Is it worth leaving your family, friends and home behind to study in a foreign country? Well yes, we think it is! INTO’s Deborah Martin talks you through some of our favourite reasons to study abroad…
1. Friends to make…
Here’s the thing – before you arrive at your study destination you’ll probably be worried about coping with foreign currencies, menus and transport systems. But when you team up with your fellow students it becomes fun. You’re no longer lost in an unfamiliar city – you’re exploring it with your new friends. The experience of discovering a new country together creates friendships that can last a lifetime.
2. Experiences to have…
The great thing about being an international student is the novelty of it all – the architecture is different, the food is different, even the trees are different. It’s hard to be bored when you’re being treated to new scents, sounds and slang every day. Also, those famous national landmarks that you’ve only ever seen on postcards? They’re now only a train ride away! 
3. Food to try…
Do you know what chou dou fu is? Or haggis? Or hushpuppies? (answers below)*. One of the delights of being abroad is trying out the local “delicacies”. That weird dish the locals love that you swear you’ll never try? Trust us, it’ll soon be one of your favourites.
4. Confidence to build…
You did it! You got on a plane, arrived at your study centre, made new friends, learned how to boil an egg, and found your way around a new city (you even learned how to tell a joke in a foreign language – and people laughed!). You know what this means, don’t you? It means that you’re a whole lot more confident (and independent) than you were before.
5. Goals to pursue…
Mentioning on your CV that you studied abroad is the equivalent of sprinkling gold fairy dust across it – employers love it. Why? Because to them it means that you’re independent, open-minded and adventurous. And they’re right – you are.
There are many other great reasons to study abroad. What’s your top reason? Tell us in the comments section below…
* Answers:
Chou dou fu – Chinese street food, translates as “stinky tofu”.
Haggis – Scottish dish of oatmeal, barley and spices stuffed into a sheep’s stomach.
Hushpuppies – Southern U.S. dish of deep-fried cornmeal batter.
Find out about studying in the UK, US or China with INTO.
About Deborah Martin
Hi, I’m Deborah and I’m Assistant Social Media Manager at INTO. I’m based in our Brighton HQ, where I look after our blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. I’ve lived in Thailand and Canada, and have travelled round the USA and South East Asia, so I enjoy writing for international audiences. I also like books, monkeys, ice cream, sparkly things and surprises.
