Broaden your horizons

The opportunities for studying abroad are greater than ever. Here’s what you need to know before making the move

Weekend breaks and academic holidays are the ideal time to explore your surroundings

The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), recently surveyed alumni of their study abroad programmes from 1950 to 1999. They questioned more than 3,400 people and found that studying abroad is often a defining moment in a young person’s life. Not only that, but that the long-term benefits – in terms of career, intellectual and social benefits – were far greater than most people thought they would be.

The student of today has the world at their feet – the opportunities for studying abroad are greater than ever, and there are few better opportunities in life to see the world, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, make new friends and boost your career prospects. Students from across a whole range of disciplines can benefit from study abroad; in some fields, such as international relations and modern languages, for example, foreign study has obvious benefits. For others, studying abroad is more of an opportunity to expand horizons (both personal and academic) and experience learning in a very different environment.

Why study abroad?

Of course, there are many reasons students decide to study abroad – but here are some of the main ones:

Learning a language

Perhaps the most obvious reason to go abroad to study is to take the opportunity to learn a language in its native environment – where you will hear the language spoken every day and have the opportunity to converse with native speakers whenever you wish. There can be few better ways to boost your language skills and confidence.

Travel opportunities

Few students study abroad without also taking the opportunity to explore their new country or continent. Though hectic class schedules can limit opportunities to travel, weekend breaks and academic holidays provide the ideal opportunity. Additionally, some study-abroad programmes actually structure travel and sightseeing into the programme, to allow students to make the most out of their learning experience.

Enhanced employment opportunities

Spending time studying in a foreign country is a boost to a CV – it demonstrates qualities of adaptability and interest in other people and places.

Opportunity to make new friends

Studying abroad is a great way to meet people – not only people from the country that you are visiting, but also other visiting international students.

Enhance the value of your degree

Studying abroad indicates many desirable qualities to a potential employer and can make your degree stand out from the pack.

Learn about yourself

Going abroad to study often involves taking a trip outside your comfort zone and people find this challenges them in a positive way.

Studying abroad is a great way to meet both people from the country you are visiting and other international students

The options

For those wishing to study abroad, there are a number of ways of turning aspiration into reality:

Year abroad

Years abroad are typically taken as part of a degree taken in the UK and awarded by UK institutions. The courses contain the option of studying abroad for a year. Sometimes, the time abroad will be spent working. Typically, locations of study abroad will depend on the subject being studied, and relationships between institutions.

Exchange programmes

These are programmes between universities in various locations. Typically, the exchange period will be six months or a year. Again, locations of study abroad will depend on the subject being studied, and relationships between institutions.

Taking a degree abroad

Many students decide to do a full degree abroad – either at undergraduate or more typically at postgraduate degree abroad, where greater funding assistance tends to be available.

For more information, visit: www.intstudy.com

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