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Why go abroad?

To go on an international exchange to a new place where you don’t know a soul might seem scary. Here are 10 good reasons why you should go for it.

10 good reasons to go abroad!

  • Experience life in another country
    Living abroad is a huge challenge for anyone. At first, it might be hard, but once you get used to it you will find that this experience is priceless. Unlike taking a holiday, your long stay abroad will allow you to fully immerse yourself into the local culture.
  • Experience different learning and teaching practices
    When you go abroad, you will learn how teaching methods differ from country to country. Different universities offer different courses,use different teaching methods, and prefer different forms of evaluation. Studying abroad means you will learn about new ways to study and collaborate, and about new tools to use during classes. You will start looking at things from a different perspective.
  • Broaden your knowledge
    Studying abroad can open new paths to pursue your passions. You could study at universities with leading researchers in your field, take courses that you can’t take at KU Leuven or get access to state-of-the-art labs, specialized libraries or local archives, which could all contribute to a deeper knowledge and wider perspective of the subject matter you are studying.
  • Enhance self-confidence.
    Studying abroad has a positive impact on personal development. You might sometimes find yourself way outside of your comfort zone, facing new and unexpected situations. Overcoming these barriers and learning to manage your life within another culture develops you to become a more mature, confident and self-reliant individual.
  • Get to know new cultures
    Dealing with people from all over the world on a daily basis will eliminate some myths about other countries, and some preconceptions you may have held about different cultures. It can help you to be more tolerant and understanding.
    Getting to know different cultures makes you appreciate aspects of your own culture that you’ve never paid attention to.
    Food is an important part of culture. There is a good chance that you might have gained a few kilos at the end of the semester as a multicultural environment incites you to try new food and learn to cook international dishes.
  • Get to know new places
    An international exchange is a great opportunity to travel around the country where you are studying. During your free time, just take a train or bus and visit cities or towns, national parks, castles, etc. Going to new places will reveil how big and amazing the world we live in is. You’ll never be without company as many fellow exchange students will like to join you, and/or local students will be happy to show you around.
  • Make friends from all over the world
    An international exchange is a chance to meet amazing people from all around the globe. Making new friends is fairly easy as the other exchange students are in the same situation as you are: on their own, and out of their comfort zone. They tend to rely on each other and join forces. Friendships will be closer and even though the period is not that long, they may be strong enough to last forever. You’ll end up with your own couch surfing network!
  • Learn a new language or practice one you already know
    You can ‘live’ the language, which is the most efficient and fun way to acquire it. You will be able to apply your skills on a daily basis.
  • Stand out to employers
    After living on your own abroad for a while you will find yourself more responsible, more organized and more confident. You are likely to have gained soft skills, be more inclined to take the initiative and be more proactive – all qualities that will help you in your career. This is why employers appreciate applicants who have studied abroad. Furthermore, an international experience can help you to discover what you want to do after your studies – making for a happier career!
  • Financial support
    Studying abroad can be expensive, but there are scholarships and grants available to make your study abroad experience more affordable.

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things

- Henry Miller