Student.com Blog

41 Ways Studying Abroad Changes You

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