So your university allows you to study abroad? You can became an exchange student somwhere in the world? But is it worth it? Is a students exchange a good idea? What are the reasons to go on a students exchange?
It had been four years since I started my second (and last) student exchange. It was a gloomy day, the Bulgarian capital was already heavily snow-covered, making it difficult to move around with my two suitcases, the contents of which were supposed to be enough to get me through the next five months. I was all alone in a new place and knew literally no one. Later it turned out that there was no other person from Poland in the entire University.
Why did I find myself in Bulgaria? After my first Erasmus (pan-European student exchange) I’ve decided that I want to do it again. But this time I already had some idea of what to expect.
Below I have listed what I think are the 10 most 1important reasons why it is a good idea to go on a student exchange. Those are also the reasons why I’ve decided to take advantage of this opportunity second time.
1. Improving confidence
One of the key reasons to consider participating in a students exchange is that it wil increase your self-confidence. As an foreigner abroad you will have to face many difficul situations where you will be on your own. It’s never as easy as at it is at home, where you have friends, family and you perfectly know the language so you can comunicate everywhere. By facing those kind of situations, you will gain more confidence and learn how much you can achieve on your own.
My expierence
During my stay abroad, I had to deal with new surroundings, foreign language and cultural differences. This challenge in itself was the foundation for growing in confidence.
For instance I will never forget how I landed in Portugal with two suitcases, one backpack and a bed booked in the hotel for three nights. I wasn’t able to find a room via Internet and the University did not accept exchange students into the dormitory. So I was there, first time in my life all alone abroad, with flight back home in six months and no pleace to go in 3 days. And I managed. So can you.
I will never forget how I landed in Portugal with two suitcases, one backpack and a bed in the hostel booked for three nights. I wasn’t able to find a room via Internet and the university did not accept exchange students into the dormitory. So I was there, first time in my life all alone abroad, with flight back home in six months and no pleace to go in 3 days.
2. Language Skills
Overcoming the language barrier is another reason to go on a students exchange. Communicating in a foreign language takes courage and determination, and if you don’t feel ready to speak freely in foreign language you will be forced to learn it during your stay abroad.
Students studying abroad have daily contact with a foreign language, which effectively speeds up the learning process, which is way faster than at home.Whether you’ve decided to study in the local language or study in English, as long as it’s not your native language – when deciding to go on a student exchange, you need to be ready to jump in at the deep end.
During exchange each successful presentation or passed exam becomes a milestone. Over time, you’ll find that you become more confident in speaking.
3. Adventure and Exploring the World
A students exchange isn’t just about studying and books – it’s a trip of a lifetime! Adventure awaits at every turn, and the world becomes your personal terrain to explore.
Walking foreign streets, tasting local delicacies and learning about fascinating traditions are all part of daily life on an exchange. Instead of reading about a culture, you become part of it, which adds another dimension to your studies.
On an exchange you don’t just gain knowledge from textbooks, you just learn about life. You discover that the world is full of surprises and opportunities waiting for you around every corner. It’s not just learning, it’s an adventure.
If you dream of unique adventures that you can combine with studying and exploring different corners of the world, a student exchange is for you.
My expierence
During my second Erasmus I was able to visit nine coutries! And my budget was relatively small in comparison to students from the USA or west european countries.
During my second students exchange I was able to visit nine coutries!
4. International experience and friends
Next reason to decide to go on a student exchange is the international experiences and friendships that will change your life. Being part of an international student community is like opening a treasure chest full of diversity: you meet people from all over the world and gain not only new knowledge, but also friends, sometimes for life.
Learning together, traveling together and experiencing unforgettable moments with someone who shares your love for the world – it’s a priceless experience!
During a student exchange, you will realize that cultural differences are a bridge to build strong bonds: each meeting becomes an opportunity to exchange not only knowledge, but also experiences and traditions. Your everyday conversations will become a school of openness to differences.
This type of experience will also be important to recruiters when you begin your job search, as it demonstrates your ability to work together in international teams.
If you are ready for a world of adventures and new friendships – go on a students exchange!
5. Personal Development
Studying abroad is not only about professional development, but also personal development. In a foreign environment, you learn to cope with difficulties, develop the ability to be tolerant and flexible, which has a positive impact on the development of your personality and can be on of the reasons to go on a students exchange.
Living abroad forces you to adapt to different cultural norms and ways of life. This adaptability is a valuable life skill that increases your ability to thrive in different situations and deal with the unknown with grace.
Overcoming the challenges of living in a new country and leaving your comfort zone becomes a way of life. Accepting the unknown becomes second nature and leads to personal growth. The more you explore, the more you discover about yourself and discover strengths and abilities you may not have known about.
However, sometimes adapting to a new environment can make you feel lonely. Building a social support system takes effort, and feeling isolated in the early stages can be challenging. This is a part of the exchange that requires patience and proactive efforts to connect with others.
In conclusion, studying abroad is not only an investment in education, but also in yourself. It is a time of intense development, establishing lasting relationships and gathering experiences that shape not only the mind, but also the heart of every student.
You are still not sure if that is students exchange is a good idea? Read more: 5 reasons why you will NEVER move abroad.
