Sponsored: Studying Abroad: A Life-Challenging Experience

posted on: Oct 21, 2021

Have you ever imagined having the possibility of doing an international student exchange and study a year of your career in another country? Or maybe you have thoughts about having your postgraduate or master’s degree with an international stamp, or you are excited about the idea of interacting with citizens from different parts of the world and getting to know other cultures. This article is for you!

Content

1. What is a student exchange?

2. What are the countries that offer these programs?

3. What are the requirements?

4. What does a university exchange allow me to do?

5. Where am I going to live?

What is a student exchange?

Student exchange is an accumulation of new experiences and implies a dual exchange: academic and cultural. Living temporarily in another country will enrich you as a person and provide you with experiences that will be very useful for your professional future.

In addition to gaining more technical knowledge in your area of expertise, you will have the opportunity to live with professionals from different parts of the world and acquire a more global vision of the market you want to develop. Isn’t it great?

The most popular student exchange options are:

• colleges that offer undergraduate degrees
• private or public colleges
• universities with undergraduate and graduate degrees

These degrees usually offer a part of their program abroad thanks to university exchange programs.

We know you have questions, and we want to help you with the answers:

To some, it may seem like a time-consuming and challenging project. But it doesn’t have to be. If you get organized and step by step you understand how it works and prepares yourself, you will see how easy it is!

Which countries offer these programs?

Lots of them! Each university has exchange agreements with other universities around the world. Your options will depend on the university you go to, and you can see them on their website under “agreements”.

Some countries with more and better agreements:

Australia – Canada – United States – Ireland – New Zealand – United Kingdom – Germany.

What are the requirements to go abroad?

It depends on each university and country, so it is best to check with your university!

For example, they usually ask for: 

at least one year of studies completed, 

a regular to high average,

a letter of introduction, which paperhelp specialists can prepare for you, 

an exam that proves your level of English to study subjects in that language.

Some universities require a high level of English, and for this, it is necessary to prepare for the corresponding exams. Exams such as IELTS and TOEFL are the most requested, and the foreign university specifies the required score.

What does the university exchange allow me to do?

• Improve your language level more quickly. If you travel to a country where another language is spoken, you will be forced to learn and use the language. Learning is easier, faster, and more natural when you use it every day with native speakers.
• Expand your international contacts. By traveling to another country as an international student, you will meet many people in the same situation as you.
• Travel economically. In addition, living there will allow you to know affordable options to travel and stay, like those used by the locals, and take advantage of the flexibility of time to access the best promotions.
• Get to know other cultures. It is necessary to understand the customs and thoughts of that population. Therefore, if you decide to study abroad for several months or a year, you will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
• You will have the chance to learn about yourself. Being in a world very different from your own, you will rethink and expand your values, beliefs, and points of view.
• Expand your resume. Although the number of students who study abroad is increasing, very few still take the plunge. Having this kind of experience is a plus on your resume and can make a difference in your job search.

Where am I going to live abroad?

The university or study abroad center of your choice will be able to offer you housing. Often the centers have university residences, or “campuses”, with access to all university areas: laundry, restaurant, gym, sports, and cultural activities, etc.

Most universities have associations responsible for helping international students integrate into academic and daily life in general. They organize visits, outings, welcome meetings, parties, etc.

Ask your university about the possibilities they offer and the international agreements they have.

There are bilateral inter-university agreements that establish a link between two universities, schools, or institutes of different nationalities so that students can go abroad and pursue university studies within a well-defined framework.

“The journey starts from your preparation. Every step you take brings you closer to your dream.”

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