Top Reasons Why I Want to Study Abroad

Are you curious to think more about and explore the reasons that you want to study abroad? Would it help to learn about why other students want to study abroad? We've asked Angelo from the Philippines who was living in Sweden and was considering studying a Master's degree abroad to share his reasons why he wanted to study abroad.

Why do I want to study abroad? For starters, it has always been at the top my bucket list. While I’m aware that moving to a foreign country is not a simple feat, my uncertainties are often outweighed by the other benefits which I know will come with pursuing an education overseas.

1. I’ll have access to a better form of education

The high quality of education will always be my main reason as to why I want to study abroad. While there is no shortage of premier universities in my country, the undeniable truth is that they pale in comparison to their counterparts in places such as the UK or the U.S. International universities have access to resources which made their brand of education so renowned in the first place, such as facilities, industry connections and of course, the funding.

In short, I simply want to learn from the best. Studying abroad in a prestigious university is not only a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it also ensures a brighter future for me and my career.

2. I get to experience a whole new and different country

I believe there isn't a more exciting privilege in life than to be able to discover new places, meet new people, and to just surround yourself in traditions and cultures that are entirely different from your own. Getting to experience these things and more is one of the biggest reasons as to why I want to study abroad. Also, not everyone is blessed with such an opportunity, making it even more priceless.

3. I get to develop a deep sense of appreciation for my country

I’ve been living in Sweden for almost a year now. And while this Scandinavian nation has undoubtedly become my favorite place in the world, living here made me realize how awesome my home country - the Philippines - is in its own, unique way, flaws and all.

I find that when people are cooped up in one place for too long, they lose perspective and just begin to focus only on the negatives. But once they start living someplace else (like I did), they’ll begin to miss the things that made their home country so special, such as its culture and its people.

As for me, some days I just can’t help but wish for the warmth of the bright, tropical sun.

4. I can learn a different language

Another reason as to why I want to study abroad is that I’ll get to add another language to my vocabulary, which is always a huge confidence booster.

Never in a million years did I think that I’ll be able to speak another foreign language aside from English. So, when I finally learned how read, write and speak in Swedish, it gave me such a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment to know that my hard work has finally paid off.

5. I can find attractive employment opportunities

Studying internationally also gives me the chance to explore the foreign job market where opportunities are generally more rewarding, career and salary-wise. If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to land a role in a prestigious multi-national company or something just as rewarding.

And even if the job search doesn’t pan out, I could always return back home with a very attractive resume in hand. Local employers value professionals who can bring something new and unique to the table, and being a graduate from an international institution certainly fits the bill.

6. I’ll get to meet new friends

Forming lifelong bonds with people who are from various countries has always been a treat. With their own set of unique backgrounds, there’s no shortage of fun times as well as opportunities to learn more things about another country, without even getting on a plane.

Aside from the deep personal connections, friends are also a great way to establish networking opportunities which could be beneficial in the future.

7. I’ll be more responsible

My brief experience of living alone was truly humbling, and I imagine it would be even more so once I do so in a foreign place where everything and everyone is initially a stranger. With no family to make my meals or to bail me out in times of need, it’s the ultimate crash course on how to be a fully-fledged adult.  But as they say, at some point, everyone needs to learn how to stand on their own.

8. I’ll have the opportunity to create a better future

Residing in another country opens a ton of unlimited possibilities outside education. What if I find a way to settle down in a country as beautiful as Denmark? Who wouldn’t want to raise a family in a place which consistently ranks at the top in terms of quality of life? The chance to build a brighter future is another incentive as to why I want to study abroad.

9. I’ll be more open-minded about life in general

As someone who spent most of his younger days in his own country, I had this initial stubborn belief that the traditions and values that I grew up with were absolute. That somehow, my people’s way of life is the right way to live.

As I started to spend more time abroad, I realized that there is no definite way to live. We each have our own quirks, which is what makes life so interesting and beautiful. It’s a valuable lesson, one that I wish to learn more about in the future.

10. I’ll learn to not take the simple things for granted

Whether it’s the prepared meals, freshly-pressed clothes, or just having a shoulder to lean on, I would imagine that studying and living alone in another country will serve as my wake-up call on just how important everyday things in my life (like family) can be.

So these are my top reasons on why I want to study abroad. While pursuing an education overseas can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, it's hard to argue against the physical, intellectual, emotional benefits one could potentially acquire should they decide to do so.