Studying a Master's degree abroad can be one of the most thrilling experiences in your personal and professional life. But making this choice isn’t exactly easy, especially when other options like studying in your home country or online studies are available.
To make your decision easier, the Studyportals team has gathered 10 reasons why you should pack your bags and get ready to study at a foreign university in 2023:
1. Experience the positive side of culture shock
The saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" applies to every trip that you take outside of your home country. However, when studying abroad, you will be exposed to a new environment, foreign people, and a different culture for quite some time. Dealing with these aspects will shape you as a person.
For example, before you leave for your studies abroad, you might be worried about homesickness, leaving your social network behind, or feeling lost in a foreign city. These aspects of a so-called culture shock will make you a more independent person and teach you essential social skills.
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Here are some famous study abroad locations where you can find numerous English-taught degrees:
- Study abroad in Canada – embrace a safe and multicultural environment
- Study abroad in the UK – attend some of the best universities in the world
- Study abroad in Ireland – experience the most welcoming environment you can imagine
- Study abroad in Spain – enjoy warm weather and lovely beaches
- Study abroad in Germany – benefit from low or even free tuition
2. Become a more independent person
Studying abroad means facing new challenges and learning by trial and error. While abroad, you will encounter situations that might be a piece of cake in your home country but turn out to be tricky.
Whether you master bureaucracy in a foreign country or overcome language barriers, you will build your independence in any case.
3. Discover new interests and hobbies
When abroad, you might find yourself in a totally different country from your home in terms of weather conditions, infrastructure, mentality, or even social and educational systems.
All these differences can become great opportunities for you. For instance, you might find an odd sports activity that people are crazy about in your host country, but no one knows in your home country.
Check out some popular disciplines you can study:
- Business and Management
- Computer Sciences
- Hospitality Management
- Graphic Design
- Environmental Sciences
4. Learn the local language
Brush up on your language skills or learn an entirely new language before you go abroad. A couple of phrases will help you get around in your new environment and will make you earn the locals' appreciation.
Trying to integrate by learning the local language is a massive plus for you and your studies, even if you enrol in an English-taught programme.
5. Join an international student network
International student networks like the Erasmus Student Network and AIESEC offer many networking and socialising opportunities. Through these networks, you will also be able to connect to locals more easily, find internships or even a future job.
Whether you join them for travel activities or as a volunteer, you will quickly find the opportunity to meet new like-minded people and expand your social circle.
6. Enjoy student benefits
As an international student, you can enjoy more than 42,000 student benefits in over 130 countries.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) acts as a unique identifier to allow students access to preferential travel opportunities, specially negotiated services, discounts and experiences in every area and stage of student life, consequently reducing the overall costs of being a student.
Depending on your place of study, many countries have additional local student cards that give you benefits for public transport, cultural sights or hotels.
Find out more about study options and costs in these popular student cities:
7. Boost your CV
In today's globalised world, international work and study experiences are great assets to get noticed on the global job market. As a result, HR managers actually scan CVs for international experiences.
The skills developed while studying abroad are usually helpful in landing a job. You will stand out from the crowd and get ahead of other applicants on the international job market.
See what can you become with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Public Health or Economics.
8. Improve your English skills
If you're preparing for an English-taught study programme, you will need to prove your language proficiency. Many universities require an English test like IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or Duolingo.
Once you gain an English certificate and then study a degree entirely taught in English, you will develop your English knowledge and skills to an advanced level.
9. Studying abroad will make you happier
Globally, international students report having a better study experience, with an average score of 4.17, compared to domestic students (average score of 4.01). This difference holds true for all study levels and years of study.
This is according to the 2019 Global Student Satisfaction report by Studyportals. The latest 2021 GSSA report was released in October.
The Global Student Satisfaction report is based on more than 45 thousand reviews coming from both domestic and international students, covering over 209 nationalities, and reviewing higher education institutions in over 151 countries.
Recent student reviews reflect the life-changing experience of studying abroad: "I got the opportunity that most people don't get and was immersed into another culture, its people, etc. It was a great experience.", said one student.
Another student review said: "It was the best thing ever that I have done in my life, new people, new country, an amazing atmosphere, added to that: the highly qualified staff at this great university who did their very best to make my study journey worth it."
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10. Share your experience
Of course, your friends and family would be happy if you shared some of your adventures with them. Is there a better way than using social media to stay in contact?
Your social network will blossom, and you will not only be able to share your experiences with your friends at home but also with your new fellows.
Check out the stories of these students:
Are you ready to make this year one of the highlights of your career? Studyportals will help you find your dream studies abroad. Check out one of our portals and choose from more than 160,000 courses!
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.