Studying abroad, many dream of it! It is a rewarding experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The advantages are numerous, and the reasons for leaving multiple. If you are still hesitant to embark on this adventure, this article may help you make up your mind.
Discover a culture and learn a language
According to a study on language skills carried out by the European Commission, the French are among the bottom of the ranking: only 14% have a good level in English, and 11% in Spanish! This is why a language stay as part of your studies is a real plus. Indeed, in total immersion in a foreign country, you will have no other choice than to practice the language to communicate and to follow the courses given, which will allow you to progress much more quickly. Most of the students returning from a semester abroad are almost bilingual. Going abroad also allows you to discover the culture of the host country, its habits and customs, and more generally its history.
To enrich oneself on a personal and human level
Studying abroad also has the advantage of gaining self-confidence and getting to know yourself better. Left to yourself, you will gain autonomy and maturity. You will use your adaptation skills. You will develop and assert your personality. You will learn to reinvent yourself, to open up to others (especially in a shared apartment, with students from all over the world!). Out of the safe and familiar context of your home, you will mature, and you will discover human wealth in all its aspects. In addition, studying abroad has other positive points: this trip will allow you to discover the world and take off. Those who have traveled generally have fond memories of it, and do not regret their stay.
Follow richer and more open studies
Over the years, training programs in France have become more flexible, offering students the opportunity to go abroad for a while and then finish their studies in France. In Europe, the ECTS system makes it easy to obtain equivalences between countries. Each training semester represents 60 ECTS credits. For example, to validate a license, you must obtain 180 ECTS credits in total (and you can very well validate 60 or 120 credits abroad if you wish). To further facilitate the process, there are exchange programs such as Erasmus, which offer privileged access to foreign universities through partnerships between the various establishments.
Changing the country to do part of your studies also allows you to learn new working and assessment methods. For example, in the United States, learning is more focused on interaction and collaboration than in France. Finally, to a certain extent, studying abroad can more easily pave the way for certain selective careers. In the medical and paramedical field, for example, it is possible to study in a country of the European Union (eg in Belgium) and then practice in France. Abroad, these courses are sometimes less selective, and you can therefore study in disciplines that seem too difficult to access in France (often because of the competitive examinations).
Find a job more easily
By going to study abroad, you will quickly become bilingual, and you will develop essential skills for success in the professional world, such as adaptability, autonomy and open-mindedness.
All these skills are highly valued by recruiters, and even more so by those looking for candidates for large international groups. In this type of company, the working groups are often made up of multiple nationalities. You must therefore speak the same language (often English) and be able to adapt to cultural differences. Also, for companies with international contacts, it is necessary to communicate as well as possible with its various interlocutors.
During your studies abroad, you will also have developed a network of friends and contacts who can help you find a job. In addition, you will have the possibility to apply in all the countries whose language you speak (ex: for Spanish, you will be able to aim for a position in Spain, but also in all the countries of Latin America).
Finally, if you have had the opportunity to take a foreign diploma, know that some diplomas have worldwide recognition and will open the doors of many companies to you.
You will understand that studying abroad has many advantages, both academically, professionally and personally. So if you want to live a rewarding experience, do not hesitate! All you have to do is choose your destination well according to your professional project.
