1. Confidence. Leaving your comfort zone might be scary at first, but as soon as you make it on your own you’ll feel invincible.
2. Language. Immersed in another culture, you’re in the ideal situation to learn the local language or improve your existing skills.
3. Independence. You have to be more self-sufficient while you’re away from friends and family, and prove you can stand on your own two feet.
4. Get a global perspective. Studying your subject in a new country and at a different university might also give you new ways of thinking.
5. Friends. Meet interesting new people from your adopted country and develop an international social life. Who knows what common ground you’ll find?
6.Enhanced employability. Stand out from the graduate crowd – international organisations want graduates with experience of living or working abroad.
7. Problem-solving skills. Whether you’re finding your way around a new city or opening a bank account, every day will have a small challenge to overcome.
8. Adaptability. Adjusting to another country’s culture, customs and etiquette is one of the most interesting aspects of living abroad.
9. The chance to hit the road. Obviously you should try and see as much of your adopted country as you can – make sure you get out there and see something amazing.
The University of Sussex has one of the best-supported study abroad programmes in the UK. Many Sussex undergraduates take the opportunity to spend one term of their degree course abroad at one of our university partner institutions around the world, and an increasing number of our degree programmes are now offering the chance to spend a full year abroad, too.
