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
Sept. 8, 2023, at 10:22 a.m. Students can develop various personal, interpersonal and cognitive skills by studying abroad, studies indicate, including adaptability, self-awareness, tolerance for ambiguity, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and problem-solving and intercultural skills.
What are the benefits of studying abroad skills? ›
Strengthening your communication skills
To begin with, one of the advantages of studying abroad is that it offers an exciting opportunity to strengthen your communication skills. Living and studying in a different country almost certainly means you'll be immersed in a different language and culture.
What are the positive and negative effects of studying abroad? ›
Studying abroad offers a wealth of advantages, including cultural exposure, personal growth, and enhanced career prospects. However, it also presents challenges like high costs, homesickness, and academic adjustments.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of abroad study? ›
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
Through study abroad, you can gain international experience and skills such as intercultural sensitivity, the ability to deal with ambiguity, and adaptation to new surroundings–all highly valued by employers. Abroad, you can learn to relate with people from different backgrounds, an important ability in the workplace.
Why do you prefer to study abroad? ›
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. All of these qualities are soft skills that modern businesses look for while hiring.
What are the pros and cons of studying abroad for a year? ›
Like any major life decision, there are both pros and cons of studying abroad. On one hand, studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to see the world and learn about new cultures. On the other hand, studying abroad can be expensive. And, depending on your degree, it might be difficult to meet your requirements abroad.
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.
How effective is studying abroad? ›
Gain professional preparation
Research by the Institute of International Education (IIE) finds that study abroad alumni believe their experiences broadened their job prospects, helped them forge career connections, helped them develop interpersonal skills, and strengthened their sense of adaptability.
What are the benefits of not studying abroad? ›
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.
Let's explore the pros and cons of teaching overseas.
- The Pros of Teaching Overseas.
- Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth.
- Professional Development.
- Competitive Compensation Packages.
- Enhanced Career Opportunities.
- Global Networking.
- The Cons of Teaching Overseas.
- Cultural Adjustment Challenges.
Advantages: Temporary escape, vacation. Disadvantages: Stress, lack of support, unexpected situations, language barriers. Travel can reveal personal limitations and potentially disrupt mental health.
How does study 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.
Does studying abroad look good on a resume? ›
But did you know that study abroad is also good for your resume? It so is. Study abroad is a GREAT way to highlight your personal achievements and set you apart from the competition – no matter your major/minor or career path.
