Here are the 12 most important benefits of studying abroad for a longer time:
1. Increased Foreign Language Fluency
It’s no secret: The longer you study abroad, the greater fluency you gain. Through a daily combination of classes and real-world interactions (every single day for several months), you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your language skills. There’s a real difference between learning a language and truly living it. When you spend an extended period of time in another country, you pick up the little quirks, the local idioms and a much more authentic accent. You’ll learn how to speak like the locals, realize how to read between the lines and understand the culture’s typical body language and gestures. The more local lingo you know, the deeper your connection to your new home.
2. Your self-confidence will skyrocket
It won’t just be your communication skills that’ll enjoy a boost! One of the biggest benefits of living abroad is that your self-confidence will increase as well. Navigating a different culture, making new friends, and managing a budget are all skills that will help you become a confident and independent globetrotter.
3. You'll be truly immersed in a new way of life
Studying abroad for a week or two will give you a glimpse into another culture, but staying for an extended period of time allows you to fully immerse yourself in your host country’s way of life. You’ll learn to see the world in a new light as you explore every aspect of your new home away from home. When you’re studying abroad for only a few weeks, you’ll probably have to leave right when the barista starts to remember your name and know what you order each morning. Long-term study abroad students will have enough time to find the perfect coffee place, have a go-to pizza delivery for rainy Netflix evenings and know whom to call to get a reservation for that super hip brunch place.
4. You’ll have more time to explore
Ticking off destinations and activities on your travel wish list is just that little bit easier for those who study abroad for more than a few weeks. There’s only so much you can see during weekend trips, after all. Long-term students benefit from vacation dates between terms, meaning they have plenty of time to explore their new city and beyond. That also means friends and family can come and visit you – and you can show them around like a local.
5. You’ll kick-start your career
Ask any graduate: It’s a competitive world out there. Everyone’s looking for that thing that will make their CV stand out. Adding complete language fluency to your resume is your gateway to your dream career. On top of bilingualism, your time abroad will also help you develop a cross-cultural skill set that companies around the world look for when hiring.
6. Your future will become clearer
Long-term programs give you the flexibility to get a taste of your chosen future profession. Many courses enable you to put your language skills to the test thanks to internships and special interest lessons. You’ll get to sample the reality of the industry while gaining vital international work experience to add to your CV
7. You’ll earn proof of your language level
Universities and employers will want to see official proof of your language level. By studying abroad for a longer time, you’ll have the time to work toward the internationally recognized language exams that will help you reach your future academic and career goals.
8. Improved critical thinking skills
It’s a fact: Learning a language makes you smarter, more efficient etc. etc. Problem-solving, multitasking and decision-making all become easier as your brain becomes more nimble and better at cognitive processes.
9. Enhanced Soft Skills
In addition to the development of hard skills, universities abroad also build on soft skills to enable students to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. For example, within the classroom walls, students are expected to actively participate in discussions, work on group projects, and make presentations. Across campus, students can get actively involved with clubs and societies and take on leadership roles.
As students graduate from college, these soft skills aid them at each stage and age of their life. Some examples include:
Communication Skills. You will be able to tell your supervisor what you need to do your job well. You will be able to communicate with your team to make sure you are all working together towards completion of your project. If you are in a business, your communication skills can make the difference between a satisfied customer and an angry one!
Time Management. You will be able to stick to project deadlines, effectively juggle all your tasks, and deliver good quality work prior to deadlines.
10. You’ll improve your native language skills
Language learners become sharper communicators even in their mother-tongue. When you learn a language you’re – consciously or unconsciously – reflecting on the structures of both languages while refining skills in both.
11. Make Lifelong Friends
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with students from your host country. This gives you the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.
After the study abroad program ends, try to stay in contact with your international friends. In addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be important networking tools later down the road.
12. Higher Acceptance into Grad School
90% of study abroad alumni in selected programs who continued on to graduate school earned admission into their 1st or 2nd choice graduate or professional school.