Reasons to study abroad
As mentioned in the introduction I am studying International Business at the NHL University of applied sciences in Leeuwarden. I have planned to graduate for my bachelor level in June 2010. In the year 2008 I have studied as an exchange student at the Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul (South-Korea). In this article I will explain what you have to prepare when you consider studying abroad and I give several other tips.
A study abroad will take time for you to prepare several things. It is important to apply for a student visa in time (about 6 – 7 months before departure). Also you have to examine whether you will need certain vaccinations or not (visit your GP / doctor). This depends on which country you want to go. Furthermore you should visit you mentor at school before you leave and agree on the amount of credits you will get for each class that you finish successfully. This way you won’t be unpleasantly surprised by not having scored enough credits when you get back home.
A brief study of the culture and language of the country you want to study is recommended. Of course you do not have to master a complete foreign language, but reading a travel guide, book or website about cultural differences will avoid that you will make fun of yourself or act rude in the company of your host. At the majority of international universities classes are usually offered in English. If English is not your native language make sure to read English books and to watch English TV shows (this shouldn’t be too hard) before you leave. It will increase your vocabulary skills and will make sure you can focus on the subject of a class rather than being busy translating everything.
When I listen to (former) exchange students I hear that the time they studied abroad was the best time they had as a student. This is true for me as well. During your stay in a foreign country you will experience and learn new things almost every day. Your self-confidence will increase and your perception of ‘the world’ will improve. Also it will be possible to examine your own culture from a distance which makes it able for you to reflect on it.
Some students tell me that although they want to study abroad it is hard to take the first steps towards realizing this dream. What perhaps lowers the threshold is the fact that it is not crucial to go to a country at the other side of the planet. Dutch students who studied in Germany & Belgium as well as students who studied in China & Thailand both told me they learned to become more independent people. Furthermore they all spoke about the magnificent time they had abroad.
Want to study abroad? What are you waiting for?
