Kareena Joseph '23
As someone who will be studying abroad in London for the entirety of my first year of college, here are some reasons and advice when deciding to study abroad.
When it comes to the benefits of studying abroad, it is an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a new language, and make new friends from all over the world. For those of you who are interested in studying abroad, it can be a life-changing experience.
You can develop new skills, gain independence, and broaden your perspective. It can also look good on your resume and help you stand out to potential employers. Not only that, but you will also be creating lifelong memories and having fun!
Even though studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity, it does come with some potential disadvantages to consider, such as:
Homesickness and missing family and friends.
Culture shock and difficulty adjusting to a new environment.
Language barriers and difficulty communicating with locals.
Financial burdens and the high cost of living in some countries.
Academic challenges and differences in teaching styles.
Difficulty obtaining visas and other legal requirements.
Safety concerns and potential risks associated with traveling and living in a new place.
Health issues and unfamiliar healthcare systems.
Difficulty finding housing and other necessities.
Feeling isolated or lonely if you struggle to make friends or connect with the local community.
However, there are ways to overcome these disadvantages, such as:
Stay connected with family and friends back home.
Seek out opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. For example, attending social events and clubs is an excellent opportunity to meet new people.
Take language classes or practice with locals to improve your language skills.
Create a budget and stick to it to avoid financial stress.
Be proactive about your academic success by communicating with professors and seeking resources like tutoring or study groups.
Research visa requirements and other legalities well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe, such as avoiding dangerous areas and staying alert in crowded places.
Purchase health insurance and research local healthcare options.
Start looking for housing early and consider living with roommates to save money and make friends.
Be patient and persistent, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.
If you want to study abroad while in college, universities like New York University provide a variety of wonderful possibilities for students to travel during their four years. At NYU, you may study for a semester or a year in over 50 countries and complete your selected major.
When considering where to spend my first year abroad, I believed that London was a better choice for me because there are many fantastic reasons to study abroad in London, including:
London is a global city with a rich history and culture.
It's a hub for international business and finance, making it a great place to gain professional experience.
London is home to many world-renowned universities and academic institutions.
It's a great place to learn English, as it's the primary language spoken in the city.
London is a diverse and multicultural city, with people from all over the world.
There are many opportunities for cultural enrichment, including museums, galleries, and theaters.
It's a great place to explore Europe, with easy access to other countries by train or plane.
London has a vibrant social scene, with many restaurants, bars, and clubs to explore.
It's a safe and welcoming city, with a strong sense of community.
Studying abroad in London can be a transformative experience that helps me grow both personally and academically.
While studying abroad may seem intimidating, it is a fantastic opportunity to travel across the world and experience different cultures. The issue is, when studying abroad, you will not be traveling alone; you will be surrounded by your fellow peers who also are interested in seeing the world.
So, at the end of the day, if you truly want to study abroad, I say go for it since it is a fantastic experience that you should surely accept if given the option in college.
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