Why is it important to have an experience abroad as a student ?

I have always wanted to go abroad to study or to work since middle school. I had the chance to travel in a few countries in the meantime, but this idea grew stronger. It took a few years before I could do it: giving up a project of a gap year before studying, cancelling an internship in Los Angeles, COVID-19... It was finally thanks to my admission to ESSEC Business School that I had the chance to go on a university exchange for a semester. And I am glad, I did it!

Today, thanks to the diversity of programs offered by schools, many students have the opportunity to go abroad during their studies. In this article, I will give you my 5 reasons why it is important to go abroad as a student:

REASON #1: TO GAIN EXPERIENCE

I think one of the main reasons is to gain experience. Every thing you do in a foreign country is an experience, whether it's something you've never done before or something you have managed to develop, you manage to grow and bring out the best in yourself. You can also find new interests and activities to do. In my experience in Ottawa, I had an experience both professionally with the classes with the organization, works and context and personally with the people I met. I was also able to improve my English and learn some Quebec expressions and words (je suis allée magasiner pour shopper ma tuque pour cet hiver).

REASON #2: MEET NEW PEOPLE

The second main reason for me about internationalization is to meet new people. By arriving alone or with a few people in another country, we are kind of obliged to go towards the others. Also, by meeting new people, you can also learn the local culture and get a better feel for the country. The cool thing about Canada is that most of the people are of different nationalities and have experienced the beginnings like us. In addition, meeting new people can also help us start a potential career abroad and build an international professional network.

REASON #3: LIVE IN A DIFFERENT CULTURE

Most people choose to go abroad to experience a new culture. When we arrive in the new place, we are amazed by the different aspects and cultural perspectives on food, language, culture, traditions, and regulations and laws. Being my second trip to Canada, I was somewhat familiar with the culture but the number of things with chocolate or maple syrup here... wow.

REASON #4: TO BECOME AUTONOMOUS, TO SURPASS ONESELF 

By going abroad for a while, we witness a personal development. You become more autonomous, mature, confident, independent and the main thing is that you totally leave your comfort zone. It is a life experience, a challenge. You discover yourself more and you can take a step back from your previous way of life. I think that my entourage will not recognize me when I return... (I'm kidding... or not...). I was also able to surpass myself by organizing a solo trip through Quebec!

REASON #5 : FIND YOUR WAY (or get lost)

We won't hide this, but deep inside us, we have some personal reasons. I think that when we leave in an unknown place, we are in search of THE answer. That it is on a professional, personal, sentimental level... Well, personally, as the band U2 would say "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" (after there are still 3 weeks to go, maybe I'll find MY answer during this time or realize it a few months after my return). Or maybe we are partially or totally lost because many factors could have influenced our life there... but it's better to be lost to find yourself !

If you can do it, do it. Really. It's a life experience. Time flies and maybe it won't be possible when we become adults because for many of us, we will have other commitments and responsibilities. Going abroad for an experience is something unique and exciting but you should not forget some negative factors that can influence your trip: jet lag, lack of landmarks, lack of surroundings, cultural shock, homesickness...     But I think that the hardest part of leaving will be the return. To get used to our normal life again, our obligations, to get used to a life again, to realize that our life is not so extraordinary... (post-Erasmus syndrome).

What do you think? Do you feel the same way? Have you had an experience abroad? Do you want to share it? Share on social networks or contact me on my website.

( PS : @thejourneyofilonaoff alias some few pictures of my experience :) )