Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (2024)

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Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (8)

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The question “Why study abroad?” is one of the issues explored in our recently released report on Trends in International Student Mobility, based on global surveys of graduate degree applicants in the last five years. The report examines some of the key motivations and priorities for students applying for a master’s or a PhD, and particularly those with an interest in studying outside of their own country. Here’s an overview of some of the most common answers respondents gave to the question “Why study abroad?”

Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (10)1.Study at a university with a strong international reputation

A major motivation for many international students is the prospect of studying at a university with a strong international reputation. This underlies the continued popularity of study destinations such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Germany, which boast large numbers of universities that are well-known and respected worldwide. As more institutions succeed in growing their international reputations, there’s now even greater choice than ever before for prospective international students for whom reputation really matters.

Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (11)2.Experience life in a different culture

For many international students, the opportunity to spend an extended period of time immersed in a culture other than their own is a huge part of the appeal of studying abroad. This might simply be for the pleasure that comes from encountering new experiences and perspectives, or it could be that students are already looking ahead to their graduate careers; international experience and intercultural skills are highly valued by many employers. Some students may have a specific destination or culture in mind, while others may be ready to explore pretty much anywhere new.

Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (12)3.Benefit from scholarships or lower tuition fees

Studying abroad is certainly not always a cheaper option; indeed, for many (if not most) international students, it’s more expensive to study abroad than it would have been to stay closer to home. However, this of course depends on how the tuition fees and living costs compare in your own country and your potential study destination. If you’re based in the US and decide to study in Germany, for example, you could actually end up saving a lot in tuition fees, as our student blogger Felix explains. You may also be able to benefit from international scholarships, such as those available to attendees of the QS World Grad School Tour.

Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (13)4. Improve your language skills

Lots of students are also motivated to study abroad at least partly by the prospect of improving their language skills, which again can be a major asset when applying for graduate careers. This could mean spending time taking a preparatory language course, in order to study a full degree program taught in the local language. Or you may study in your native language, but have opportunities to improve your foreign language skills through immersion in the student community.

Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (14)5.Start building an international professional network

Finally, studying abroad can be an opportunity to establish a really strong international professional network, by establishing friendships with classmates from all around the world, which will long outlast the duration of your study program. If this is one of your motivations for overseas study, you may want to make sure you choose a university with a particularly diverse student community. Of course, it’s not essential to study abroad to achieve this goal; you could choose to study in your own country and still have the chance to meet people from across the globe!

Discover more answers to the question “Why study abroad” with the full report on Trends in International Student Mobility. Read the report now >

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This article was originally published in March 2014.It was last updated in February 2021

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Written by

Laura Bridgestock

The former editor of TopUniversities.com, Laura oversaw the site's editorial content and student forums. She also edited the QS Top Grad School Guide and contributed to market research reports, including 'How Do Students Use Rankings?'

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Why Study Abroad? Five Reasons... (2024)

FAQs

How to answer the question why do you want to study abroad? ›

There are a lot of reasons to study abroad – a desire for travel and new experiences, the chance to practice another language, the opportunity to find yourself and discover your capabilities in the world, to make new friends, to live in a different culture . . . the list could go on and on.

What are the important reasons to study abroad? ›

By studying abroad, you will experience new perspectives, learn how to navigate different cultures, work with diverse peers, and communicate in other languages.

Why did you decide to study abroad because? ›

Studying abroad helps you to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome challenges of living in another country and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things that modern businesses look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in the future.

How do you answer what is your motivation to study overseas? ›

Instead, Say: Although I have never lived or studied abroad before, I love to travel and experience new cultures, and therefore, I'm looking for an opportunity to expand my horizons while doing something I love.

How do you write an essay on why I want to study abroad? ›

It should focus on why you want to study or intern a) in a specific country, b) on a specific program, c) during a specific term. Talk about the program you chose and help readers understand why it is a good fit and what it will contribute to your academic, personal and/or professional development. Include DETAILS.

What should I say in a study abroad interview? ›

If you've never traveled abroad before, speak honestly about your past experiences, prepare ahead of time, and research ways to handle new cultures. And it's perfectly okay if your response is to seek advice from others and learn as you go – that's all part of the study abroad process.

Is it a good idea to study 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.

Why studying abroad has many benefits for international students? ›

Gain essential life skills and building resilience

It will also hone your communication skills, self-reliance, and resilience. Developing these key “survival skills” is one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad. Once the culture shock fades, you'll be left with a sense of self-confidence and independence.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying in another country? ›

Authored By:
Pros of Study AbroadCons of Study Abroad
1. You will learn to think more broadly.1. Studying abroad can be expensive.
2. You will make lifelong connections.2. There will be language barriers.
3. You will gain a competitive edge.3. You may experience culture shock.
3 more rows
Jan 26, 2023

Why do you want to study? ›

The Importance of Studying

It builds knowledge and understanding of a subject area which helps prepares you for your future. Whether that involves advancing in your education or embarking on a new job or apprenticeship. Generally, developing good study skills is great for your personal growth and your future endeavors.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad essay? ›

The advantages of studying abroad include learning a new language, boosting your résumé and experiencing new things, while the disadvantages include crippling homesickness, high costs and cultural barriers. Send My Bag will explore each of these advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad in more detail.

How studying abroad helped me? ›

A benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse situations while being able to problem solve.

Who motivates you to study abroad? ›

I believe there isn't a more exciting privilege in life than to be able to discover new places, meet new people, and to just surround yourself in traditions and cultures that are entirely different from your own. Getting to experience these things and more is one of the biggest reasons as to why I want to study abroad.

Why do you want to study abroad and how will it impact your education? ›

By looking at research on the more directly quantifiable aspects of study abroad impact, studies show students who study abroad have better grades, experience less attrition, and graduate from college at higher rates than students who do not study abroad.

What is the best country for studying abroad why? ›

Germany is one of the best study destinations for international students alongside the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada, and it's also among the cheapest countries to study abroad as the country offers free/almost free high-end education in leading universities including the Technical University of München, ...

What is the best place to study abroad? ›

Top Places To Study Abroad
  • Italy. Number of study abroad students in 2021–22: 30,610. ...
  • United Kingdom. Number of study abroad students in 2021–22: 27,503. ...
  • Spain. Number of study abroad students in 2021–22: 25,348. ...
  • France. Number of study abroad students in 2021–22: 14,397. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Ireland. ...
  • Costa Rica. ...
  • Greece.
Feb 7, 2024

What does it mean to study abroad? ›

“Study abroad” is a chance to pursue your college studies in a foreign country. Students attend lectures or carry out research at a foreign university or through their home university's study-abroad program. Participants typically live in a residence hall, apartment, or with a local family through a homestay.

What is the point of studying abroad reddit? ›

Living in a new country, surrounded by new people, can help you develop new skills, such as independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication, which can be valuable assets throughout your life.

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