Studying abroad was always considered as advantageous even though expensive opportunity. Usually, graduates with international diplomas are assumed to have better career prospects and are more competitive in the labor market. Nowadays, with the help of various scholarship programs, many people have the chance to experience international student life. Let’s analyze what exactly pushes people towards getting out of comfort zone and move to another country to pursue their study goals.
The first and, no wonder, the main reason is connected to the quality of education. Basically, that’s why students from third world countries are enrolling in European and American universities. In the 21st-century demand for highly qualified individuals continues to grow and outweighs the need for unskilled employees. Students understand that their future well-being is strongly connected to the relevance of knowledge they will acquire. Moreover, western universities provide their graduates with more career opportunities. For example, short and long-term internships students can apply for in the career fair organized by their faculty. All of these factors together create a motivation to study abroad.
The second reason might sound less valuable compared to the previous one but is also essential – separation from family and desire to experience adult life. Moving to another country is undoubtedly a stressful stage of maturing, but it also helps individuals shape their personalities and learn to be independent. Starting from the little things, like doing grocery shopping, planning budget and paying bills and ending with a resolution of critical situations – all of these student would probably avoid by living with parents but have to face during his/her studies abroad. The most important students could experience in such case, from my point of view, is an opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. Even though it sounds a bit strange, most of us would agree that families try to limit possibilities for us getting hurt. However, the best way to learn a lesson from life is to fall and rise and probably fall again.
The third reason is all about interest to get to know new cultures. Where else can students meet other people with the various background? Participation in group works during lectures and seminars together with co-living in the student residences would help to understand cultural differences and adapt to them. Learning about beliefs different from yours positively contributes to the open-mindedness of individuals. Besides it, students will also learn significantly about the customs and traditions of the country of temporary residence. It is pretty fascinating to discover things that are never written in the tourist guides. And the most exciting is making international friends. Multicultural universities provide a great opportunity to build a long time network with people from all around the world.
Also important to mention an importance of languages. Even though English is the most popular language to study at, students usually learn at least one new foreign language during their life abroad. Sometimes it is the native language of the country. For example, in Hungary many international students take Hungarian language courses while studying in English. In most cases, it happens because lack of proficiency in national language causes serious barriers in daily communications, like grocery shopping or purchase of bus ticket. In other cases, students are willing to learn other popular and most-spread languages that will benefit them during employment or in pursuing another degree. Based on my experience, German and French are the most studied second foreign languages among international students.
It would be unfair not to mention the opportunities to travel as one of the attractive factors. Especially it applies to European countries which provide their students with a residence permit for the period of a study program. With these cards, it is possible to freely cross the borders of any country in the EU zone and stay there for 60 days. Spending spring break with Parisian croissants or observing greatness of the Colosseum before Christmas? Why not? Even exploring inside the country of temporary residence is captivating. With the student discounts, it is possible to buy train tickets from 20% to 50% cheaper and save money during trips. Undoubtedly, studying abroad is the challenging step in life that comes with stress and difficulties, but it is also a great and irreplaceable opportunity to become an independent and open-minded individual with bright professional prospects.
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