Suitcase And I would not exist if it wasn’t for the opportunities that came as a result of my study abroad experience. When I applied for my exchange I was a teenager on welfare and minimum wage – moving to London was life-changing and I want to encourage you to seriously consider applying as part of your studies, no matter your background.
Read more: Top tips for saving money while you’re a high school and university student
Here is why a study exchange will help kickstart your early career and invigorate your studies.
Boost your resume
We live in an increasingly globalized world where international networking, awareness of global markets, and an appreciation of diversity are important skills that employers look for. In every graduate interview I have done since my exchange, my time studying in London has been a great discussion point. The independence, planning, and confidence required to study abroad are all great indicators of character and aptitude.
Read more: The simple guide to choosing where to study abroad
New friends from around the globe
On your exchange, you’ll meet the most amazing mix of people that you would have otherwise never encountered. This is one of my favourite things about studying abroad and traveling in general. There is something about meeting someone in such a unique and exciting environment that creates an instant bond. Coming back home from abroad it was wonderful to know that wherever I go in the world, a familiar face is close by 🙂
Taking a break from traditional studies
I went straight from high-school to university so by the time I went on exchange in my 4th year of tertiary studies, it was a much-needed break. Despite continuing full-time (my workload didn’t decrease), the fact that I was in a new city was refreshing and completely invigorated my passion for learning.
Cultural awareness
Coming from Australia and in particular, Brisbane it was eye-opening to move to such a multicultural and cosmopolitan city. It was one of the reasons I fell in love with London.
Unforgettable memories
This is a subjective point but is something that I treasure dearly. I get so happy being able to look back on memories such as 3:00AM study sesh cramming with my American roommates, dorm parties on the weekend or epic mid-semester trips like Camping in the Sahara Desert! While I am not dismissing some great Brisbane memories I would be lying if I said my first three years of university compared to the absolute high of living and studying in London. It refreshed my dedication to my studies and ambition to make regular travel a part of my permanent lifestyle.
Read more: How to Travel while Studying Full-Time
‘Escape the Bubble’
I come from a relatively small city in Australia. It’s the kind of place that if you meet someone from Brisbane, you will likely have a mutual friend on Facebook. Compared to places like Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane still has a long way to go both in terms of urban development and multiculturalism. This isn’t to say I don’t love a lot about Brisbane but I was very eager to live in more of a bustling and fast paced city.
Additionally, while in places like London it is commonplace to study overseas, intern overseas or actually come from overseas – Brisbane is comparatively settled. Most people you will meet in Brisbane have worked and lived in Brisbane their whole lives. This mold was something I was eager to break from so a study exchange was the perfect opportunity to do this.
Independence
While a study exchange will test you, it will also open your eyes to your capabilities and potential. I bought my one way ticket to London at 19 years old and while I had been living out of home, moving to a new country gave me a taste of complete independence. I think this is a really great reason to go on exchange because it is incredibly satisfying to be able to look back and feel accomplished by what you were able to achieve without assistance. Because of the confidence that an exchange facilitates you may find this starts to reflect in your future career ambitions and the opportunities you pursue.
My study exchange was the best decision I ever made. I really hope that if you are considering study abroad you take up the opportunity as I have no doubt you will love it. If you are worried about how to finance a study exchange, I have created articles specifically on how I saved up while working in high school as well as information about the academic scholarships and bursary I applied for.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below 🙂