Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Studying abroad was hands down my favorite college experience. 

It is one of the most life-changing experiences that a college student can get. 

Living abroad requires you to step out of your comfort zone, and you may have some doubts about it. 

But I can assure you that it is 100% worth it. 

Here are some reasons why you should full send it, and make the decision to study abroad:  

1. Experience a New Culture

One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is the chance to experience another culture that’s entirely different from your own. 

We are living in a globalized world, and now more than ever, developing cross-cultural competence, is crucial to succeeding in today’s society.

This enriching experience will help you see life through a completely new perspective.

Yes, a family vacation to Mexico or the Caribbean can expose you to a different culture. 

However, studying abroad allows you to truly immerse yourself in another country’s culture for months at a time. 

This is a one in a life time opportunity that is difficult to replicate after college. 

Consider this: when will you have another chance to travel the world like this? 

Your only commitments while studying abroad are to study and learn about new cultures.

After college, you will have a job that does not allow you to travel for an extended period of time. A one-week vacation off of work will never compare to this opportunity. 

2. Time to Travel And Explore 

I’m sure if you are thinking about studying abroad, you love to travel. 

An obvious perk of studying abroad is being able to travel the world and earn college credits at the same time. 

You will have the weekends to explore new cities and even travel to different countries. 

While I was abroad, I traveled throughout Italy and made it to Barcelona, Spain during my spring break. 

Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to travel to so many places, that I’ve always dreamed of going to. 

If you choose to study abroad in Italy, you will also have off from school every Friday! 

This will give you more time to travel to more bucket-list destinations. 

Studying in Europe is ideal because their transportation system makes it so simple to visit different countries. 

3. Top Quality Education 

Don’t forget it is called study abroad for a reason. 

You don’t just get to live in another country during your college years, and do nothing. 

Yes, homework is still required.

Yes, you will have to fit in time to study.

However, the learning experience abroad is vastly different from that of a typical college classroom. 

The courses I took abroad incorporated in-the-field learning experiences that enriched and complemented what I was learning in the classroom.

Through The Umbra Institute, I took a class called Digital Marketing: Wine and Wineries of Central Italy.

During the course we gained knowledge of Italian and American wine industries.

We then applied that knowledge to a service learning project with a prestigious local winery – Cantina Roccafiore. 

Throughout the semester we got to visit the winery and meet the owners to fully understand the companies role in the wine industry. 

The project was designed around the needs and goals of the winery.

We compiled market analysis, research on exportation and competitors, and looked for potential company expansion opportunities. 

By the end of the semester we were able to shape our own online marketing plan for Roccafiore.

Which we then presented to the owners and the Umbrian community. 

This course was a great way to see what goes on behind the scenes, and learn how to incorporate classroom knowledge into real world situations. 

Not only were the courses I took significantly more engaging and exciting, I was earning college credits for my degree through each of them. 

Studying abroad can also make people realize what future career paths they might want to pursue.

4. Become Independent 

At first, living in a foreign country can be overwhelming.

It tests your individual abilities to adapt to new situations and come up with solutions to unique problems. 

When you step out of your comfort zone, you will learn so much about yourself and discover new interests. 

Ultimately, you’ll grow significantly during your time abroad. 

You won’t return home the same person as you left. 

You’ll look back and feel amazed by how much you’ve grown by the end of your program. 

5. Make New Friends

Before studying abroad, I read so many blogs to reassure me that studying abroad was a good choice. 

All of the blogs said that the people you meet abroad will become your lifelong friends. 

I thought it sounded cheesy at the time, but I realized how true that statement is. 

Personally, I was so nervous to go abroad. I even cried on the plane ride to Italy because I was scared to leave my friends and family behind. 

I was going all alone. I did not know a single person going, and did not even know who I was going to be living with. 

When it was time to return back home, I remember sitting on the plane and I began to cry.

But this time I was crying because I was going to miss all of the wonderful people that I met abroad. 

I built friendships with people who were once strangers to me and who I now consider family.

It has been almost a year since I studied abroad, and I talk to all of my friends I met almost every week. 

We catch up and reminisce on all of the memories we made together.

Over the summer, I even went to Boulder, Colorado to visit one of my best friends I met in Italy. 

Regardless of your differences, you will come together and enjoy this wonderful experience. 

At the end of the day, you are all in the same boat.

Just a couple of Americans living in a different country, all seeking a new adventure.

If you are even debating studying abroad, take my advice and just do it. 

I cannot recommend studying abroad enough. 

It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about it. 

There are so many different programs out there. There really is something for everyone. 

You just have to do the research to find a program that is perfect for you. 

I know leaving your normal college environment may seem a little intimidating. 

However, change is a good thing and you can grow as a person and come back even stronger. 

What’s not to love about it? 

You get to travel the world, eat good food, and make memories that will last a lifetime.