I started studying abroad when I was 17 and my first destination was the UK. After finishing my foundation degree there I moved to Australia to do a Bachelor degree. In my second semester of the second year, which was just last year, I was approved to take a study exchange program to Denmark. So far I've been studying abroad in three different countries, and I'm personally very proud of it.

Although I know it sounds really cool and fun, it's not always easy to be in a completely new country only by yourself. Over the past 4 years, I have faced a lot of challenges and difficulties so I completely understand why many people feel hesitated when making a decision whether to study abroad or not. But I have to tell you that all those hard time are really worth it!

I can go on and on about the benefits you will get when studying abroad but that would be too long. So I decided to sum them up into 5 reasons, from my very own experience. And I hope that if you are considering about studying abroad, this will be helpful for you.

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity for you to confront your fear and grow. You may have been told many times to get out of your comfort zone, try new things, not to be afraid blah blah blah. But it isn't easy, right? However, when you study abroad you'll find yourself in a position where you're forced to do things that you've never done before, or never thought that you would be able to do it. This happened to me recently when I came back to Melbourne after my exchange program. I couldn't find a place to rent in Melbourne when I was living in Aarhus, as it can be really difficult to rent a place if you can't do an inspection in person. So for three weeks after my arrival, I found myself carrying my luggage around Melbourne, sleeping over at a friend's place some days then another friend's some other days. I would never experience something like that at home. Never. After studying abroad for a while, now I feel as if I can do everything. And I know that I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Yes, it's really obvious. You'll surely experience a new culture when studying abroad and be surrounded by people who grow up with different perspectives of the world, and different mindsets from yours.  I am always fascinated whenever I get to learn a new thing about the culture of the country I'm studying in.  And it's really fun to compare the ways in which people from different culture express their opinions. Sometimes they mean exactly the same thing but the ways they say it are completely opposite to each other. It's not just about learning a new culture but you'll soon realise that you start to look back at your own culture through a different lens as well.

3. Gain a new perspective

Continue the second point, once you've been exposed to a new culture your perspectives of the world naturally changes, especially when you hang out a lot with people from that culture. The way you think is no longer the same, and the way you talk also becomes different. Basically, you become a new person. Not everyone is like that though. Many of my friends despite having been studying abroad for a long time stay the same the way they did 2, 3 years ago. It only happens when you learn to embrace the new culture, talk to people there and are willing to change. You'll then realise that there are not many things in this world that you can firmly say right or wrong. You start to adopt different ways of viewing a problem, and this to me is certainly a very good trait.

4.  Get to learn about yourself

Now let's use your imagination. You have been living for years keeping the same mindset, values, and beliefs, which you learned from your family, teachers, peers, and from your community. Now you come to a country where your values and beliefs are not always right or socially accepted. Suddenly you're bombarded with so many views and opinions that can be completely opposite to yours. How are you going to deal with it? You'll have to pick what you think is right, and what is not by yourself, what you should learn from the new culture, and what you should not. During that process will get to learn a lot about yourself. And by the end of it, you'll realise who you really are. This can be applied to many things. I didn't know what I really want to do in my life until I came and studied in Denmark. Many people told me that then I should have come to Denmark from the beginning, but I believe that everything that I experienced, all the people whom I met in the UK and Australia led me to where and who I am now. And I feel really grateful for that.

Or at least that's what I'm told. Of course, there are many other skills and traits you need to get a job. However, in today's world, having a global mindset is rather preferred by employers. It is because there is a very high chance that you will have to work with clients or colleagues from different countries around the world. So you are expected to have intercultural communication competences, knowledge about other cultures in order to avoid causing any offense. If you're a practical person I hope that this last reason can convince you that studying abroad can teach you many valuable skills.

So those are 5 main benefits you can gain from studying abroad. Now that I look back at my study abroad journey, although there were a couple of sad and embarrassing moments the rest of it was really happy and unforgettable. If I got to choose again, I would definitely make the same decision. And I have one last tip for you. No matter where you go, no matter who you meet, be open, be understanding, and be kind. If you do so I believe that you'll definitely gain way more than just those 5 things I have listed here.

I hope that today's post is helpful for you. I'd really love to hear your opinions. If you've studied abroad before do they apply to you? What other benefits do you think that you've gained from your experience?