Is Going On an Exchange Abroad Worth It?

Photo's background by : Slava Bowman - Unsplash License

It’s almost the end of the year ongoing. So, if you have started writing your to-do list for the upcoming one, I suggest you to add an exchange experience to your bucket list, and in this article, I’ll tell you why.

Adventurous, eventful, exciting, memorable, rewarding, and eye-opening, are words people usually use to describe their exchange experiences.

There are so many more experiences and information going around the world than what you learn in your classes. An exchange experience will feel like an internship after all the lessons you took in your country. 

The Reasons to Take Part in Your University’s Exchange Opportunities.

1. International Experience 

To go on exchange abroad will show that you are able to broaden your horizons, cross borders, adapt to a new environment, be self-sufficient with limited support, and possibly learn a new language. By meeting people from all the different corners of the world, you can build yourself a vast international network of friends and contacts.

2. Personal and professional development 

This opportunity will give you access to develop new skills that may not have seemed possible, and it will let you build and explore your leadership capabilities. It will also demonstrate your capacity to cope with change, which is increasingly valued by your future employers.

3. Invest in your future

Invest in your future through making yourself more employable because the experiences, challenges, and skills you will gain during an exchange abroad will be beneficial in the future, and it adds some serious panache to that CV of yours. You will differ from other applicants for employment or further study as you demonstrate the skills you acquired in passing the challenges of the exchange experience.

4. New country, new culture 

This opportunity will push you to see the world from another perspective. It will oblige you to have an open mind because it’s essential to success in other countries. Sharing your culture and learning new ones feel impressive. You will have the opportunity to live and explore the real host country culture, live the way they do, and meet people from around the world with entirely different mindsets.

5. Independence 

Being in a new country, facing language barriers, and knowing few people or sometimes none, getting little support, and being in a unique environment means that you must learn to adapt and survive, meet challenges, and be obliged to grow immensely as an individual. Learn how to face the small details of life without having anyone who supports you. The exchange of experience will make you feel the real feeling of independence and learn how to do it all alone.

You should know that the more you travel, you will build your confidence. You will feel nervous at first, and it’s natural. But once you step out of the airport in the new country, and start exploring your destination, you will be filled with an incredible sense of pride. You’ve made it there, to a new country, out of your comfort zone and all on your own. If you can do that, you can do just about anything.

 Chaima Jahouri 

<Chaima.jahouri1@gmail.com>