Why Does International Education Matter? 7 Key Points
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International education changes lives – and that’s why it matters.
From building friendships across the globe to improving your career potential, the study abroad experience lets you explore the benefits of diving headfirst into the world of international education.
Ready to embrace an opportunity that will transform your college experience?
Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad
The Value of International Education
So, just what is the value of studying abroad? Where do we begin?!
Consider what international education offers:
- The opportunity to develop and improve your language skills
- Personal growth in the form of increased confidence and adaptability
- Career opportunities, especially if you decide to intern abroad
- Lifelong friendships with peers from around the U.S. and the world
- Cross-cultural understanding
And so much more! The benefits of studying abroad positively impact just about every part of your life. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience in all the best ways, look no further than international education!
Read More: Why Study Abroad? Top 7 Benefits of Studying Abroad in 2025
What is International Education?
International education is just what it sounds like: Education you experience internationally! It’s most commonly known as “study abroad” in the United States.
In the 2022-23 school year – the most recent data available – more than 280,000 U.S. students took advantage of a study abroad opportunity.
Will you be one of these students next year?
Read More: What is Study Abroad? Everything You Need to Know!
7 Key Reasons Why International Education is Important
Read on to learn more about the value of studying abroad.
Reason #1: Enhance Your Cultural Knowledge and Understanding
If you’re from Boston – a predominantly Catholic area – and study abroad in Jordan, you’ll want to gain a better understanding of Islam, because more than 92% of Jordanians are Muslim.
Or if you’re from the Midwest, which has a high percentage of meat eaters, you could learn more about the vegetarian lifestyle studying abroad in Mexico, where almost 20% of the population doesn’t eat meat.
Whether you learn things that you want to incorporate into your own routine or not, engaging with the culture of your new country can have personal benefits throughout the rest of your life.
Read More: How Does Studying Abroad Help You Culturally? Tips to Prepare!
Reason #2: Build Your Language Skills
Aside from English, some of the most popular languages in the world include Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
Choosing to take part in a language immersion program can help you advance your skills faster. Not only will you be surrounded by students who are speaking the tongue, but you can take language and other courses that help you gain a deeper understanding.
Reason #3: Gain Professional Benefits
The value of study abroad can be strengthened even more when you choose to work in your new country! Get hands-on experience in your field when you add an international internship to your program.
Not only will future employers find your global knowledge impressive, but you can start building up your network now. Get letters of recommendation or LinkedIn reviews from your supervisor and coworkers.
Working abroad will also position you better for international work after graduation.
Read More: What are International Internships? Everything You Need to Know
Reason #4: Connect with Like-Minded People
When you arrive in your new country, you’ll quickly meet other study abroad students from all over the U.S. – and beyond.
You could bond immediately over your love of the Spanish language, gaining a buddy to practice your skills. Or you may find a group of pals in Japan who share your obsession with ramen.
You can also find people with similar interests in your living quarters, through your classes, and on your day trips.
Reason #5: Develop New Perspectives from Others
Of course, you don’t just want to meet others who have lots in common with you. After all, one of the best parts of spending time in another country is learning about your differences and engaging in healthy dialogue about it.
Get more comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. For example:
- Could you explain the political system here to me?
- I haven’t heard this type of music before, but I love it! Can you introduce me to more of it?
- I’ve never met someone with your religious background. I’d love to learn more about it!
- We don’t have that holiday back home. What’s it about?
Different perspectives will definitely help you grow as a person!
Reason #6: Gain Independence
Perhaps you live at home while attending college, or you’ve been in the same town your whole life, unable to meet new people.
The value of studying abroad in these instances is that you get the chance to put yourself out there!
If you’re close with your family, consider living with a host family to gain the same feeling abroad. If you’ve always wanted to live with friends, you could get a roommate in a dorm.
Dine at the restaurants you want, shop at the types of stores you love, and explore architecture, history, and culture that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Read More: CIEE Study Abroad Housing Options: Everything You Need to Know
#7: Develop a love of travel
Growing up, you may not have had opportunities to travel. This could be your first chance to leave the country or fly on a plane!
If you’re worried about cost, you can do your research to find your most affordable options. You could apply for financial scholarships and assistance through the study abroad organization you’re working with.
You can also work with your financial aid office to see how your awards could be applied to your trip. And you’ll also want to check with the study abroad office at your home college for their advice, too.
Your dreams of experiencing the world are within reach!
Read More: International Travel Checklist: 10 Things to Know Before You Go
Take the Next Step
Are you convinced of the value of studying abroad yet? Language, history, cuisine, personal growth ... the list goes on.
Next up: Find your study abroad program today!