Six Amazing Impacts That Study Abroad Programs Have On A Student

Every year, almost 4 million students from all over the world apply for overseas higher education institutions to study abroad, with United States of America having the influx of 1 million applicants. Following it are China, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom with almost half a million applicants annually.

Rank	Destination countries	Foreign Students (2019)	Top Sending Countries
1	United States	1,095,299	China, India, South Korea
2	United Kingdom	496,570	China, United States, India
3	China	492,185	South Korea, Thailand, Pakistan
4	Canada	435,415	India, China, France
5	Australia	420,501	China, India, Nepal
6	France	343,400	Morocco, Algeria, China
7	Russia	334,497	Kazakhstan, China, Turkmenistan
8	Germany	282,002	China, India, Austria
9	Japan	208,901	China, Vietnam, Nepal
10	Spain	120,991	Italy, France, the United States

But the question is: why do students go for these study abroad programs and what impact does the entire experience have on them? The answer is pretty simple – international experience promotes the growth of an individual on levels that are beneficial for one’s future ventures. Here are some of the benefits that accompany an international experience –

Honing Communication Skills

Being able to communicate effectively is perhaps the most vital life skill in one’s career. Conversations with international students offer creative insights and suggestions that are previously unexplored by the student. The incorporation of web-based engagement and participatory interactions between students generates more opportunities to foster critical thinking skills.

Also, having a good command of a second language while conversing with different people from various backgrounds can have a positive impact one’s career when working with multinational organizations.

Expansion of Academic Horizon

While being a part of study abroad programs, students experience a change in the style of teaching. Each country has its distinctive style that enables the students to adapt to various academic settings.

Different teaching styles such as authoritative, delegatory, facilitating, demonstrating, and hybrid have emerged as the primary strategies adopted by modern teachers throughout the globe. Students get to experience all of these in an international institution.

Broadening International Connections and Networks

Many companies, when recruiting, emphasize having some international experience as it ensures internal growth. Studying abroad also encourages the development of international friendships, which might serve as a valuable source of social, cultural, political, and economic knowledge when students enter the workforce. Building an international network gives students a competitive advantage in the marketplace in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.

Gaining New Perspectives

Studying in other countries is a practical way to expose students to new cultures, new inspirations, and unique experiences. Engaging with international students through study abroad programs in discussions and exchange of ideas and perceptions both inside and outside the classroom encourages cross-cultural communications. When students from various nationalities interact with each other, they develop a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and social backgrounds, which in turn helps them in developing empathy and a better understanding of their values and biases.

Study abroad programs also catalyze student maturity. Moreover, when in a formal set up, if students have a better understanding of the situation at hand, coming up with solutions that are acceptable to a majority of the representatives also inculcates skills of negotiation, dispute resolution, and collaboration.

Building Up Confidence

Study abroad programs can add a boost to a student’s personal and professional life. It also ensures the active participation of a student in various activities such as volunteering, competitions, presentations, etc. Students gain confidence by developing their leadership skills, research capabilities, and problem-solving skills when placed in a foreign environment. They bloom and come out of their shell when the situation demands it, developing a sense of independency that makes them aware of their limitations and their ability to manage them.

Exploring the World