Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for any student. It’s a chance to explore new cultures, learn new languages, and be exposed to new customs. While it can be challenging at times, students return home with a unique and expanded perspective on the world.
Seaver College International Programs consistently rank among the top study abroad programs in the nation. Approximately 80 percent of Seaver’s undergraduate students study abroad, with many visiting 10 to 15 different countries during their time away. Explore some of the many benefits of studying abroad.
1. Expanded Cultural Awareness
First and foremost, studying abroad is a chance to immerse yourself in a foreign culture. You get to experience a different way of life, which broadens your horizons and helps you appreciate diversity. Learning about different customs, traditions, and beliefs provides you with a better understanding of the world around you.
Living and studying among people of a different culture also furthers your awareness of your own cultural perspectives, and helps you develop cross-cultural communication skills, a highly valuable ability in a globalized world.
2. Enhanced Academic Experience
Studying abroad enables you to explore new academic interests while earning credits that are applicable to your major or general education course requirements. Additionally, you are able to participate in course offerings that are typically not available at your campus back home. Horseback riding through Hyde Park in London, fencing in Heidelberg, and sailing in Buenos Aires are just some of the unique courses available to students participating in Seaver College International Programs.
Being immersed in a foreign language environment is also one of the best ways to learn a new language. You will not only have the chance to study the language academically, but you will also have the opportunity to practice your language skills in everyday interactions, reinforcing your studies in a way that the classroom cannot provide.
3. Career Advancement
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with international experience and language skills. Studying abroad demonstrates that you are adaptable, independent, and able to work in a global environment.
Employers are also seeking employees who can solve problems independently and think critically. Studying abroad can help you develop these skills, along with resilience and creativity, making you a more valuable asset to any organization.
4. Additional Travel Opportunities
One of the most obvious benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to travel and explore new places. From weekend trips to nearby cities to longer excursions during extended breaks, studying abroad allows you to see the world in a way that is simply not possible as a tourist.
In addition to semester- and year-long programs, Seaver College International Programs also offer students educational field trips (EFTs). Accompanied by Pepperdine professors, staff, and faculty-in-residence, students travel to a foreign country to visit historic sites, meet local leaders, engage in service, and attend lectures. Past EFTs include travel to Cyprus, Dubai, Israel, Scotland, Spain, and Tanzania.
5. Enhanced Personal Growth
Moving to and living in a new country requires you to navigate unfamiliar territory, which can help you become more self-sufficient. It forces you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to adapt to new situations. While daunting at first, studying abroad builds resilience and self-confidence. Living in a foreign country can also help you develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others.
Studying abroad allows you to explore new cultures, languages, and academic opportunities. It can be an extremely incredibly rewarding and transformative experience that offers numerous personal and professional benefits. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, it is well worth considering.
FAQs
With study abroad, you can experience new places and cultures, make friends from around the world, and gain a global perspective–while earning credits towards your degree. It will allow you to develop highly-valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Why is study abroad important? ›
IIE's Gaining an Employment Edge study found that over 70% of students reported that their study abroad experiences significantly helped develop their intercultural skills, flexibility and adaptability, self-awareness, curiosity, and confidence.
How does study abroad benefit students academically? ›
By studying abroad, students have the chance to learn from expert faculty, build professional networks, and access state-of-the-art campus resources and facilities. Self-confidence — Studying abroad and living alone in a foreign country encourages you to become adaptable, self-reliant, and responsible.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad? ›
Authored By:
| Pros of Study Abroad | Cons of Study Abroad |
|---|
| 3. You will gain a competitive edge. | 3. You may experience culture shock. |
| 4. You will build your language skills. | 4. You might get homesick. |
| 5. You will step out of your comfort zone. | 5. Re-integration can be hard. |
| 6. You will be better for it. | |
2 more rowsApr 17, 2024
Being away from your familiar support network, family, and friends back home encourages self-reliance and personal growth. Navigating daily life in a new country requires you to step out of your comfort zone, adapt to new situations, and develop problem-solving skills.
Does studying abroad make you happier? ›
Studying abroad is an adventure filled with exciting and memorable experiences. From exploring new places to trying new foods to meeting new people, every day brings something new and exciting. These experiences can enhance your overall well-being and happiness.
Is studying abroad worth it? ›
Studying abroad is worth it if you can find a program that aligns with your interests, goals and finances. The once-in-a-lifetime experience can improve your future career and income prospects, broaden your horizons and give you space to build new skills.
Does studying abroad help your career? ›
Traveling abroad also improves your employability because it shows potential employers that you are flexible and culturally competent. Ultimately living abroad allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of the cultural and societal influences that define your subject, which promotes sensitivity and deeper understanding.
What are the advantages of studying? ›
discovering new personal interests and activities. making new friends and meeting people from different backgrounds. improving your self-awareness. challenging yourself and gaining a sense of achievement.
How effective is studying abroad? ›
While daunting at first, studying abroad builds resilience and self-confidence. Living in a foreign country can also help you develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others. Studying abroad allows you to explore new cultures, languages, and academic opportunities.
Going abroad is an exciting challenge and a great opportunity to escape your comfort zones. You'll have the opportunity to pick up new skills you may not have had the chance to whilst studying at home, including navigating a new city, communicating in a different language, and budgeting with an unfamiliar currency.
Is studying abroad in high school worth it? ›
The decision to study abroad during high school isn't always an easy one and comes with both pros and cons. Studying abroad in high school can benefit you personally, academically, and in the future, professionally. Although studying abroad in high school can be pricey, there are scholarships available.
What is so special about studying abroad? ›
By studying abroad, you will experience new perspectives, learn how to navigate different cultures, work with diverse peers, and communicate in other languages.
Where are the top 10 places to study abroad? ›
Consider the 10 most popular study abroad destinations for U.S. college students, along with their average costs.
- Spain. ...
- France. ...
- Germany. ...
- Ireland. ...
- Costa Rica. ...
- Greece. ...
- Denmark. ...
- South Korea. Korea contains about 200 four-year universities.
Staying in your home country to study can lead to a significant future benefits: cheaper tuition, study in your own language, intern in your own country, and easily find a job after graduation. Maybe the best universities in the region are in your country, or they have the best programs for you.
What are the benefits of having gone abroad? ›
10 Reasons to Go Abroad
- Experience Different Styles of Education. ...
- Immerse Yourself in a New Culture. ...
- See the World. ...
- Develop Your Language Skills. ...
- You're not Visiting, You're Living.
- Career & Educational Opportunities.
- Find New Interests.
- Make Lifelong Friends.
Studying abroad is worth it if you can find a program that aligns with your interests, goals and finances. The once-in-a-lifetime experience can improve your future career and income prospects, broaden your horizons and give you space to build new skills.
Is it better to go abroad to study? ›
Employers are increasingly starting to value candidates who have a more globalized experience. This is because studying abroad helps you appreciate other cultures and overcome bigger challenges. You also get a better understanding of the world around you which can definitely help you in the workplace as well.
