For many years, studying abroad has been considered a milestone for daring college students worldwide. The allure of novel experiences and a vibrant social scene remains compelling, but the advantages of studying overseas in terms of academia, culture, and career are more significant than before.
Studying overseas is no longer limited to recent college graduates. Graduates desiring to pursue postgraduate studies abroad have become more numerous in recent years, especially in the US. Additionally, it is understandable that graduates with an emphasis on business are particularly eager to travel abroad for academic purposes given the current state of the globalized industry.
Our students are international in nature and attend campuses all around the world at Hult. from a bachelor’s student focused on a career. To a prospective MBA student who wants to change. Every individual has a unique motivation for pursuing graduate study overseas. Speaking with Hult students reveals a number of recurring themes. These are the top five advantages of studying abroad that we have identified.
1.] Grab the chance to travel the world.
Pursuing a degree overseas is not a holiday. It requires a lot of labor. Your schedule will be full with networking events, dissertations, exams, and assignments. If you do have some free time, you should use it to explore your new location and immerse yourself in a foreign culture.
Studying abroad releases you from national boundaries. Seize the chance to go to as many different nations as you can. Traveling around the world is more reasonable than you may imagine thanks to excellent student travel offers and low-cost international carriers. To increase your exposure abroad, your school might also offer foreign exchange programs. Students, even those enrolled in one-year programs, can live and study in up to six different nations on three continents because to Hult’s worldwide campus network.
2.] Gain more knowledge about foreign cultures in both business and culture.
The easiest way to express it is that travel kills prejudice, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness, according to American novelist Mark Twain. An open-minded admiration and knowledge of various cultures is crucial in today’s more interconnected globe.
Living and studying overseas will not only give you a deeper appreciation for other cultures and people, but it will also provide you with a wider perspective on the world’s most important issues of the day. Learning in an international setting will make you and your lecturers question your preconceptions and open your mind to fresh perspectives on the globe.
Gaining a fresh, international viewpoint on your area of study will be advantageous. If you wish to work in an international business setting, you should observe how different cultures approach business issues differently and how different working styles impact teams. Overseas, you might also be exposed to a different academic culture. Professors may expect you to assume a greater degree of responsibility for your education than you may be accustomed to in your native country, which typically translates to more independence.
You will, of course, have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the local culture outside of the classroom by taking advantage of the local cuisine, celebrations, and customs.
3.] Grow your connections
One of the main motivations for studying abroad is the opportunity to meet people from all around the world. You will work with students from around the globe as part of your degree program. You’ll make connections with a global professional network as well as an intriguing and diverse new peer group. While studying abroad, it’s also beneficial to cultivate a positive rapport with your instructors. Their knowledge, relationships, and guidance can be a great help to you both during and after your studies.
While studying abroad, a lot of people form close friendships. Oceans are no longer a barrier to communication today. The people you make overseas will stay in your lifelong network. The relationships you form are the most valuable asset you can have in your career, along with fulfilling personal friendships. Having foreign contacts might lead to unexpected opportunities no matter where your profession takes you. It’s not what you know, but who you know, as the saying goes.
4.] Acquire vital life skills and develop resilience
Some students are living away from home for the first time while studying abroad. The process of acclimating to a new culture and life overseas can be daunting, even for graduate students. Not only will swiftly acclimate to your new surroundings test your problem-solving abilities. It will also improve your resilience, independence, and communication abilities.
Gaining these essential “survival skills” is one of the main advantages of studying overseas. Following the cultural shock, you’ll feel more independent and self-assured. Your everyday experiences abroad help you grow as a person by exposing you to a variety of cultural differences in negotiation strategies and leadership attributes, as well as everyday personal tasks like opening an international bank account and registering with a doctor. And regardless of your chosen route, these skills will show to be immediately practical in your professional life.
5.] Increase your employability
It goes without saying that studying abroad improves a graduate’s employability. Your time overseas is a great chance to enhance your CV in a number of ways, including as obtaining a specialized qualification or becoming fluent in a foreign language, as well as developing important “soft skills” like communication, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding.
Additionally, you might be able to work overseas while you’re a student or after you graduate. You might be able to work an internship, take a part-time job, or even pursue your career overseas, depending on your visa situation and the nation in which you are studying. It’s important to research country-specific restrictions on student work before selecting an overseas course. Your school’s career advisors can also be a great resource for information on professional opportunities and other strategies to increase your employability once you’ve earned your degree.
