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Study Abroad: Introduction
Ever thought a study abroad programme? Or are you thinking of applying for a study exchange? Here is your Black girl guide to studying abroad.
I did a study abroad in Singapore and it was truly amazing. I will always say ‘studying abroad is such an amazing opportunity’. You meet people from around the world, embrace a new culture, and possibly even learn a new language. There are so many study abroad advantages and disadvantages that you should know before you can get to that once in a lifetime experience. I have to be honest and say there is a lot of work to be done. Applying for a study abroad programme can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start.
studying abroad is such an amazing opportunity
I remember the studying abroad application process being quite long, hard and complicated. However, in all the longness, I still managed to get through the process, and honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. Here are a few things to consider before going considering a study abroad and more.
Related Post: What I Wish I Knew Before My Study Exchange Abroad: 7 Key Lesson
1. Assess your degree plan
I didn’t know anything about a study abroad when I started university/college, but when I was told about it, I JUMPED on it like a HULK! If you want to do a study exchange, I would definitely suggest assessing your degree plans. Talk to your tutor/advisor from the minute you start.
You want to be sure that whichever study abroad program you choose has classes that can fit into your degree plan. You don’t want your study exchange to delay your graduation – unless you don’t mind.
2. Pick the right location for your study exchange
This, in my opinion, is the most essential thing to think about on your study exchange. It can also be one of the hardest decisions you make. I was only given 4 options which where:
I originally went with Hong Kong, but changed my mind at the last minute and decided Singapore was the best option. Looking back now, I was grateful I picked Singapore because it was so easy to travel around Asia from. In selecting your location, for your study abroad I would ask myself the following questions:
- Can you speak the language?
- Do you enjoy the food?
- Do you want to travel?
- How far will you be away from home?
- Would you be flying back home regularly?
3. Picking the right type of program
There are many different ways to do a study abroad. I don’t know every single programme and I am pretty sure it’s changed since I did mine. Check out what your university/college has to offer and don’t be afraid to talk to the program advisors! In fact, bug them from the minute you start.
As I said before, I didn’t know about study exchange/abroad programmes, but after speaking to the relevant people, I was confident enough to know what I was doing.
4. Picking your courses
I’m sorry to say this, but this too can be one of the hardest parts. You want classes that are challenging, yet that you will understand easily. Remember you will be in a new and different country. I picked courses that I felt wouldn’t cause me too much trouble to get into.
Also, check with your university/college on how credits are converted. I was upset when I was told that my grades would be counted as a grade lower than the original grade – for example, an A meant a B for me. This may impact your overall grade, so find out all the small details.
Study Abroad Advantages and Disadvantages
Before you commit to a study exchange, it helps to weigh things up honestly. Here’s the real talk version.
Advantages
- You get to experience a completely different culture from the inside, not as a tourist passing through, but as someone actually living there. That difference matters more than people expect.
- It also looks great on your CV. Employers notice when you’ve taken on something that requires independence, adaptability, and a bit of courage.
- You’ll likely pick up a new language or at least improve one, even if your programme doesn’t require it. Living somewhere forces you to learn faster than any classroom ever could.
- The travel opportunities are massive. Depending on where you’re based, you could be a short flight (or train) from countries you’d otherwise need a whole separate trip to visit. I used my time in Singapore to explore so much of Asia, places I probably wouldn’t have prioritised otherwise.
- You’ll meet people from everywhere. Genuinely, some of the friendships I made on exchange are ones I still have now, and they’ve given me a completely different view of the world.
- It also builds confidence in a way that’s hard to replicate. Figuring out a new city, a new system, a new culture, all on your own, teaches you that you can handle more than you think.
Disadvantages
- The application process can be long and confusing, especially if you don’t have much support from your university. As I mentioned, it took me a while to get through it, and I had to push for information myself.
- There’s a risk of delaying your graduation if your courses don’t align properly with your degree plan. This is why assessing your degree plan early really matters.
- Grade conversion can catch you out. As I found out, an A on exchange didn’t necessarily translate to an A back home, it became a B for me. That’s something you want to know before you go, not after.
- You might be away from home for a long time, which can be tough depending on your support system, finances, or personal circumstances. Some people thrive on that distance; others find it really hard.
- Finally, it can be expensive. Even there are student loans studying abroad be mindful that funding or loans covering tuition, flights, accommodation, and general cost of living abroad add up, and not every destination is budget-friendly.
Finally, Apply for that Study Abroad!
If you’ve answered the questions above successfully, and study abroad advantages and disadvantages then you know what you are doing. You may have to get a particular grade to pass for the study exchange, so be sure to study hard!
Have you done a study exchange, or would you ever consider doing one?
Related Posts:
7 Things I Wish I Did Differently for My Study Exchange Abroad
8 Things To Know Before Studying Abroad
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Speak soon, MBV x
