10 Reasons Why Studying Abroad Is One of the Best Decisions You’ll Ever Make

What Does It Mean to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad simply means earning academic credit while learning in a country outside your own. Though most common among undergraduates, it’s also a valuable option for recent grads, gap-year students and adult learners seeking global exposure or career shifts.

There are several ways to structure a study abroad experience:

• Through Your College or University
  This is the most popular route. You stay enrolled at your home institution, which partners with a foreign university. Programs often include built-in support – like faculty, credit transfers and housing – making it a smooth transition. Think: a semester in Tokyo led by your U.S. university’s global programs office.
• Direct Enrollment at a Foreign University
  With this more independent option, you apply directly to a university abroad as an international student. You’ll manage your own logistics – visa, housing and course registration – and attend alongside local students.
• Third-Party Academic Organizations
  Providers like IES Abroad or CIEE place you in international institutions while handling admissions, housing and orientation. You’ll study under local faculty but benefit from a support system tailored to international students.
• Curated Programs from Accredited U.S. Institutions
  These programs blend coursework, travel and cultural immersion, often under the umbrella of a U.S. college. For example, Semester at Sea partners with Colorado State University to offer an academic voyage that visits multiple countries in one term.

From dorms on campus to homestays or off-campus apartments, study abroad housing varies widely. Some programs follow traditional class schedules – others embed excursions and fieldwork. You might study marine biology on a boat, art history inside European cathedrals or public health in rural clinics. Regardless of format, study abroad is about more than taking classes – it’s about experiencing learning in the world.

Does Studying Abroad Help You Academically?

Absolutely! The right program can support your degree progress, boost academic performance and even reignite your motivation. Students who study abroad tend to return with sharper time management skills, broader perspectives and greater engagement in their coursework. Some even graduate earlier than expected.

Here’s how different programs might align with your academic path:

• Fulfilling Major or Minor Requirements
  Many programs offer courses directly tied to your area of study.
• Knocking Out Core or Elective Credits
  Why take an elective at home when you could fulfill it while exploring Cape Town or Seoul?
• Exploring New Fields
  Study abroad is also an opportunity to try something outside your major – like global politics or sustainable agriculture.

Timing matters. Most students study abroad in their junior or senior year, once they’ve completed foundational classes. But summer and winter terms also offer flexibility, especially for students in structured majors.

It’s not just for liberal arts majors:

• Engineering students can explore sustainability abroad or join design-based field courses
• Nursing majors can gain exposure to international health systems
• Education majors can observe global classrooms
• Psychology students might study mental health in cross-cultural settings
• Business majors can take international finance courses or intern with multinational companies

Third-party providers and university advisors now offer course-mapping tools to ensure your credits align with your academic goals. Just make sure your classes are pre-approved for transfer.

10 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad

Every student’s experience is unique – but there are some universal takeaways. Here’s why so many graduates say study abroad was one of the best choices they made in college:

1. It’s a Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
   Before careers and responsibilities take over, take the chance to explore the world while earning credit. You’ll gain independence, make lifelong memories and experience something a few others will.
   There’s something uniquely powerful about stepping into an entirely new environment, navigating unfamiliar streets, trying local dishes and building a routine in a foreign place. These are the stories you’ll remember for a lifetime.
2. It Makes Your Résumé Stand Out
   Employers value adaptability, initiative and cross-cultural fluency. Study abroad shows you can thrive in unfamiliar environments and think beyond borders.
   Your experience abroad signals to employers that you’re not afraid to challenge yourself, embrace differences and work well with people from all walks of life-key traits in today’s global workforce.
3. It Opens Doors Professionally
   According to the Institute of International Education, study abroad alumni report improved job prospects, networking opportunities and career clarity. Many programs also include resume-building workshops or mentorship.
   In some cases, you might even intern or collaborate on projects abroad-experiences that add concrete value to your career path and help you stand out in interviews.
4. It Builds Cultural Fluency
   Navigating new customs, languages and perspectives fosters real-world communication skills that can’t be learned from a textbook.
   Whether it’s learning how to read non-verbal cues, adjust your communication style or appreciate the nuances of another culture, these lessons have a lasting impact in both personal and professional settings.
5. You Can Stay on Track Academically
   Many programs are designed to fulfill electives or general education requirements. You can stay on your degree path while experiencing a new corner of the world.
   In fact, some students return from abroad more motivated and focused, often taking on leadership roles or advanced coursework after their return.
6. Language Learning Becomes Natural
   Daily practice in real settings is the fastest way to learn or improve a language. You’ll develop not only fluency but cultural context and confidence.
   You’ll pick up vocabulary from conversations in cafés, markets and classrooms, turning textbook knowledge into real communication. Even small victories like ordering food or asking for directions build confidence.
7. You’ll Make Lifelong Connections
   Friendships formed abroad – whether with fellow students or locals – often become some of the deepest and most enduring.
   The shared experience of living, learning and discovering together creates strong bonds. These relationships can evolve into lifelong friendships, future travel companions or even global professional networks.
8. You May Discover New Interests
   New cities, new foods, new subjects – study abroad invites you to expand your horizons and maybe even your goals.
   Many students return with unexpected passions-perhaps a love for cooking, a new hobby like photography or an academic interest sparked by a local course or experience.
9. It Expands Your Worldview
   Being immersed in another culture challenges assumptions and fosters empathy. It changes how you see the world – and your place in it.
   This broader perspective can shape everything from how you approach your studies to how you engage with global issues, encouraging curiosity and compassion.
10. It Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
    With financial aid, scholarships and bundled program costs (like housing and meals), many students find study abroad surprisingly accessible – and even less expensive than a semester at home.
    Planning ahead and exploring funding options can reveal opportunities you didn’t know existed. Plus, the personal and academic value often far outweighs the cost.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Program

Choosing the right program is all about alignment. Ask yourself:

• Where do I want to go?
• What’s my academic timeline?
• How does this fit with my major or graduation plan?
• Does my school offer its own programs?
• What’s my budget?
• What financial aid or scholarships can I access?
• What do alumni say about this program?
• Am I looking for academic credit, volunteer experience or career exposure?
• Will this help me grow personally and professionally?

These questions are best explored with an academic advisor who can help you map your coursework and uncover program details you may have missed.

Is Studying Abroad Really Worth It?

For thousands of students each year, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a rare opportunity to travel meaningfully, earn credit, connect with people from around the world and gain a competitive edge after graduation.

The 2023 Open Doors Report noted that over 280,000 U.S. students studied abroad for credit – a 49% increase from the prior year. The demand for global learning is clear.

And the results?

• Higher graduation rates
• Faster employment after graduation
• Stronger salaries and job satisfaction
• Improved communication and cultural competency

The benefits go far beyond academics. Students return more confident, curious and connected. It’s not just an educational decision – it’s a personal transformation.

How to Get Started on Studying Abroad

Here’s how to turn your travel dream into reality:

1. Meet With an Academic Advisor
   Understand how study abroad fits into your degree timeline and what credits will transfer.
2. Research Your Options
   Compare programs by length, location, language, curriculum, housing and support services.
3. Create a Budget
   Review what’s included in each program – tuition, housing, excursions – and explore your aid options. Many scholarships are tailored for first-generation or underrepresented students.
4. Begin the Application Process
   Gather materials early: transcripts, essays, recommendations, passport copies and visa paperwork if needed. Note deadlines – they often fall 6–12 months ahead.
5. Get or Renew Your Passport
   A valid passport is essential. Visas may be required depending on the country.
6. Attend Info Sessions
   Most programs offer orientations or webinars that cover what to expect – from safety to course registration.
7. Book Flights and Finalize Courses
   Confirm credit approval, finalize logistics and plan your travel. Consider travel insurance and review health requirements.
8. Embrace the Journey
   This is more than a trip – it’s a turning point. Stay open, ask questions and let the experience shape you.