Why Should Psychology Majors Study Abroad?

Why should psychology majors study abroad? Studying abroad can add incomparable real-world experience to a psychology degree. As a psychology student, you’re most likely curious about how other people think, live, and what has contributed to their worldview. There’s no better way to satisfy your curiosity than to travel!

If you’re a psychology major asking yourself why study psychology abroad?, consider this your call to immerse yourself in a new place and culture with a psychology study abroad program. You’ll benefit from new perspectives, a unique international academic experience that will look great on your resume, and a global network that may give you a leg up when looking for competitive psychology positions. And that’s just the start of the many reasons why psychology students should study abroad.

Can I study psychology abroad?

If you’re not sure if studying abroad is possible for you as a psych major, fear not! By working with your university and doing your research, an international experience is attainable.

There are a multitude of programs to choose from, and many opportunities are flexible when it comes to timing, duration, and obtaining academic credit. You could consider a gap year or summer program—even a short two-week sojourn abroad is worthwhile! Study abroad for psychology majors is a great way to supplement a university degree.

5 reasons why psychology study abroad is a great idea

So, why exactly should study abroad majors study abroad? If seeing the world and learning more about people in other parts of the globe isn’t enough to convince you to hop on the plane, perhaps these reasons why psychology students should study abroad will!

1. Stand out from the crowd

With a study abroad psychology experience under your belt, you’ll be more competitive in the workforce. There are many psychology majors who will be looking to advance their degree and career—make sure your resume has a little something extra! The ability to communicate and work cross-culturally, understand people’s differences, and know other languages is increasingly valued in a professional setting, particularly in specialized fields like psychology.

2. Become a better psychologist

Why study psychology abroad? By immersing yourself in a new culture, you’ll be meeting and speaking with people different from you—they may offer different opinions, practice other religions and rituals, have alternative traditions, and more.

Having knowledge and understanding of these differences will allow you to better connect with, understand, and diagnose your future patients. It will also help when developing and offering solutions, speaking to family members or loved ones, and having a holistic view of their care.

3. Create lasting memories and friendships

Take a newfound friend along for a trip that’s the stuff of memories for years to come.

Traveling invariably results in new relationships, often ones with strong bonds over shared new experiences! These friendships are rewarding in themselves, but they also offer new opportunities in terms of professional connections and future travel possibilities.

Having shared meals with a host family, hiking with a fellow study abroad participant to a breathtaking viewpoint, taking a weekend trip to visit a world heritage site—these are the types of scrapbook moments you can expect during your time abroad.

4. Offer a helping hand

As a psychology student, your personal and professional mission is most likely to help people who need it. Many study abroad programs for psych majors include an aspect of volunteerism. You’ll be achieving your professional goals while doing something impactful and important.

When asking yourself why psychology majors should study abroad, consider the difference you can make as an individual with the skills you’ll continue to hone. Become a part of a community abroad and leave a positive footprint!

5. Personal growth

Your travel experiences will undoubtedly result in personal growth. Traveling inspires independence, adaptability, self awareness, open-mindedness, and hard skills like problem-solving, language acquisition, goal-setting, and budget management.

You’ll have time for introspection, which is why journaling is often encouraged during a study abroad program. Returning home, you'll see the lifetime of benefits time abroad can bring about.

3 psychology study abroad programs to consider

Study abroad programs for psych majors come in many shapes and sizes! Consider internships, volunteer experiences, academic programs, and more:

1. USAC Spain: San Sebastián- Spanish Language & Psychology

• Why it’s great: With optional cultural excursions and intensive language course options, this is the perfect program for those who want to dive right into their time abroad! Take unique classes related to psychology or something else you’d like to learn about (European art, cinema, even surfing!). You’ll learn about the Spanish and Basque languages and put your knowledge into practice. Excursions include trips to southern France, prehistoric caves, and an optional four-day field study in Madrid.
• Where? Donostia-San Sebastian, San Sebastian, Spain
• Read USAC (University Study Abroad Consortium) reviews

2. AIFS Study Abroad in Prague, Charles University: Semester

• Why it’s great: You’ll earn up to 18 credits per semester in the beautiful city of Prague at Charles University through AIFS. Participate in an internship or volunteer opportunity to get even more out of the experience! You’ll become a part of the local community and have access to a variety of social and cultural activities, including meet and greets with Czech students, boat cruises on the Vltava River, museum visits, concerts, and international trips to nearby Hungary, Poland, and more. Psychology study abroad students can also benefit from packages which include flights, meals, and in-country support.
• Where? Prague, Czech Republic
• Read AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) reviews

3. IES Abroad - Study Abroad in Argentina

• Why it’s great: Argentina is a dynamic country of multicultural cities with a European feel, tropical jungles home to diverse wildlife, and sub-Antarctic Patagonia, which offers stunning vistas to eco-tourists and locals alike. Study during the day in a local and global context, practice your Spanish with native speakers, and discover Argentinian culture: soccer, polo, tango, theater, and much more! This program offers well-located and safe housing and health insurance. You’ll meet many fellow international students and local residents, making this program a great option for those who are looking forward to the social aspect of travel as well as the intellectual side.
• Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Read IES Abroad reviews

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You won’t regret study abroad for psychology majors!

Why study psychology abroad? Because you’ll learn about people and become a better psychologist!

Discover new places while learning more about yourself through a psychology study abroad adventure. You’ll never regret the long-lasting relationships you form and memories you make, including those that will make you a better psychologist.

If you’re interested in the human experience, travel is the best way to meet people from different backgrounds, discover new places, and become a more knowledgeable person and professional. Plus, you never know where your international study abroad experience will lead you! It’s surely going to open doors and possibilities leading to a bright and successful future.