SO YOU WANT TO STUDY ABROAD?

My little cousin is considering studying abroad in Australia and she had a slew of questions about studying abroad, should I do it, how is it going to be like, how am I going to cope, etc... I wanted to write this post for those of you who are in the same boat as her. I recently talked to a friend of mine about this topic who also studied abroad and we came to the same conclusion: just do it!



It is an enriching experience that is so unlike anything you will ever do. Studying as an undergradaute in university in a foreign country will open many doors in the future. In my opinion, it is these friendships made during this time that will last a long time - a lot longer than if you were to go work in a foreign country. Almost everyone is in the same boat - a young student still finding their way through life who is untied to a job and family. People are generally more open at this age and are more accepting. In addition, with all the international friends you make from going abroad you can always visit them in their home country later on. It is an opportunity to live as a local in a foreign country which is something that will be a lot harder to come by later when you are working or settle down. As a student you get to experience the best of both worlds - half the time you are a tourist and half the time you are in a country for a specific reason - to learn at university. It is different than going on vacation because you actually have things to accomplish while you are there. It isn't going without a plan. Going as a college student also gives you both freedom and security. Freedom to still do virtually anything you want, but also security in that if you encounter any mishaps there is always someone you can call for help whether it be your study abroad program or the university you are attending. Overall, it is an opportunity that you rarely get to travel and immerse yourself into a culture fully for a long extended period of time.