If you’re lucky, you might be able to study abroad as part of your college or university education – certain courses offer this as part of the curriculum, and it can enrich your life in so many ways! But is it right for you? Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of study abroad programs…
Pro: you’ll get to see more of the world
It might only be as close as Europe, but studying abroad can give you an opportunity to see parts of the world you might otherwise not visit – and for some, it is their only chance to be able to visit another country. This will allow you to see and experience so much more than staying in the UK!
Con: you might get homesick
Living away from home in the UK can be hard enough for many people, so living abroad is a real stretch. And it can be difficult, of course. To see your loved ones you’ll have to hop on a plane to come home, and that can be really off putting for many. But with WhatsApp, Facetime and social media, you can still keep in touch with those back home while living your best life as you study elsewhere.
Pro: you’ll make new friends
The friends you make during your time at university are so precious, and studying abroad gives you the chance to make even more of these wonderful friends. Better still, they’ll be from all over the world – so you’ll always have a place to stay for future holidays. Now that’s a HUGE pro.
Con: you might struggle with the language barrier
Depending on where you go, the language barrier might be an issue for you. However, a lot of people speak English (lucky us!) so typically you’ll get on really well. And of course, before you go you should learn at least the basic phrases – thank you, please, hello, goodbye, where is the train station, etc – in the local language. There are plenty of apps, like Duolingo, to help you along the way.
Pro: you’ll gain independence
If there’s one surefire way to gain a whole heap of independence, it’s to study abroad – living alone (or with relative strangers) in a foreign country will be a huge boost to your confidence. You’ll have to go food shopping in unfamiliar supermarkets, navigate a public transport network you’re not used to, and much more…
Pro: you’ll get to travel at the weekends
If you’re situated in Europe, for example, it’s so easy to hop on a coach, train or even plane and be within a new country in a matter of hours. This means day trips and weekends away will be incredibly easy, allowing you to add to your tally of countries visited – think of all the culture, food, architecture and history you’ll get to explore!
There are plenty of pros and cons when it comes to studying abroad, but it really will change your life if you’re fortunate enough to be able to get involved.
