A study abroad student wearing a backpack and pulling a suitcase walks through an international town square

Why You Should Study Abroad

Students are recognizing the benefits of studying internationally; as a result, the popularity of study abroad programs is increasing. When the Institute of International Education (IIE) surveyed U.S. colleges and universities in 2024, 74% of respondents reported increased student interest in study abroad programs.

In a globalized world, intercultural and cutting-edge skills have become prerequisites for achieving academic and professional success, both today and in the future. Succeeding in a global world requires a global mindset.

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to acquire the global knowledge that will open doors to top opportunities in the professional world. It also enables students to have experiences in unique locations around the world, learn to adapt to new environments, interact with other cultures, and discover their full potential.

If you have been thinking about enrolling in an international undergraduate or graduate degree program, then exploring why you should study abroad is the first step in planning your education and, ultimately, achieving your career goals.

What Does Studying Abroad Entail?

Studying abroad involves living and attending school in a country other than your home country. Students can study abroad for a semester, a full school year, or the entire time it takes to earn a degree.

When people study abroad, they are immersed in the culture of another country. They have the opportunity to gain invaluable experiences that enhance their cultural understanding, strengthen their language and communication skills, and expand their worldview.

As with domestic study, when you study abroad, you may be able to qualify for federal student financial aid or scholarships that could help cover the cost of your education.

In study abroad programs, students can earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of disciplines.

5 Benefits of Studying Abroad

The examples below highlight how studying abroad can expose you to a variety of valuable opportunities.

1. Discover the World

Whether you study in Spain, France, or Germany, earning your education abroad is an adventure like no other. Getting out of your comfort zone, traveling, breaking the routine, and allowing yourself to discover endless new opportunities are all valuable benefits that studying abroad can provide.

Enrolling in international education programs enables students to explore some of the world’s top countries up close and personal. Students gain an understanding of other cultures and customs; explore other countries’ streets, museums, and natural wonders; and even learn new languages.

Studying abroad can broaden your multicultural skills and ability to adapt. It can give you a new perspective on the world, making you an excellent asset to any company.

2. Experience New Challenges, Develop, and Grow

When studying abroad, students frequently learn about and navigate new university procedures, living costs, transportation costs, other languages, and different currencies. Moving to another country is an exciting adventure, but it involves a series of responsibilities that force you to mature, trust yourself more, and have initiative — all qualities companies look for in employees.

From grocery shopping to making new friends, studying abroad brings a series of challenges both exciting and enriching, and gives you the opportunity to overcome those challenges on your own. Facing those challenges can help you grow as a person, as a student, and as a professional, acquiring essential skills that would otherwise be very difficult to build.

People who have lived in different parts of the world get to have experiences that can make them more open, respectful, and resolute when finding solutions to problems.

3. Broaden Your Network

One of the greatest reasons to study internationally is the chance to expand your network on an international level. Studying abroad lets you step outside your social circle and meet new people, find networking opportunities, and even generate professional opportunities.

Your classmates can be your best supporters, your sidekicks in adventures, or even your future partners.

4. Boost Your Global Employability

Study abroad programs provide you with invaluable skills that companies worldwide seek, and living in another country offers you real international experience. You will be able to understand how different economies, societies, and cultures work, as well as how you can lead in those environments.

At Schiller International University, we are determined to make students key players in any global market. To that end, we give students the opportunity to learn by living in up to four different countries, taking them out of the traditional classroom and into the real world through challenges set by leading international companies. We also give students access to countless exclusive experiences, from internship programs to immersions in unique locations around the world to a host of scholarships for international students.

5. Gain Life Experience

Studying abroad not only could put you at the top of the list when it comes to finding a job but also gives you the opportunity to explore other countries and their cultures. You get the chance to build lasting friendships and grow as you build the path to becoming the professional you always imagined you could be.

What Types of Degrees Can You Earn Abroad?

The range of degrees that students can earn abroad is extensive. Schiller offers a range of degrees in business, information technology (IT), international relations, and more. Here are the degrees that students can earn abroad at Schiller.

Business degrees:

IT degrees:

International relations degrees:

Hospitality and sustainability degrees:

All of these degrees can establish a solid foundation for an international career and a place on the global stage.

The Many Reasons to Study Abroad Make Getting Your Education Internationally an Attractive Option

Knowing why you should study abroad and the advantages of international study can be a great springboard for enrolling in an international degree program. Equipped with the knowledge and skills that an international degree can provide, you can begin working toward achieving your professional ambitions.

If studying internationally is something that appeals to you, then explore Schiller’s international undergraduate or graduate degree programs to learn how they can help you achieve your career goals. Offering students the chance to learn from a multinational faculty of veterans, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, our degree programs offer students a unique opportunity to study internationally and acquire expertise in a variety of fields.

Beginning your journey toward international education is a great way to start reaching for your dreams in our increasingly globalized world.

Recommended Readings

Is an International University Right for Your Child?

What Students Wish They Knew Before Joining a Multicultural University

Why Multicultural Classrooms Are the New Standard for Global Careers