Why Study Abroad?
Study Abroad is far from new: for hundreds of years Scottish students have ventured abroad in search of new academic challenges. Perhaps one of the earliest examples of this by a St Andrews student is Andrew Melville, who went from his studies here to the teachings of Ramus in Paris in 1564, returning to St Andrews many years later to become Principal of St Mary's College. Of course, Study Abroad has changed a lot since then, but some of the fundamental reasons to go abroad remain the same: an interest in new academic challenges and the desire to experience another culture and to see more of the world.
Below are just some of the reasons to consider Study Abroad. You may find more reasons amongst our profiles of students who have studied abroad.
You may also wish to read the profiles of staff who studied abroad as part of their own undergraduate programme and who found that the experience has helped to shape their academic or professional careers.
1. Broaden your academic experience
'Exchange students are offered a wide range of exciting modules in Political Science and History, most of which are focused on the Middle East and which would not be available anywhere else.' Vladimir, studied in Egypt
Studying your degree subjects from a different perspective and in a different academic culture is an intellectually invigorating experience. You may have the opportunity to study modules not offered at St Andrews. Courses may complement your St Andrews studies but offer a new dimension, whether it's geography field trips in North America; modern European history in Strasbourg; or marine biology on the Great Barrier Reef. Study Abroad will open new doors academically and may help you to discover new academic passions. It could encourage you to think about postgraduate study in a certain field, or in a certain location.
2. Improve your language skills or learn a new language altogether!
It is one thing to spend time studying, preparing for classes, sitting exams; it is quite another to live, eat and breathe the language around the clock: the challenges of using it in everday life, of being able to order food and drink, converse about current affairs, the weather, philosophy or the arts, deal with bureaucrats and plumbers, landlords and librarians, negotiate one's way around a new country and a new way of life.' Annette Zimmermann, Language Development Officer, School of Modern Languages
Immersing yourself in another culture is a great way to learn a new language, or to enhance your existing language skills. However, you don't always need a language to study abroad. Many of our European partners offer courses in English for students from disciplines other than languages, while offering the opportunity to try language classes alongside your studies.
3. Enhance your employability
'I worked on a presidential campaign, a congressional campaign and interned for the Governor of Maryland.' Frances, studied in the US
'I got involved in a lot of charity work, and in February a few other British girls and I decided to organise a charity concert for Haiti, which ended up turning into a huge 3000 person concert, raising over $10,000. It was an amazing experience and opened up a lot of doors, including a job in the Associated Students media committee, where I worked for the rest of the year.' Joanna, studied in the US
'In my capacity as a career adviser, I regularly meet with top graduate recruiters who feel that a period of study abroad on a candidate's CV is a particularly desirable feature, demonstrating a willingness to explore new cultures, develop understanding of the importance of being a 'global citizen' and form an international outlook, key ingredients if they are to reach the top in their chosen field.' Helen Scott, Careers Centre
Competition for graduate positions in many professions is fierce. Study Abroad can help you stand out from the crowd; it demonstrates your self-motivation and independence, your willingness to embrace new challenges and adapt to new situations. Your experience of living and studying or working abroad, of negotiating your way around a new culture and coping with the challenges you face will add an important dimension to your cv. Furthermore, many students seize opportunities to become involved in student organisations or to apply for internships through the host institution. Such experiences are great ways to build an interesting cv.
4. Experience life in another culture
'You really do immerse yourself entirely in the everyday life of the location. This even includes such things as when and what you eat, the type of place you go out to and even what you wear! My advice to year-abroaders is simply to go with a positive and open attitude, embrace the culture and take on as many opportunities as you can; you won't regret it!' Claire, worked in Spain
Living abroad can be a challenging and life-changing experience. You will learn all sorts of things about your host culture, and about yourself. Even cultures which may initially seem very close to your own will surprise you in many ways. A semester or year abroad can often help you to decide if you want to live in another country after you graduate - it gives you the opportunity to experience life there in a way that a holiday in the country can never match.
5. Discover a new part of the world
'The travel opportunities were endless - Asia was on my doorstep and all the exchange students I met seized this opportunity to travel and explore.' Hannah, studied in Hong Kong
Weekends and semester vacations provide a wonderful opportunity to explore your host country and even neighbouring countries. Often, Study Abroad students travel to places they would not be likely to visit otherwise. A short break from your studies in Ontario could be used to sample some new winter sports in breath-taking surroundings. If you study or work anywhere in Europe, your student railcard will be one of your most prized possessions, enabling you to see somewhere new every weekend, should you wish.
6. Make new friends
'What I undoubtedly enjoyed most about the year abroad was meeting other international students, getting to know them, and progressively improving our standard of French together. One of the most salient benefits for the future, I believe, is the network of contacts you end up establishing all over the world, and the easy way in which living in a foreign country allows you to relate to the inhabitants of that country.' Hannah, studied in Paris
As well as meeting lots of people from your host country, it is likely you'll meet other international students also finding their way. Often, the friends you make on Study Abroad programmes are friends for life.
7. Demonstrate your independence and develop life skills
'My time in Italy certainly made me more independent, and I also became more open-minded when confronted with new cultures and ways of life.' Charles, studied in Italy
'Spending a year abroad was definitely a challenge. The workload was greater than at home and I had to start from scratch in terms of making friends and getting to know how things work (with everything from cell phones to exam criteria). Budgeting for the year was also much harder than I’d expected. That said, now that the exchange is ending, I wish I could have a second year in Toronto and I hope to apply for graduate studies in North America.' Daniella, studied in Canada
A Study Abroad experience will undoubtedly enhance your confidence and independence, and your problem-solving skills. It may also offer opportunities to learn new skills or to put existing skills to the test in a new way. It will certainly test your organisational skills; your ability to cope with new challenges; to communicate with a diverse range of people; and to adapt quickly to a new setting.
8. See the world from a new perspective
'You will come to appreciate what is new and foreign, even strange, but in the process you yourself will change, how you perceive others and especially how you view the world.' Professor Ian Taylor, IR
Study Abroad will expose you to new ideas and ways of life, but it will also encourage you to see your own culture from a new perspective and perhaps challenge ideas and perceptions that you may have always taken for granted. Most students claim the experience is a life-changing one.
9. Try new activities and sports
'The school provided me with some amazing opportunities, including the chance to accompany one of the classes on a trip to Liguria where I was lucky enough to see Lewis Hamilton. With another class I took a cable car to the top of Monte Bianca and visited an ancient palace in Turin. In addition to the opportunities made available to me by the school, I also starred as an extra in an Italian film and tried cross-country skiing in the Alps.' Bronagh, worked in Italy
Many students try new activities and sports during their semester or year abroad, either pursuits that are quite specific to a certain host culture, such as a local festival, or activities that are quite different in the host surroundings, such as the diving opportunities afforded by life in Queensland, or roller-skating along Venice beach after classes at UCLA. The opprtunities to try new things are endless!