So you’ve decided to study abroad, either as part of your course, or by going the whole hog and spending three years in a foreign university.
But the question is: where? Is that tongue-twister of a town near the Baltic coast right for you? Or are you better off closer to home?
Take a look at our guide to picking the right university for you…
Far-Flung Desperations
The most obscure-sounding places have instant appeal. You can get under the skin of a new culture, live somewhere totally at odds with home and learn a crazy language. But studying abroad can be a lonely experience; you’ll be far away from your friends, family and favourite food.
Don’t make the mistake of tackling a new country without swotting up on it first; this is a fast-track route to failure.
TOP TIP: Sign up for a course at a well-known institution’s sister location. New York’s Sycracuse University offers courses at its site in Hong Kong, while the Semester at Sea programme travels with students from country to country making sure that culture shock (that come with studying in one place for a long time) is kept to a minimum.
All the Comforts of Home…
Employers will see your study abroad placement as a good thing wherever in the world you go. Your confidence, understanding of a foreign culture, willingness to adapt and your exposure to global issues are all great character attributes.
Studying in a country that’s culturally closer to home isn’t something you should disregard as an “easy option”. Brits, for example, can get just as stimulating an experience studying in the USA or Australia as being somewhere totally obscure; the country’s are more culturally different than you might think.
Studying in a more familiar culture also provides that safety net you can always fall back on. If something goes wrong, or you desperately miss home, you can communicate more effectively with the people around you.
What to Consider
Before you make your decision consider what kind of person you are. Remember a year of study feels like a long time. If you’re likely to miss things from home or have problems expressing yourself (especially in places where you are not a native speaker) think carefully before making the leap:
Ask yourself how you react in the face of change and upheaval; some people thrive on it, others hate it
Choose your destination for the right reasons. Don’t select somewhere because it sounds cool or to try to make a point
Remember to research the laws and customs of that place (registering at your embassy and knowing a basic level of the language is a must-do too)
Studying abroad is one of the most life-changing experiences you can make. Sure there’s a lot to think about but sampling the local cuisine, chattering away to new friends and studying the bar menus of your new favourite hangouts makes it all the worthwhile! For more advice view these study abroad tips.
Are you planning to study abroad this year or next? Where are you headed? Share your comments below…
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