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“Travel refines the mind and clears away all other prejudices.” What Oscar Wilde recognized can still be used today as an argument for studying abroad: the chance to travel to other countries and broaden your own horizons.

There are many good reasons why studying abroad makes sense, be it with regard to personal development or academic and professional perspectives. Even if the individual motives vary, there are some reasons that are mentioned again and again. An overview of the 15 most important advantages of studying abroad:

1. Cultural exchange

A study visit abroad makes it possible to immerse yourself in the culture of the target country. Such in-depth impressions are usually not gained during a shorter holiday stay, as contact with the locals is usually limited to the leisure area. Foreign students, on the other hand, have the opportunity to get to know the country and its people up close.

2. Personal development

Anyone who dares the adventure of studying abroad and leaves their comfort zone will be rewarded with a mature personality. To be on your own in a strange environment may seem frightening at first. But you are not so alone. Most overseas universities do a lot for the well-being of their international students. Especially at the beginning of the stay abroad there is usually a wide range of leisure activities that should make it easier for international students to settle in and to establish contact with fellow students.

3. Optimal time for a stay abroad

The opportunity for a longer stay abroad is comparatively cheap during your studies. When the degree is over, the professional and private obligations increase. On the other hand, flexibility is usually much higher during studies, which is a good reason to go abroad during this time.

4. Satisfy wanderlust

Studying abroad can be combined with scenic and touristic travel destinations. You want to travel to a certain country, but have never gotten around to it? Then you can kill two birds with one stone: Most foreign universities offer numerous excursions into the surrounding area during the semester. Anyone studying in New Zealand can visit the hobbit village from the “Lord of the Rings” films, experience the breathtaking landscape or go to the sea to surf. Generally it is possible, the time after graduation to travel to use. There is a lot to discover in every host country!

5. Improvement of foreign language skills

Improving language skills is certainly one of the most important reasons for studying abroad! Students who communicate in a foreign language every day for a longer period of time learn the language faster, more efficiently and more easily than in a language course in Germany. By dealing with native speakers on a daily basis, oral language skills in particular can be perfected, foreign-language seminar literature and written exams consolidate reading and writing skills. Learning the specialist vocabulary in another language can be an advantage for later professional life.

6. Acquisition of important soft skills

During their studies abroad, students acquire so-called soft skills and develop them. These key competencies not only serve personal development, but are also in demand with potential employers. It’s all about

• Intercultural Competence
• tolerance
• independence
• Ability to communicate and criticize
• Self-organization and self-confidence
• Frustration tolerance
• Adaptability.

7. Plus points for the resume

The fact that studying abroad can have a positive effect on later job opportunities should not be underestimated and is therefore another important reason. In an internationally oriented corporate world, employers attach great importance to international experience and sometimes even make this a condition for employment. It is often easier to start your career, and a study visit abroad can also be useful for your later career. Usually the promotion to higher positions succeeds faster. The salary is sometimes higher than that of applicants without international experience.

8. International team experience

Studying abroad means working with students of other nationalities. These experiences are particularly useful for those who are aiming for a career in international companies or organizations. Cooperation with foreign customers or partners is part of everyday work there. Such employers are particularly interested in those who have the appropriate experience.

9. Global network

Those who go to study abroad benefit from the many different people they meet there. Regardless of whether you are a lecturer, fellow student, employer, colleague or other person – all of these contacts can be beneficial in terms of both friendliness and professionalism.

10. Change of scenery

A break from everyday life and study at home can work wonders. Regardless of whether it is a few weeks for a summer session, several months for a semester abroad or several years for a bachelor’s or master’s degree abroad – the new and different experiences of a foreign country are enriching and open up new perspectives on previous ways of thinking. After returning home, students often reassess their own living environment against the background of their experience abroad.

11. NC hurdles in Germany

For many, this is one of the main reasons for studying abroad: In subjects such as medicine, dentistry or psychology, it is sometimes difficult, even with A-levels, to get a place without long waiting times. Studying abroad can be a possible alternative to get closer to your professional goal without wasting time. Here, as in Germany, the grade average in the Abitur is often not decisive. Instead, there are written entrance exams or personal selection interviews.

12. Dream degree

Studying abroad offers the opportunity to choose courses or study programs that do not exist in this form or in combination with certain subjects in Germany. In the context of a summer session or a semester abroad, the study profile can be deepened and supplemented. A full degree abroad offers the chance to study the desired subject or combination of interests at all.

13. New perspective on your own subject

If you study in a different university system, you will encounter new teaching methods and can compare them with the methodology of your home university. You will also get to know the differences in content compared to studying in Germany, for example other areas of focus. These are related to the respective country, region or culture. Other geographical or climatic conditions also often play a role.

14. Studies at a high level

Many foreign universities have more financial resources than is the case in Germany. As a result, the framework conditions for studying are often much better. This can be seen, for example

• the premises
• the technical equipment
• the opening times of the library
• the size of the learning group.

The academic quality is also often high, so that the students are offered a pleasant and demanding study period.

15. Access to top researchers

In the master’s or doctoral degree at the latest, it is important to find the best study conditions and lecturers for your own subject or focus of study. Since these are “scattered” all over the world, it is worthwhile to look beyond national borders when choosing a university. Those who have learned from the leading researchers will benefit academically and professionally. After all, a good reputation for the foreign university and its teachers is also of interest to future employers.