Going to university is a memorable experience where you have the chance to grow as a person, find your independence and gain a wealth of new knowledge and skills that will set you up for life.
Getting a degree provides lots of opportunities for career and personal development. But have you thought about the other options available to you through your university, such as studying abroad?
Many universities offer the chance to spend a year of your degree studying in another country, so if you’re looking for something a little different to mix up your studies, it could be for you.
So what are the benefits of studying abroad? How can it help with your professional development and why is the UK a great option to consider? In this article, we’ll talk you through all the best bits, and why it should be an opportunity to consider for your university experience.
Improve your communication skills
Moving to a new country for a year and embracing the education on offer there, provides a very different experience to just visiting on holiday. You’re more likely to make friends with local people, and potentially tackle a language barrier in the process.
Being able to adapt to new cultures and speak to people from a range of different backgrounds is an underestimated skill that will benefit your future career. A lot of jobs involve speaking to new people all the time, so being confident enough to communicate with others will prepare you well for graduate life.
It can be a big confidence booster
Getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things can go a long way when it comes to confidence. You’ll have to navigate a new city, whilst managing any challenges you might have to face in the process. Without the support systems you have around at home, coping in these new situations can boost your resilience and show future employers that you have the confidence to embrace new experiences and adapt when you need to.
Grow your professional network around the world
In the UK, most people have heard of the expression ‘it’s not what you know it’s who you know’. Although this is only true to some extent in the world of graduate jobs, being well networked can be beneficial.
Spending a year abroad means you build long-lasting relations with a wide range of people across the globe. Some of these new friendships could open doors to job opportunities such as placements and internships. And the more people you connect with, the more likely it is that you’ll have access to exciting career prospects.
It helps you decide which career path to follow
Studying abroad exposes you to different environments, and you’re more likely to get a feel for new interests that could spark future career goals, or at least help you understand what you don’t want to do. It’s also common for year abroad courses to let you study a wider range of subjects, so it’s a chance to really explore your likes and dislikes.
Discover places you’ll always remember
Of course, one of the best parts of studying abroad is being able to see the world, and travel to places you wouldn’t have otherwise. The UK has countless hotspots to visit, from beautiful coastal towns and national parks, to plenty of vibrant cities. You can broaden your horizon by travelling around the country and experiencing everything they have to offer.
As you can see, studying abroad is a great way to benefit your professional development as well as make memories you’ll never forget.
Looking for student accommodation in the UK? Novel Student has student housing which welcomes students who are studying abroad in Sheffield. With social spaces to relax and meet new friends, to brand new rooms, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your studies.
