soaked up in another language will challenge your brain to adapt and learn as quickly as possible.

6. Looks amazing on your CV

Many people go for a year abroad to experience a different culture, to party in new clubs and to meet interesting people. Apart from all those pluses here comes a bigger one. Nothing shows independence and courage, like studying abroad. No matter, if it is for work or for another university qualification, having studied abroad, will boost your CV with extra points.

7. Different teachers, different ideas

Even if you are completely satisfied with your chosen hometown university, imagine how interesting it will be to hear other professors' ideas and knowledge. Especially if they are coming from completely different parts of the world. New books, new perspectives, different researches and history, a semester full of new information.

8. New culture = new food

Even if you aren’t a foodie I am sure you will spend a lot of time wandering around the new supermarket. Different food, different recipes, new ingredients, and combinations. Don’t even get me started on the restaurants. How exciting is it to go back to your country with new food habits and meals to share with your family? Even if you are a picky eater you have to push yourself and try some new local goodies.

9. Expand your interests

Living in a new country will expand your field of interest or at least you will get to try many other hobbies. Who knows maybe you were born a surfer or a salsa dancer but there was nowhere to practice near your hometown?

10. Travel around

Once you are in a different country, why not explore the other countries around too! A cheap and easy train or bus can bring you to new interesting destinations. Use the months you spent abroad to travel and discover even more places.

11. Rediscover your home country

Once you are back from your long-term stay abroad, you will rediscover your country in a different way. You will start appreciating the uniqueness of your own region. Take a step back and see what is really going on around you. Maybe you will even explore your country as a tourist and get to know more about it. Many times after living abroad people change their mindset and once back home they live in a completely different way. Ready for that adventure?