Hooray! After finishing high school, many school leavers embark on the next important stage of life by starting an apprenticeship or going to university. And studying abroad in particular is now one of the top aspirations for young students. The whole world beckons with newfound freedoms and endless possibilities – and siblings and friends rave about their experiences abroad.
Employers appreciate it when career starters have gained experience abroad, as this can make young people come across as more mature and they are often more open, eloquent and flexible – qualities that are highly sought after on the job. So why not give studying abroad a try? There is much to be said for studying abroad for a few months during this transitional period.
The benefits of a semester abroad
Even if you only spend three or four months abroad, you can learn a new language from scratch or improve the speaking and writing skills you already have. Many companies today require expertise in at least one foreign language, particularly in verbal communication, and in some companies, internal communication all takes place in English so that people from different countries can understand each other. With this in mind, English-speaking countries in particular, as well as nations with English courses such as Sweden and Malta, are good options for studying abroad. What’s more, a semester abroad also offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself both in the country’s customs and its academic practices and rules – and to be part of them.
And of course, new places offer the opportunity of creating new connections, whether that is in the lecture hall, in the library, the cafeteria or in the evening at student parties. The chance to get to know new people – and perhaps even make new friends – means a semester abroad is an attractive option. And these simple human connections develop intercultural skills that are highly valued by professors and employers alike. Studying abroad is easy nowadays with many universities offering exchange programs and fostering university partnerships. You just have to decide which country you want to study in.
Where is a good place to study or spend a semester abroad?
A semester abroad is a unique opportunity to boost your career prospects. And it’s very exciting too! In addition to English-speaking countries, many people choose places where Romance languages are spoken, with Spain, France and Italy very popular options. Some adventurous students from Germany or Austria also choose to go further afield.
But what’s right for you? How do you choose the right university and benefit from the advantages of a semester abroad? Choosing the right university is crucial to getting the most out of this experience. Ask yourself what study abroad experience you want to have and what requirements the location and university need to meet. What academic goals do you want to pursue and which fields of study are you particularly interested in? Find out about your university’s partner universities: What programs are offered that match your interests? You should consider the quality of the teaching and the reputation of the university, as well as the possibility of taking courses in English or another foreign language.
Which countries and cities appeal to you and what cultural, linguistic and social challenges are you prepared to overcome – perhaps for the first time in your life? Climate conditions, transport links and living costs are just as important as any potential administrative obstacles that you will need to overcome when studying abroad.
And don’t forget: If you run out of money and your parents want to send you some, they can do this easily and safely via the Western Union app. All they need to do is install the app on their smartphone and they can then support you financially in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. The app is ideal for international money transfers and you can also track every transfer in real time. Learn more about money transfers.
Are there any disadvantages to studying abroad?
Studying abroad has many benefits, but of course there are also disadvantages. One is the financial aspect. Semesters abroad can be expensive, especially if you choose a country with a high cost of living. There are also costs for flights, visas and potentially additional tuition fees. It can also be difficult to find your feet in a foreign country and adapt to the local conditions and a different language. But cultural and linguistic challenges can also help you to grow.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a place where you feel comfortable and that gives you the opportunity to find out what you like and what you want out of the experience. What you take with you will not only be beneficial for your professional career – a semester abroad really helps to shape you and your life, no doubt about it!
