3 reasons to have international experiences (working/studying)

If you are here, you are probably wondering why you should take an international opportunity, whether it is for studying or working/interning abroad. You might not be completely convinced on the benefits, or on taking such a big risk amidst a situation like the current pandemic. Here we outline the top 3 reasons to study, intern or work abroad.

Arriving to a foreign country may seem challenging at the beginning, but it will transform you on the very best version of yourself.

Acquiring cultural sensitivity

Spending a longer time abroad, even for as little as a month, is very different than traveling for vacation. You will truly get to know the country you are in, the people who live there and the reason behind diverse traditions and habits. Going as a tourist for a week to Spain or Italy might let you experience siesta hours or empty cities on Sundays. Living there for over a month will show you that these are not lazy times, but time to spend with your loved ones, to appreciate food, and to balance work and life. Understanding things like this helps you comprehend better people, businesses, and countries, and you will show you different perspectives. In addition, you will learn more about your own habits and traditions.

Personal growth AKA being uncomfortable

As stated before, being in a foreign country for a longer period of time means not having every meal at a restaurant or falafel cart, but going grocery shopping, paying your gas/electricity bills, and figuring out how to optimally use public transit and services. This, while challenging, is the greatest opportunity for personal growth -and to obtain the funniest stories of when you got lost in a city you did not know. The challenges you will experience abroad will range from adequately managing your finances, to making sure you get home safe, and to plan great weekend getaways. All of these are lessons you will later on use in life and that build your confidence and personal growth.

The challenges you will experience abroad will range from adequately managing your finances, to making sure you get home safe, and to plan great weekend getaways. All of these are lessons you will later on use in life and that build your confidence and personal growth.

Professional growth

Employers right now value immensely international opportunities -but why? An international experience makes you culturally sensible, this means you are more empathic and can deal better with opposing viewpoints. In addition, you learned time and money management, you developed better problem-solving skills and can now perform better under pressure -remember, you got lost, missed the last train, spent your last euros on beer and pizza but you made it out alive! Another important thing? You probably now know how to speak another language, and have international friends and connections -that international conference call with the Beijing office? Yeah, you can handle that, in Chinese, too.

So now you see, going abroad is important because of the professional and personal growth you will get from it. Sure, it will be hard, uncomfortable at times, too, but it will also be indescribably fun and full of amazing experiences. An international experience will change you for the best. You will come back having met loads of people, with a bunch of experience and a competitive edge, but you know what is even better? After enjoying your life at home, you will always want to go back abroad.