Everyone who’s studied abroad will tell you – it’s an intense experience, a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it changes you. How? Like this…
1. You’ll become good
2. Really good
3. So so good
4. At filling in forms
5. You’ll become poorer
6. But richer
7. Moving to a new country
8. And starting a new course
9. In a different language
10. Whilst jet lagged
11. Isn’t a problem for you
12. You’ll learn to let go
13. And to hold on
14. And you’ll become an expert at dealing with lots of different emotions at the same time
15. You’ll also become an expert at smiling
16. And nodding…
17. ‘Yep’
18. ‘Uhuh’
19. …Without knowing what on earth they’re saying
20. You become able to explain where you’re from, what it’s like there and how you got here in under 10 seconds
21. You’ll subtly shift your personality so as not to confirm national stereotypes
22. If you need to do something
23. Or you want to do something
24. You don’t need anyone to do it with you
25. But you’re happy to introduce yourself to people
26. And you’re an expert at making the best of things
27. Improvising when you need to
28. And staying connected to the important things
29. You’ll see your subject from a whole new perspective
30. And you’ll know life from a whole new perspective
31. So you’ll be more employable
It’s true, here’s the research: European Commission Study
32. More creative
It’s true, here’s the research: Multicultural experience enhances creativity: The when and how
33. And you’ll never get old
Well, you’ll be more protected against ageing if you’re bilingual (plus, your array of experiences will keep you young at heart…): Bilingualism protects anterior temporal lobe integrity in ageing
34. You’ll also become superb at miming
When your vocabulary runs out, it’s pretty much your only option…
34. You’ll become an absolute expert at how your host country and your country say things differently
35. And you’ll learn to be happy discussing it for hours
36. You’ll also learn to live on the very minimum a human can live on
37. Whilst your bank sorts itself out
38. But most of all, you’ll have gained the most incredible memories
39. Irreplaceable friendships
40. Strength and experience
41. You’ll still be you – but just with a bit more…..world
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