Studying Abroad: There’s More to It Than Just Academic Excellence

A lot of students have the misconception that studying abroad is only for people who want to pursue academic excellence… and nothing more. This is perpetuated because of media portrayals of international students who become class valedictorians and exceptional leaders. But, aside from the purported academic excellence that an international education could bring, there’s actually more to gain than meets the eye.

Here are a few benefits of studying overseas aside from being academically top-tier!

Going out of your comfort zone

You’re literally in a new place! Being in a new environment challenges you to step out of your shell—which is oh so comfortable—and encourages you to develop new methods of being and existing. Therefore, *cue the drumroll* personal growth! 

But if you or your parents are worried about being far from home, you can also explore international study options in Asia. Singapore, for example, is a good international study destination to consider since the country is the No. 1 in Asia for English proficiency. And it’s a 3-hour flight from Manila! You’ll definitely gain a competitive edge by immersing yourself in a country that’s home to a lot of multinational companies and is a global headquarters of big brands and businesses.

Learning to adapt to a new environment

Being an international student also means taking chances at new things such as learning to ask for directions in a different language or befriending someone at the library so you have company during coffee breaks. It’s sharpening your adaptation skills, which is a very useful thing in your career in the future as a global citizen, or wherever life may take you.

Adapting to a new environment involves living alone or with other people. It may be scary but safety and the environment can help assure you and your family. Singapore is known for being a safe place for international students where they’re free to stay out late.

For student rentals in your Singapore, visit the following student rentals:

• Lyf @live.lyf.here
• Yo:ha @Henderson @yohahostelsg
• Nanyang Girl’s Boarding School

These residencies are equipped with everything you need for everyday life and are located in green areas of Singapore.

Getting to know different cultures

When you’re an international student in a university, chances are you’ll also meet other students from countries you might not even have heard of! This allows you to broaden your knowledge of cultures across the world as you develop friendships with them. You’ll also be challenged with your biases and prejudices towards certain cultures and you’ll truly come to understand where other cultures come from.

Singapore, for example, is a melting pot of cultures and one of the best places to live and work in and has a vibrant Filipino community. About 25% of Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)’s full-time students are international students from over 40 countries.

Meeting new people

Your next BFF might just be in that one international uni you’re eyeing. How amazing is that? We’re even getting shivers just imagining a kismet situation where both your hobbies and interests and values align, and you’ll be BFFs forever!

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to meet new people who are also trying to achieve the same goals and careers as you. Therefore choosing a good location to study with a diverse student population is important for your future networking! 

Gaining global competitiveness

The aforementioned benefits all boil down to one thing: global competitiveness. Because you’ve been through a new environment, experienced discomfort met new people from various cultures, you’re well-equipped towards being a citizen of the world. Wherever your career takes you, you’ll become confident to handle new situations and cultural differences because you’ve been there.

By studying abroad, you’re equipping yourself with globally-recognized degrees from top-ranking universities. Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), for example, has over 10 university partners like The University of London, La Trobe University, and Monash University, among others, who are reputable and well-known for their achievements.

If you’re still thinking of what an international education might benefit you, or if your parents are still doubtful of your plans to study abroad, reread this article again and imagine what it’ll be like for you. Think of a new environment where you’re challenged to get out of your comfort zone, where your cultural perspective is broadened, and where you’ll meet new people who might even become some of your friends for life! No doubt, studying abroad really is one of the most wonderful ways to grow and be challenged.

To find the perfect international experience for your academic and career goals, watch out for an upcoming webinar this January 29th by the Singapore Institute of Management about all the things you need to consider before studying abroad!