I Studied Abroad In College—Everything You Need To Know If You're On The Fence
So you’re thinking about studying abroad. Or maybe you’ve already decided a semester spent overseas is the right decision for you. Either way, here are a few things you should consider before boarding your flight.
Studying abroad was one of the highlights of my college experience. I spent the spring semester of my junior year studying Irish Literature at the National University of Ireland in Galway. During that time, I traveled to incredible places throughout Ireland and greater Europe, made amazing memories, and met incredible friends who I still keep in touch with to this day. Even now, years later, Galway still holds a special place in my heart.
Living in a foreign country teaches you a lot – not just about your new home away from home but also about yourself. It forces you to become more independent and challenges you to adapt to a new culture. If you study in a country where the citizens speak a different language, that challenge is even further amplified. There’s no better way to fast-track your language learning than by conversing with native speakers every day.
While studying abroad is a unique opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new culture and travel to some amazing places, it can also be a very stressful experience that might not be for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks so you can make a more informed decision about whether living and learning in a foreign country is the right choice for you.