How do I know if studying abroad is for me?
I have never traveled alone or been away from my family for more than a few weeks. However, I love to travel and I am considering getting a degree in Europe or Australia. These programs are also so much cheaper than USA programs and have less requirements. Yet, I am worried that I might feel 'culture' shock as their educational systems are quite different from USA. #college #graduate-school #college-bound #travel #study-abroad #academic-advising
4 answers
Dennis’s Answer
I've traveled in over one hundred countries as a photographer. I'm forever fascinated and never shocked. To travel is to grow as human being. Go for it.
Thank you!
Jackie
Ulrike’s Answer
Hi Jackie,
I do understand and share your interest in travelling. While I was studying in Germany I applied for a scholarship in Spain. I passed the exams and went to live and study in Madrid for a year. My biggest advantage though was knowledge of Spanish.
It is difficult enough to understand how things work in another country from housing, transportation, bureaucracy, education etc. if language comes on top.
Don´t be afraid of cultural differences, depending on the place you chose, get yourself familiar beforehand with the “does” and “don´ts” and you will see it is pretty easy to build a network in a foreign country. My experience is people are very nice and open towards foreign students. So it´s all about a good preparation (incl. proper insurance coverage) as well as the right personal attitude.
If this is what you really want and are eager to do, get yourself ready for this experience. I have learnt so much in that time and it was a lot of fun! Guess it also helped me in my career because companies are looking for talent with experience in foreign countries.
Wishing you luck, regards Ulrike
Thank you!
Jackie
Mohini’s Answer
It is great that you are looking to study abroad- it is definitely an enriching experience.
I believe the educational experience in itself will be worthwile, and help you grow on all levels.
When choosing a program, you should keep in mind what your short- and long-term goals are after completion of the degree. If you are looking to return to the States, make sure you understand clearly how to convalidate the degree in the U.S.
If you choose a non-English speaking country to continue your education, most institutions offer immersion courses to help acclimate you to the culture and the language, so that you can take classes with the other students.
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Veronica’s Answer
I LOVE travelling and actually I'm from Argentina and moved to the US when I was 24. After 17 years there, I decided to move to Spain. I'm very very close to my family so i totally understand you but would like to tell you that it's a great experience due to several reasons. First of all i want to share with you the following:
As human beings, once we find a stable way of life, we like to stay as is. It's comfortable, we have our family and friends around, we speak the same language, we understand the culture. We are comfortable. And that is absolutely ok. BUT you might not know if you don't cross the line, if you like other things or if within yourself you have other strengths that would only came out if you challenge yourself or cross that line to be in a different ambience that could require different things out of you. And that feeling of discovering new things is great.
In my experience, the beginning might be hard. You will need to adapt but it's an mind set, an attitude. If you decide to study abroad go with your mind open (without forgetting your values) and that will help.
You will be surprised how easy is to find people in your same situation once you move to another country ...or people that are so curious about where you come from that will reach out to you. Also, nowadays with technology it is really easy to be around your family and friends, even though you might be thousands or miles away !!
The experience you learn from seeing things in a different way or from a different perspective (culture) it definitively pays off. Why? Because then you realize that there are so many options to face things in life...you start seeing new ways of approaching to goals, to life situations.
In summary, I would recommend it. Humans adapt pretty quickly to environments and if you have the right attitude and open mind, studying or living abroad will be a great value added to your life. Happy to talk more about it if needed!!