While the number of students looking into study abroad programs declined massively during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now beginning to reemerge as a popular choice. A foreign study program delivers an array of important benefits, including the ability to acquire essential lifetime experiences and also enjoy better and more lucrative employment options later on.
Regardless of your field of study and academic proclivities, a study abroad program can deliver excellent advantages. This is especially true for undergrad and graduate students who dedicate enough time to discovering academic programs properly aligned with their values and future goals.
What Are Study Abroad Programs?
Pursuing an educational program in a foreign country is defined as studying abroad.
There are opportunities for just about everyone – engineering programs, graduate programs, language school options, liberal arts school programs, study abroad programs in private institutions, etc. What matters the most is discovering an accredited host institution that will allow you to transfer credit upon your return home. Most of the time, the program provider will be an American university in another country, but alternatives are also available.
When enrolling in a study abroad program, a student gets the opportunity to immerse themselves in brand-new academic surroundings and expand their academic goals. As an added bonus, they’ll get to enjoy the cultural diversity and richness stemming from life in another country. Housing on campus is a typical part of the study abroad experience. Obviously, life on campus in the host country can be as enriching as classes, delivering valuable life lessons and opportunities to form lifelong friendships.
Main Benefits of Study Abroad Programs
Statistics suggest that 97 percent of study-abroad students find employment within 12 months of graduation (in comparison to 49 percent of all college graduates). Also, 90 percent of undergraduate students who participated in such programs got accepted in their first or second school choice as far as graduate programs are concerned.
But let’s look beyond the dry statistics (as impressive as they may be). Here’s a breakdown of the most important study abroad advantages:
- Putting things in perspective: Having a more global outlook on life, getting to meet new people, experiencing a different culture and a different way of acquiring academic knowledge can all be tremendously enriching. Students will also get opportunities to partake in student clubs, annual student events, and sports teams that aren’t available back home.
- Enhanced language skills: Improving one’s language proficiency in native settings is obviously the best way to learn. Students can access a wide range of abroad programs in a foreign language. Even if the courses themselves are offered in English, interactions with locals provide authentic opportunities to gain massive linguistic skills.
- Personal growth and improved soft skills: Navigating a new country comes with challenges and opportunities. That’s why study abroad programs result in personal growth. You’ll also acquire communication skills, and learn to master problem-solving in a way you wouldn’t get to experience back home.
- Seeing the world: International studies offer the opportunity to discover the world. For many international students, this is the most life-changing aspect of study abroad programs. Going to a country you’ve long dreamed about visiting will give you experiences many people acquire much later in life. International travel can help you grow while also enriching yourself personally, culturally, and spiritually.
- A chance to discover new interests.
- Enhanced career opportunities (through networking and gaining a global outlook).
- Improved opportunities for graduate school admission.
Is a Study Abroad Program Right for Me?
Study abroad programs are recommended for both undergraduate and grad students. Consider such academic programs if you:
- Want to acquire valuable lifetime experience that may be difficult to attain otherwise.
- Are interested in exploring a new academic style and university opportunities different from those available in your university.
- Are keen on visiting an educational institution with a well-established history and excellent reputation.
- Want to combine academic programs with the enhancement of your personal skills.
- Are seeking an overall amazing experience that offers both academic growth and a tremendous adventure.
Examples of Excellent Study Abroad Programs
By conducting some research, it can be discovered that numerous international universities offer outstanding study-abroad programs. Here’s a comprehensive 2022/2023 ranking that sheds more light on the best colleges and the reasons they’re worth looking into.
The top US universities that offer study abroad programs for international students include Elon University, Boston University, New York University, Duke University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Arcadia University, Georgetown University, and American University in Washington DC.
US students may want to consider opportunities like the ones provided by the University of Tokyo (especially for STEM disciplines), Australian National University, University of Barcelona (exceptional for language learning), National University of Ireland, Cambridge and Oxford universities in England, as well as Yonsei University in South Korea for a chance to experience the amazing Korean culture.
Choosing the Best Study Abroad Program
To pick a study abroad program that will give you the best experience and teach the most valuable lessons, you’ll need to follow a few steps:
- Seek international programs aligned with your academic proclivities and future goals.
- Pinpoint the universities that have such programs and make sure the locations are of personal interest.
- Do your research on financial assistance or additional funding that will make the task of attending the respective college easier. Are there scholarships?
- Check out the extracurricular activities, field trips, and the chance to fully experience the depth of local culture and lifestyles.
- Check out housing on campus to make sure it meets your requirements.
- See how long the program lasts and ensure the credits you acquire there are going to be transferable back home.
- Find out what kind of support and assistance will be available to international students.
- Finally, make sure that the university has a good track record and an excellent reputation.
Assessing all these things can be cumbersome, especially if you’re a first-year student or you’re into your sophomore year. People who have a bit more academic experience will find it easier to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. But if you’re brand new to the world of academia or study abroad programs, coaching and professional assistance will always come in handy.
Our college coaches will guide you through the process, help you pinpoint the best choices, and ace the application process. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Morzep coaches if you have questions or are looking forward to joining the best study abroad program.
