5 Reasons to Go to College Abroad

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It’s no secret that the American educational system has seen better days. While most of us are focused on the economy, on healthcare and on our happiness or depression following the latest presidential election, our schools continue to perform well under our previously high standards. Many of the world’s other industrial countries are beating our kids’ standardized test scores, while our schools are overcrowded and underfunded. And it doesn’t always get better at the university level. But outside of all of that doom and gloom there are some amazing opportunities to continue your education abroad. More and more students are heading overseas to complete their undergraduate degree, and then returning happy and well-rounded to make their mark on the American workforce. Here are five great reasons to consider going to college abroad.

First of all, it can actually be cheaper. It sounds strange to consider living in a foreign country for college as a fiscally responsible move, but in many cases that is absolutely the truth. There are fewer and fewer grants and scholarships available to American schools, and our financial aid system leaves most kids buried under six figures of debt after graduation. Many of the most prestigious universities around the world cost around the same amount as a public school here in the U.S. for an in-state resident. So could you get an Ivy League education at state school pricing? It’s totally possible. If you are a dual citizen of the United States and the country you choose to study in, or if you have a relative who is a resident you can live with it will be even cheaper.

Of course price is just the beginning. You also get to immerse yourself in a new culture, and potentially a new language. Almost everyone wants to travel, but few people actually get around to it. You could spend four years in a foreign land and see the culture as a native does. You’ll have a whole different group of friends, and a new appreciation for life outside of the United States once you return. If you’ve always wanted to live in Europe, in Asia or in Central America, doubling up the experience by going to school there would make a great use of your time and resources.

Studying abroad can also offer huge benefits for your future career. You’ll see this the most profoundly if you are studying politics, international relations, languages, anthropology or anything related. These are all fields which obviously benefit from some international exposure, and could create opportunities to pad your resume after graduation. But it doesn’t end there. There are tons of opportunities in law, finance and business that could come up after studying abroad. Many larger companies and firms have footprints in several countries, and experience there will always give you a leg up on the competition.

Going to college abroad may not be the traditional choice, and because of that it provides some extraordinary opportunities. One of those is expanding your travel options. After all, if American college kids do Spring Break in Florida or Mexico, imagine where you and your friends would travel to from Europe? Perhaps you would take your vacation in Egypt, Spain, Thailand or Australia? The flights will be cheaper since you are already out of the country, and the chance to take advantage of some unique experiences will come up.

Finally, consider the incredible connections you will make when going to college abroad. Chances are if you are considering this as a real option you are committed to traveling during the rest of your life. You’ll make a ton of international friends that you wouldn’t have otherwise, and then you’ll be able to visit them in their home countries later on in life. Your professors and internship supervisors abroad could lead to work opportunities outside of the U.S. as well. And maybe you end up staying out of the country even after college. You could quickly take care of an online masters in public administration and start a consulting business while traveling the world. You’ll have the connections in place to help make it happen, and the confidence to follow your dreams after four years spent on your own in another country.