The Benefits of Studying Abroad

India has consistently seen a surge in students opting to study abroad, more so in recent times. According to Pie News, more than 1.33 million students were pursuing higher studies abroad in 2024 compared to last year, and this trend is expected to continue.

The trend is not limited to big cities, but smaller tier-2 and tier-3 city students are also joining the bandwagon. The younger generation is savvy and sure knows how valuable (pun intended!) it is to study at a foreign university. 

However, if you’re still undecided about studying abroad, let’s lay out some key benefits to help you decide. A foreign degree offers so many benefits and immense career scope while enriching the lives of international students.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

1. Personal growth

Studying abroad is akin to embarking on a journey of self-awareness and independence. It's all about venturing beyond your comfort zone and pushing your limits. Consider this: You will be managing your finances, accommodation, laundry, cooking, and so much more alongside your academics.
Being self-reliant can make you independent, bold, strong, and well-rounded. Plus, you will have new, different, and exciting experiences, which will help you be more creative and open. You will also learn to be a problem solver since you have to fend for yourself with no one to support you.

2. Cultural immersion

Studying abroad will introduce you to various cultures, food, and languages. You will meet people from all over the world. The cultural differences you may face are more than just differences in food, language, or appearance; they reflect the perceptions, values, and beliefs of people. Being surrounded by a variety of languages and cultures can help you pick up new languages and dialects, be fluent in them over time, and understand the local customs and cultures.

Getting used to a foreign culture will make you grow as an individual, as you understand how different people across the globe view the world. You will learn to get along with different people, appreciate their viewpoints, and build strong connections.

3. Academic benefits

Lauren Welch (Adviser, US-UK Fulbright Commission, London) opines that studying abroad is an excellent way of spending your time in a place that is considered a global hub in your area of study. This is because you will have access to world-class faculty, visiting speakers, and cutting-edge infrastructure.

Enrolling in a foreign university offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Exposure to diverse educational styles that may not be available in your home country. For example, students in Australia, the US, or the UK say that they enjoy different styles of teaching, including both classroom and practical training. For example, the Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK offers an MSc Creative Advertising Strategy course with internship opportunities.
2. Education from reputed and top-ranking universities or colleges. 182 universities from the USA and 162 universities from the UK were listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
3. Recognition on a global platform—Many Indian students feel the need to obtain recognition by studying at prestigious universities abroad.
4. Global universities offer a variety of subjects, courses, and degrees, especially in business and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine).
5. Many foreign universities are also known for cutting-edge research in several subject areas, and they offer top-class research infrastructure to students, which they may not find in their home country. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings provide visibility into the hundreds of universities around the globe that are the best for their quality education, infrastructure, sanitation, and more.

4. Language skills

Studying abroad is a chance for international students to hone their language skills, which can be valuable in the long run.
Of course, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency to study at popular study destinations like the USA, the UK, and Australia. However, if you have the opportunity to learn other languages, it can become an asset and boost your employability. For instance, languages like Spanish, German, or French are in high demand.

When surrounded by people speaking different languages, it’s easier to understand and pick up their language. You'll be amazed at how soon it becomes second nature.

5. Career opportunities

Studying abroad opens doors to exciting career opportunities, with several countries encouraging part-time work and offering post-study work permits. Several universities also provide career counselling and networking opportunities, and hold career fairs, making you employment-ready! In addition, the career wing of universities helps students write resumes and enhance their interview skills.

A foreign degree can give you an edge over other applicants during job applications and interviews—employers look for courage, flexibility, leadership qualities, and problem-solving abilities, which come from living and studying in another country. Imagine the boost your CV will get with a foreign degree under your belt!

As Sarah Han (Department of International Cooperation, Korean Council for University Education) puts it, “Students are more open to new knowledge and expertise when abroad, and that knowledge is often more easily applicable and adaptable to situations requiring international interaction; thus one can expect to be more competitive in today's era of globalisation.”

6. Global networking

After your study abroad experience, you'll become more confident in interacting and socializing. You'll not only meet local students from your destination country but also connect with international students from around the world, building a global network of friends. This becomes handy when travelling to other countries or building a professional network.

Being part of a diverse international community can improve your learning by giving you access to a wider range of opinions, ideas, and expertise. Universities abroad encourage this kind of networking by holding events, hosting exchange programmes, offering semester-abroad courses, and more. Many universities have partner universities, which helps you expand your connections further. 

7. Life experiences

Studying at a foreign university is your gateway to travel, see other countries, and soak in the local experiences. For instance, if you’ve chosen France or Germany as your study destination, you have a great chance to travel around other countries in Europe. You can make the most of your holidays, weekends, and breaks to spend time travelling around the country.

Travelling changes your perspectives and helps you understand different cultures, customs, traditions, outlooks, and more. You will come back enriched with stories, memories, adventures, and pictures that will last you a lifetime.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Study Abroad

Starting from language and budget to career prospects, you will need to plan properly for each stage.

Some of the major factors that can impact your study-abroad journey include:

1. Budget: You will need to plan your finances to include tuition fees, living expenses, housing, books, visa costs, tickets, health insurance, and many more. To supplement your financial resources, consider applying for scholarships, educational loans, etc.
2. Language/culture: Have you decided to study in a non-English-speaking country? While it’s not impossible, you will need to enrol in language classes for you to make basic conversations. Even if you go to an English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate language proficiency, since the courses will be delivered in English. It is advisable to read up on the cultures and practices of your study destination to avoid culture shock. Factor in cultural adjustments, especially if you plan to share your accommodation.
3. Programmes offered: Explore colleges or universities that offer the course you are looking for. Consider and compare programmes and universities along with tuition costs. Additionally, check university rankings and reviews.
4. Healthcare: Health is crucial when studying abroad. Research the healthcare plans and providers in the country you wish to study in. Most universities and visa requirements mandate health insurance, which is a good way to cover your medical expenses.
5. Career support/prospects: Check if your university provides extensive student-focused programmes, internships, career fairs, career counselling, networking opportunities, etc. Also, research employment projections for your chosen field. 
6. Cost of living: Research living, rent, entertainment, and other costs in the city. Many foreign cities are expensive, so plan your finances accordingly. Look for affordable cities, smaller towns, or suburbs, cheap housing options (apartment sharing), etc. to manage these expenses.

Ready to Start Your Study Abroad Journey?

In summary, studying abroad offers countless benefits, from earning a globally recognised qualification to building international networks, and learning new languages, along with exciting career opportunities.

There is no better time than now to begin your applications. All the best for your study abroad journey!