Have you thought about studying abroad? Have you caught the travel bug and want to explore what the world has to offer? Do you simply need an excuse to get away? Here are a few reasons why you must study abroad- and now!
1. Exploring different cultures allows you to grow as a person.
Not only will you be eating new foods and meeting new people, but being immersed in a completely different culture is where you learn who you are. The country or city you choose to study in will have it's own unique culture(s). As you go on with your "normal" life - post study abroad- hopefully, you are able to carry on some traditions you learn to love from these cultures.
2. You can start fresh.
When you choose to study abroad, you're likely going to a place where very few people know you. It's a chance to get rid of that luggage, that label you've been carrying.
3. Depending on your school, it might be cheaper than your tuition!
Do you go to a private school? Chances are you could find a study abroad program that is actually cheaper than paying tuition to your school! That's right- studying abroad may save you money. Some schools also allow you to apply the school scholarships to the program cost as well.
4. The options are endless!
Greece, Ireland, Germany, China, Australia, Scotland, France. These are just a few locations you can choose to study abroad. With universities all over the globe, and several study abroad organizations, the opportunities are endless!
5. You can learn to find yourself.
When thrown into a completely different culture, where no one knows you, where no one knows your core values, you are able to hold on to what you choose. What values are important to you? Is being kind to all what you choose to do? Do you choose to wake up on those exhausting Sunday mornings and go to church? Do you make dinner with your roommates? Guess you'll have to go abroad and see... :)
6. It'll be harder to travel when your older.
Don't get me wrong, you should never stop traveling, but, life happens. Once you graduate and get a big kid job, it will get harder to just hop on a plane to London. Not to mention you'll be paying off all your student loans (yes, there will come a day when you can't put it off anymore), and you'll be paying for your apartment or house, you'll be feeding your animals, etc. Seriously, now is the time.
7. You'll make lifelong friends.
Most likely, you'll either be living with a host family or with other study abroad-ers. These people will become your family. You may go grocery shopping together, you might eat together, you could walk to class together. These people will see you best and your worst. Hopefully, they will become lifelong friends.
8. You'll learn to live minimally.
Depending on where you go, you may only get one checked bag and one carry-on (unless you decide to pay for an additional checked bag). That being said, can you imagine living an entire semester out of one suitcase? No? Well, now is the time! You'll soon realize that the local laundry mat is your best friend. You'll also realize that those five extra blankets and the three lamps you had in your dorm room are definitely not necessities.
9. When studying in Europe, it's easy to fly from one country to another.
Flying from state to state within the United States can be a bit expensive. One of the many advantages of studying abroad in Europe is the fact that flying around is so easy and cheap. For example, a round trip from Dublin to London for the weekend could be as cheap as $35. Take advantage of this- it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
10. You'll start to understand that experiences are more valuable than things.
When abroad, you'll start to understand that the culture and the time you immerse yourself in a different lifestyle are what makes you appreciate the experience more than physical things. You'll probably realize that you've spent more money on weekend trips, festivals, and various culture rich restaurants than on clothing or other items.
Where are you going to study abroad?
