At first glance, the decision to study abroad may seem like an easy one — especially when you’ve probably heard such positive reviews from study abroad alumni. Who wouldn’t want to develop their skills and experience a new culture while making new friends along the way?

Once you get past the initial excitement, you realize that studying abroad is a huge commitment, not just financially, but also academically and psychologically. An honest assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of study abroad is the only way to decide if it’s right for you.

Below, we explore all the key considerations you need to make an informed decision. By reflecting on the benefits of studying abroad and applying them to your own circumstances, you’ll finally be able to answer that perplexing question: should I study abroad?

Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

From career development to personal growth, there are so many great reasons to study abroad. Let’s look at three of the best.

1. Study abroad allows you to see the world

If you’ve grown restless in your hometown and developed a desire to see the world beyond, study abroad could be right for you. It gives you the chance to meet new people, experience other lifestyles, and see famous attractions firsthand.

Culturally-immersive travel programs that bring you close to the life of a local may be daunting at first, but are the most rewarding way to experience other countries and cultures and open your mind to new ways of thinking. 

2. Study abroad improves your employability

Did you know that 6 in 10 employers give extra credit for international student experience, with 80% actively seeking graduates who’ve studied abroad? When you consider the skills derived from study abroad — communication, independence, problem-solving — it’s easy to see why. 

Particularly in careers where intercultural competence is crucial, such as global communications, international business, and community relations, study abroad experience will go a long way to enhancing your employability prospects. 

3. Study abroad aids your self-development

Study abroad won’t just help you grow professionally. Your experiences in a new country and culture will also play a key role in your personal development. Through seeing the world, you can learn new things about yourself and your position within it.

97% of students in a recent study reported greater self-confidence as a result of their time abroad. Cultural immersion programs will also help you develop a global perspective that’s key to being a more empathetic person.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Study Abroad

Travel, career development, and personal growth are three very valid reasons to study abroad. The two below, however, are not.

1. You heard study abroad was good

With superlatives like “life-changing” often used to describe study abroad, it can be tempting to commit to an international program without a second thought. However, just because a close friend or family member recommended studying abroad doesn’t mean it will be right for you.

Listen to other opinions, but maintain your objectivity and consider whether you would like to go through those same experiences. The same goes for negative opinions; one bad review of study abroad shouldn’t dissuade you from considering it yourself.

2. Your friends are enrolling in study abroad programs

Don’t follow the crowd. The idea of spending a semester or even a full year away from your closest friends may be unsettling, but it shouldn’t push you to do the same — unless study abroad is also a good fit for you.

Your personal needs and goals should be central to any decision you make about studying abroad. So while enrolling in a study abroad program to enhance your career makes perfect sense, doing so out of fear of missing out certainly does not.

Five Questions to Help You Decide Whether to Study Abroad

If you’re still unsure whether studying abroad is right for you, ask yourself the five following questions. 

1. Am I ready to move away from home?

As appealing as study abroad might sound on the surface, you must ask yourself whether you’re ready to leave behind the familiar comforts of family, friends, and routine for months at a time. 

Culture shock and social isolation can be extremely overwhelming for international students, especially in the early weeks, so make sure you have a strong support system in place to help you with homesickness.

2. Will study abroad help me achieve my goals?

Arguably the most important question on this list, you must consider how study abroad fits in with your long-term goals. Any program you enroll in will be a major investment of time, money, and effort, so it’s critical that you gain something from the experience.

Your goals could be professional or personal. Once you’ve mapped them out, you can begin to shortlist specific institutions and programs that will support your development and take you closer to where you want to be.

3. Is there a country or city that excites me?

Many study abroad students have their hearts set on a particular country or city years before they eventually enroll in a program to study there. Perhaps you have a favorite travel destination from childhood, or somewhere you’ve only researched but can’t wait to see yourself?

If you don’t already have a country in mind, consider what qualities in a travel destination are most important to you (climate, cuisine, and attractions are a good place to start). Once you’ve shortlisted a few options, you can begin to research study abroad programs.

4. Are there any study abroad programs that match my interests?

Unfortunately, you’ll be spending the vast majority of your time abroad studying (a shock, we know), so you’ll need to find a course that you’re going to enjoy. While your course is likely to revolve around your current studies, there may be an opportunity to explore new modules too.

After narrowing down your search to a handful of countries, check out the different study abroad providers and make a list of any programs that catch your eye. Another important factor here is the quality of teaching on offer, which you can gauge using world university rankings. 

5. What is my budget?

Study abroad costs vary wildly; some destinations can cost tens of thousands of dollars more than others. Setting a budget that takes into account program fees, accommodation costs, travel expenses, living costs, and insurance will help you work out what’s financially viable.

Make sure to check whether you’re eligible for scholarships and other types of study abroad grants. If you find a semester-long program to be too expensive, short-term study programs delivered by third-party providers like Learn from Travel provide a much cheaper alternative.

Taking the Next Step

The decision to study abroad is one of the biggest you’re likely to make in your life. Don’t make the mistake of rushing things; a thorough research process will ensure you arrive at the right decision and — if you do choose to study abroad — have the best experience possible. 

Decided that study abroad is right for you? Take the next step and bring your travel plans closer to reality by contacting us today. We’ll work with you to arrange a fully customizable, culturally-immersive study abroad experience that lives long in the memory!