Travel certainly broadens the mind but going abroad is also an opportunity to increase your knowledge. Studying in a foreign country, learning new languages and mixing with different cultures – an entire world of educational experiences is waiting to be explored.

 
For many people, travel is simply a way to rest and relax in a sun-drenched country, but for many others travel provides a number of educational and enlightening experiences. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in different cultures and meet people from around the world, then spending an extended period abroad is the best way to do this. It’s also much easier to learn the language as well as finding new educational and employment opportunities once you are actually in your new country.

Choosing to study abroad

Becoming an international student opens up an exciting world of international education in a country of your choosing. Colleges and universities around the globe offer all of the same courses as you would find at home but with the added benefit of living in a new location. Whether you are looking to study for qualifications such as an Executive Master of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, you will find a higher educational institute abroad to suit your needs. Choose a country you would like to live in and then take a look at their universities to find out if they offer a course you would be interested in taking.

Where can you study abroad?

The world is your oyster when it comes to international study, and some excellent universities are available in countries such as Greece, Spain, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Almost every country will have a university that accepts foreign students and you can study your discipline while enjoying a new culture and some exciting travel experiences. The UAE, for example, is home to over 30 universities, many of which are ranked highly and located in cosmopolitan Dubai. This means you will be living in a city that boasts stunning beaches, glamorous nightlife, and offers a lively off-campus outdoors lifestyle.

Increase your language knowledge

If you’re interested in studying a new language, then there’s no better way to do this than to spend some time abroad. It’s much easier to become fluent if you’re spending every day surrounded by and talking to people who are speaking in their native tongue. You’ll also increase your new vocabulary on a daily basis and use it in everyday situations such as visiting restaurants and talking to friends. This is definitely one of the perks of living in a foreign country for a longer period of time – free language lessons.

Learn the value of independence

Learning isn’t all about book study, and one of the major benefits of travel is how it changes your attitude to the world. You’ll become adept at dealing with people from different cultures and this is a highly marketable skill when it comes to future employers. There’s also the added benefit of seeing your self-confidence grow as you learn to cope in your new home away from home. If you can learn to become independent in a foreign country, you should have a lot less trouble coping with everyday life no matter where you eventually end up.

To be able to live, work, or study abroad for an extended time is a dream that many of us have. It may take a little effort towards turning this dream into a reality, but the rewards are definitely worth obtaining.

Image by The LEAF Project