Are you considering studying abroad, but not sure if it’s worth it? From early-career development to world travel and lifelong friendships, studying abroad is one of the most valuable things a college student or recent grad can do. Below, we’ve broken down 10 reasons why you should think seriously about studying abroad.
Want to know what makes study abroad worth it? Let’s dive in!
1. Personal Growth That Stays with You
College students who study abroad repeatedly say that they’ve grown—not only professionally and academically, but personally, too. In a new environment far from home, students learn to become more adaptable and independent, develop a greater appreciation for other worldviews, and gain a clearer sense of self—resulting in a level of confidence one can only describe as a glow-up. Simply put: studying abroad is a transformative experience that shapes who you are in the best way.
“Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. It opened up my mind, my heart, literally everything. It made me realize the possibilities of life, and I feel like life truly began for me during that experience.”—Dominique, fall semester in London.
2. Career Advantages That Set You Apart
Both studying and interning abroad provide participants with immense career value. In an increasingly global world, cross-cultural communication is a must-have for many professionals across nearly every industry, and when you study abroad, you’ll be practicing it every single day.
International experience also helps level up your resume, making you a stand-out candidate when it comes time to apply for jobs. And along the way, you’ll build a global network that can open doors you never expected.
Plus, many highly specialized and globally oriented fields lend themselves to studying abroad in a specific location. Someone pursuing a degree in public health, for example, can gain valuable hands-on experience in San José, Costa Rica, which is renowned for its world-class national healthcare system. Aspiring marine biologists, meanwhile, might find that a program in Sydney, Australia, offers access to one of the world’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems.
3. Explore New Interests
While studying abroad allows you to dive deeper into subjects you’re already passionate about, it’s also an excellent chance to branch out and discover new interests—both academically and personally.
At your host school, you may have the chance to attend courses in subjects not offered at your home university or take part in cultural experiences you can’t get anywhere else. For example, a fashion photography course in Florence may present you with a new, exciting career path, or a night spent learning the tango in Buenos Aires could open the door to your next favorite hobby.
4. Friendships That Span the World
Studying abroad is one of the best environments for making lasting friendships. You’ll connect with students in your program, international students, and locals at your host university—encountering people from across the U.S. and around the globe. The shared experience of navigating a new place together has a way of fast-tracking friendships, and many study abroad alumni count the people they met abroad among their closest friends, even years after they’ve returned home.
With AIFS Abroad’s cultural and social activities built into every program, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow students from the very start.
“Going into this experience, I did not know anyone in the program beforehand. It was a nerve-racking feeling to encounter, being an introvert, but once you get to your location and meet everyone there, you realize you have nothing to worry about… I ended up making friends for life during this experience, and I don’t regret a thing.” —Derek, summer Study + Travel program.
5. A Global Perspective & Cultural Exposure
Experiencing another culture firsthand is one of the most eye-opening things you can do. Living and studying abroad in another country teaches you how other people live, work, think, and see the world—and in the process, gives you a deeper understanding of your own life and values. S
6. Academics That Go Beyond Your Campus
Studying abroad places you in an entirely new academic environment, exposing you to different teaching styles, international classmates with different perspectives, and course material shaped by local culture. Whether you’re studying art history steps from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, international business in London’s financial district, or the Spanish language in Granada, the world becomes your classroom in ways your home university simply can’t replicate.
7. Degree Completion
Choose the right program when you study abroad and you’ll earn credits that transfer back to your home university, keeping you on track for graduation while still having an incredible experience.
Not to mention, with winter and summer programs available through AIFS Abroad, you can even get ahead—earning credits beyond the traditional fall and spring semesters when you normally wouldn’t be taking classes.
8. Language Learning Through Immersion
For anyone hoping to learn or practice a foreign language, studying abroad is one of the most effective paths toward fluency. There’s no substitute for living and learning within a community that speaks the language every day. Total immersion accelerates progress in ways that classroom instruction alone never can. The confidence you gain from navigating daily life in another language, like simply ordering a croissant or asking for directions, is something you carry with you long after you return home.
“My Spanish improved immensely just by being immersed in the language all the time. I also took a lot of grammar courses that refined my Spanish skills. By the end, many people told me that my conversational Spanish was really good and that I sounded fluent.”—Ketina, spring semester in Salamanca.
9. Tons of Travel Opportunities
There’s no time quite like college to explore the world. On weekends and school breaks, your host country (and beyond) is yours to travel. Once you’re in your program destination, travel often becomes more accessible and affordable, making it easier to explore nearby cities, regions, and neighboring countries via train, plane, or bus.
AIFS Abroad programs also include built-in travel opportunities through organized day trips and excursions, led by local staff who bring the history, culture, and stories of your destination to life—turning that “I’ve always wanted to go there” into a weekend plan.
10. Memories That Last a Lifetime
Ask anyone who’s studied abroad what stands out as one of the most memorable experiences of their life, and their time abroad is almost certainly near the top of the list (as they’ll excitedly tell you). There’s a reason people who’ve studied abroad are so quick to bring it up—for many students, it’s the first time they’ve truly lived independently in another culture. That kind of experience leaves a lasting impact and memories you won’t soon forget.
Ready to discover the true value of study abroad? AIFS Abroad is here to help!
Every student’s study abroad experience is unique, but the value it delivers is remarkably consistent. It’s the kind of opportunity that can help you find yourself, expand your horizons, and enrich your personal, professional, and academic life in ways that stay with you long after graduation. And for many students, studying abroad isn’t only worth it, it’s an experience that provides so much value that they can’t afford to miss out.
