If you haven't done so yourself, I'm sure you have a friend or a family member who has moved abroad to either work or study. And I bet that that person came home with hundreds of stories to tell from people they met to places they went and things they learned either in school, their work, or getting lost in a city they decided to explore. Though it may not be everybody's cup of tea, after having just finished the academic part of the study-abroad-experience, I can guarantee you that everyone will gain so much from their time abroad.
1. International Friendship
It almost goes without saying that you will meet people abroad that you would never be able to meet by staying at your school. I am living with people from Virginia, St. Louis, and Tampa, made friends with people from Dartmouth and VMI, as well as people from Dubai, England, Paris, and India. The friendships that you make whilst abroad are incredible because not only do you get to learn about other places and cultures, but you become close so fast as you go experience everything with each other. It's crazy to think that people you didn't even know 3 months ago could become some of your closest friends.
2. Maturity
When you study abroad you learn more about yourself than you ever thought you could. You learn what makes you tick, what you love, foods you never thought you would enjoy but end up eating almost every day (British bacon, this one's for you), and may even discover what you want to do with the rest of your life - or what you don't want to do. Though this is possible in America, it's harder because it's easy to get stuck in a rut, going through the motions, where as abroad you are forced out of your comfort zone and into a world where you have to make all of your decisions by yourself. It can be scary, but also one of the best things that will happen to you.
3. Independence
Speaking of making all your decisions by yourself... You literally make every. single. decision. What to eat, what to wear, what to say, where to go, whether or not you study, how long you prepare for your class, how often you talk to people from back home... You are thrust into the "real world" where everything is on you.
4. Work Ethic
If you think that studying abroad is all fun-and-games, think again. It is called "study" abroad for a reason. Though there are a lot of fun times, you have to learn when is the right time to study and when is the right time to explore. his is especially true at Oxford where you don't have "classes" per say but instead just have twice a week, 1-hour tutorial periods. The rest of the time you're on your own to order books, read them, take notes, and write your essays... There is no set curriculum. It makes you realize just what type of student you are and want to be and how time management is crucial.
5. Money Matters
Studying abroad is expensive, man! It makes you that much more thankful for those who have supported you along the way. It also makes you frugal with what you buy and forces you to learn how to cook for yourself. Keeping a budget was one of the many things I learned that studying at home couldn’t teach me. It’s a great way to learn more about the value of money.
6. Appreciation
I have never really been homesick. Though I absolutely adore my family and friends, whenever I am gone, I know that they are only a phone call or text away. But, when you're in a country that is thousands of miles from home, you start appreciating the little things that you never really noticed before. Whether it is calling up a friend to get coffee because you need someone to talk to or going to Moes on Mondays because you have a student discount and you want some free chips and queso, you realize just how much you take things for granted when you are home. But it also makes you appreciate everything more in the country you're in because you realize that you only have a finite time there and have to soak everything in.
