Here are the 12 most important benefits of studying abroad for a longer period of time:
1. Increased foreign language fluency
It’s no secret: the longer you study abroad, the more fluent you become. Through a daily combination of classes and real-world interactions over 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 begin to pick up local quirks, idioms, and a more authentic accent. You’ll learn how to speak more like the locals, read between the lines, and better understand the culture’s typical body language and gestures. The more local language and expressions you know, the deeper your connection to your new home will become.
2. Your self-confidence will skyrocket
It won’t just be your communication skills that get a boost! One of the biggest benefits of living abroad is the confidence you gain along the way. Navigating a different culture, making new friends, managing a budget, and handling everyday challenges on your own will all help you become more confident and independent.
3. You’ll be truly immersed in a new way of life
Studying abroad for a week or two gives 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 begin to see the world in a new light as you experience every aspect of your home away from home. When you study abroad for only a few weeks, you may have to leave just as the barista starts remembering your name and your usual order. Long-term study abroad students have enough time to find their favorite coffee shop, discover their go-to pizza place for rainy evenings, and learn exactly where to go for the best local brunch.
4. You’ll have more time to explore
Checking destinations and activities off your travel wish list is much easier when you study abroad for more than a few weeks. After all, there’s only so much you can see during short weekend trips.
Long-term students often benefit from vacation dates between terms, giving them plenty of time to explore their new city and travel beyond it. It also gives friends and family more opportunities to visit, and by then, you may be able to show them around like a local.
5. You’ll kick-start your career
Ask any graduate: it’s a competitive world out there. Everyone is looking for something that will make their resume stand out.
Adding strong foreign language skills to your resume can open doors to new career opportunities. In addition to bilingualism, your time abroad can help you develop valuable cross-cultural skills that employers around the world look for when hiring.
6. Your future will become clearer
Long-term programs give you more flexibility to explore your chosen profession. Many programs allow you to put your language skills to the test through internships, special-interest courses, or other hands-on learning opportunities.
You’ll have the chance to experience the realities of an industry while gaining valuable international work experience to add to your resume.
7. You’ll earn proof of your language level
Universities and employers may want to see official proof of your language proficiency. By studying abroad for a longer period of time, you’ll have more time to prepare for internationally recognized language exams that can help you reach your future academic and career goals.
8. Improved critical thinking skills
Learning another language can strengthen a variety of cognitive skills. Problem-solving, multitasking, and decision-making can all improve as your brain becomes more flexible and accustomed to switching between different languages, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
Studying abroad also requires you to adapt to unfamiliar situations, solve everyday problems, and make decisions in a new environment, all of which can strengthen your critical thinking skills.
9. Enhanced soft skills
In addition to developing academic and professional skills, studying abroad can help students build soft skills that allow them to interact effectively with others.
In the classroom, students may be expected to actively participate in discussions, work on group projects, and give presentations. Across campus, students can become involved in clubs and organizations and may even have opportunities to take on leadership roles.
These skills can benefit students long after graduation. Some examples include:
Communication Skills: You’ll become more comfortable expressing what you need, collaborating with a team, and communicating with people from different backgrounds. In the workplace, strong communication can make the difference between confusion and successful collaboration.
Time Management: You’ll learn how to balance school, travel, social activities, and other responsibilities while meeting deadlines and maintaining the quality of your work.
10. You’ll improve your native language skills
Language learners often become stronger communicators in their native language as well. When you learn another language, you naturally begin comparing the structures, vocabulary, and expressions of both languages.
This increased awareness can help you become a more thoughtful and effective speaker and writer in your first language.
11. Make lifelong friends
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and build lasting friendships.
While studying abroad, you may attend classes and live alongside students from your host country as well as other international students. This gives you the opportunity to truly get to know people you may never have met otherwise and form relationships that can last long after the program ends.
After your study abroad experience, staying in contact with your international friends can lead to rewarding personal relationships and even valuable professional connections later in life.
12. Higher acceptance into graduate school
Studying abroad can also strengthen graduate or professional school applications. International experience can demonstrate independence, adaptability, cultural awareness, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
In selected study abroad programs, 90% of alumni who later pursued graduate or professional school reported being admitted to their first- or second-choice program.