Need any more reasons why you should study abroad? Check out my top 10 reasons why students should study abroad. It is time to face your fears!

It’s the start of another year and I am itching to go back to school. In November 2018, I got my Bachelor’s degree. I took 2019 off thinking I’ll find a job in Germany and jump-start my career. However, I learned the hard way that finding a job in Germany is not an easy task, even with a Bachelor’s degree. So instead, I decided to focus on my blog and the results have been amazing!

While my blog is slowly taking off, the thought of me going back to school cannot escape my mind. Whenever I have these thoughts, I am immediately transported back to 2017 when I won a scholarship to go study for free for a couple of months in Italy. Naturally, I was scared but I am SO glad I said yes, despite the fact my legs turned to jelly with fear.

So in this blog post, I am going to give you my TOP 10 TIPS on why YOU should say YES to STUDYING ABROAD.

Let’s begin!

1. You’ll spend more time traveling than actually studying:

Yup, you heard it. Compared to the assignments and exams back in Malta, studying in Italy was a piece of cake! You’ll have loads more time to travel around the country you’re living in as well as exploring other nearby countries. I was living in Forli, a small town located an hour away from Bologna. Bologna Airport is one of Europe’s main airports and thus, you can easily find cheap flights!

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2. You’ll learn a new language:

I knew how to speak Italian way before I moved to Italy. However, I always stuttered and felt uncomfortable speaking the language because I didn’t have confidence in myself. However, when I moved to Italy, I was forced to speak Italian and my confidence skyrocketed!

Almost every University offers classes where you can learn their native language. I highly encourage you applying for them. It will look good on your CV and will help wonders with day to day life.

3. You’ll meet people from all over the world:

During my time in Italy, I met people from Croatia, Germany, France, Russia, USA, China, Georgia .. and the list just keeps going on! Making friends with people from all over the world helped me broaden my horizons and learn so much about the world we live in. I got to experience their cultures and foods and it was so much fun!

You might also be interested in: Life in Italy as an Erasmus+ Student

4. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity:

Chances are that if you turn this opportunity to study abroad down, you’ll most probably never be offered it again. Don’t let fear get in your way. It may take you some time to adjust in your new environment, but once you do, you’ll love it and you wouldn’t want to return!

Feel the fear and take action anyways

5. You’ll become independent:

Prior to moving to Italy, I never lived alone. Those 5 months in Italy really challenged me. It was hard at first having to prepare my own meals after class when I’m used to finding them ready when I come home. However, this experience helped me become more independent and more organized. I grew so much and I went back home with a completely different mindset. This new mindset made moving to Germany a lot easier.

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6. You’re not visiting, but you’re living:

Living abroad in a new country is different than visiting. When you’re on holiday, your goal is to see as much as possible during the time you’re there. However, when you’re actually living in a new country, you have the time and luxury to explore the place at your own pace as well as discover some local favourites.

7. You’ll experience a new education system:

Like I mentioned above, the education system in Italy compared to the education back home in Malta, was a piece of cake! In Italy, we only had oral exams. For one of my classes, I literally spent the entire time giving my professor tips on what he can do in Malta and he gave me a 100.

When you’re experiencing a new education system, take full advantage of it and the resources that come with it. For example, I took full advantage of the University’s online information registry and downloaded a ton of articles for my dissertation that my University back at home did not provide!

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8. You’ll become more careful with your money:

If you’re an EU Citizen and won an Erasmus scholarship as I did, then the European Union will give you a sum of money to help cover some of your living costs. The money isn’t enough to cover everything but, if you’re smart and save up from before and spend your money wisely, you’ll make it work.

Before going on Erasmus, I used to spend every euro I earned. However, living on my own with a rather limited budget (I had the grant as well as the stipend the Maltese government gives to Maltese students per month) made me more conscious of what I spent my money on. What I learned during those five months, I still apply them to this day!

9. You’ll create priceless memories:

Memories that will last a lifetime. My priceless memories while I was on Erasmus was not when I was travelling but the times me and my friends would hang out at our favourite cafe after lectures. Or have sleepovers. Or walking to the train station with two suitcases and three bags in the humidity. Those are the memories I will cherish forever.

You might also be interested in: 10 Quaint Towns in Italy You Do Not Want To Miss

10. You’ll learn so much more about yourself:

From this experience, I learned that I am able to live on my own and not burn the house down. I also learned that I can approach new people and make new friends. Furthermore, I learned to trust in myself more and start facing my fears head-on. Studying abroad will put you in uncomfortable situations. But it is from these situations that you’ll grow.

But .. there is one thing that you might regret:

And that is .. gaining weight. No just kidding! (You might come home with some extra love handles but all the delicious new foods you tried are all worth it)

It is not staying longer!

If you just moved or you’re moving soon, you might be thinking .. what in the world is she talking about?! This is one thing I regretted from my Erasmus experience. If I had the opportunity to stay longer, I would have taken it in a heartbeat! Give it time. You’ll love it, trust me.