What I’ve already learned studying abroad

Why a year abroad might be the best education you can have

The thought of a year abroad terrified me. But here I am, 5”3, 20 years old and embarking on the experience of a lifetime in one of the most multicultural cities in the world – Amsterdam. Now, I know it’s not the other side of the world, in fact it’s only an hour flight, but this year abroad is probably the bravest thing I’ve done.

Of course, I was excited, but the nerves really hit when I left my parents at the airport – real independence. Damn. (Or should I say Dam?) It’s already four weeks in and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.

If you want to really challenge yourself and try out real independence, I highly recommend studying abroad.

Here are my reasons why a year abroad will be the best decision you’ll ever make:

What’s different?

Obviously, it depends where you go. China will be a bigger culture change than Australia and the experiences in every place will be very different. Choose carefully, get lots of information and advice. And make sure you understand where you’re going before you apply – no one wants that nasty shock when you arrived and realise it’s not what you expected.

Where can I go?

Anywhere (within reason). Most universities have partner universities all over the world from Australia, to Hong Kong and Brazil. The University of Birmingham has particularly good connections worldwide, the opportunities are endless. Here’s a list of the exchange destinations available at UoB https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/studyabroad/outgoingstudents/index.aspx.

Why should I do a year abroad?

Everyone has their own reasons for studying abroad. Honestly, I couldn’t face going straight into final year, with mountains of work, assignments that count and the pressure of finding a ‘real job’. Some people just need a break, others want to experience their course from another perspective. Whatever your reason, go and experience something new. You’ll only regret it if you don’t.

When is the best time?

There’s never a bad time to fly away to a new destination. But doing it while at university is definitely a good idea. What attracted me is the support you get from your home and host university – a security blanket of knowing that there’s someone there who can help. Being independent, without having to be too independent… the dream.

Who am I going to meet?

The friends you meet will make or break your exchange. You’ll meet people from Finland to India and Switzerland to Montreal. In fact, from all over the world. International study sees so many cultures brought together for an incredible experience. There’s no telling who you’ll meet.

I won’t pretend it’s all plain sailing. Some people don’t get such an easy ride as me. I’ve been very lucky with the people I’ve met in the past few weeks and can’t wait to create more memories with such a culturally diverse group of people. You have to be prepared to put yourself out there and accept the differences between you and well, the rest of the world. Once you do that, I can (almost) guarantee you’ll meet some amazing people.

How can I find out more about a year abroad?

Your university will have an international department that you can ask any questions to about studying abroad. Sometimes, your course will offer the opportunity to work abroad – new experience AND money? Who can say no?

Presentations and information sessions for study abroad normally take place at the end of first year or beginning of second year and, more often than not, you need to achieve a certain grade to do the exchange programme. So, do your research now and start planning!

The best advice I can give to someone even considering a year abroad is, as Shia LeBeouf would say… just do it!! After only 4 weeks I’ve made memories that will last forever (even those slightly blurry nights out), friends who I can’t imagine being without and experienced a new culture. Plus, you get to brag about your gap year to everyone stuck at home – what’s not to love right?

Find out more

Birmingham

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/International/study-abroad/index.aspx

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/why-study-at-bcu/go-abroad

Bristol

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/global-opportunities/go-abroad/

https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/studyabroad.aspx

Cardiff

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/why-study-with-us/global-opportunities

Nottingham

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/currentstudents/study-abroad/index.aspx

https://www4.ntu.ac.uk/current_students/study_abroad/index.html