We often hear about the importance of pursuing higher education after college, and getting those qualifications under our belt. But, what about studying abroad? It’s a completely different ball game compared to the conventional study experience and one that reaps so many rewards.
For business students, the reasons to study business abroad are compelling to say the least. It’s just one of those moves that makes sense.
If you’ve recently been asking yourself the question, “why study business abroad?” then strap yourself in and read on because this is the post for you. Read this extensively researched and thoroughly written article (yes, we’re blowing our own trumpet) and you’ll soon see why studying business abroad is the right decision for you.
15 reasons to study abroad as a business student
Now, although this is a nod to the business students out there, don’t think that all of this is exclusive. Some students of other disciplines will find a couple of these reasons relatable too. So without further ado, read on to see just some of the reasons why anyone pursuing a business major should study abroad:
1. Cultural exposure
If you’re ready to kick-start your business career, it’s time to see what studying abroad can do for you.
With travel comes cultural exposure, which increases tenfold when you’re living in the country too. Studying abroad will make you a more rounded, mindful individual—all respectable character traits in the world of business. With so many places to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice.
2. Personal growth
Moving away from your hometown will have some challenges but, with that, comes growth. Now imagine doing the same, but moving to an entirely different country.
It’s a whole other ball game. You'll be more independent, more adaptable, more resilient—just to name a few traits you’ll gain. All of these traits will give you an edge in your business ventures.
3. Global networking
Networking is a huge answer to why business students should study abroad. In business, contacts are key. Studying abroad will give you the chance to build connections globally. That’s one hell of a flex.
It could be with other students, local entrepreneurs, or lecturers. Either way the outcome is pretty much the same: You’re opening yourself up to international opportunities.
4. Language skills
Reasons to study business abroad aren’t just limited to furthering your knowledge in business. If you’re moving abroad, then it makes sense to learn the language. Even just a few basic sentences can help you out.
Speaking another language is invaluable in all walks of life, and the same goes for business. A basic grasp of another language can go a long way. Your language skills can help you increase sales, get more clients, or design a marketing campaign that reaches more people.
READ: 15 Best Languages to Learn for Business
5. International business insights
Studying abroad will give you insight into trends and perspectives in another market.
Different countries have different business frameworks. Additionally, some of the trends that you see in your home country may not be prevalent elsewhere.
Studying abroad will give you a chance to soak up all of this. Knowledge of your country’s framework is one thing, but knowledge of another takes you to a whole other level.
6. Cross-cultural communication skills
You’ll notice it when you’re traveling, and we’re not just talking about a difference in accents. There’s a real difference in how people communicate, from the directness of German to the tentativeness of Japanese (generally speaking). Describing cross-cultural communication skills as useful is an understatement, and it’s another reason why studying business abroad will give you a head start.
7. Different style of education
Different countries have different styles and methods of teaching. Different subjects may be prioritized, and the structure of exams will vary too.
For you, that means broadening your experience, which will look great on your resume. Plus, knowing what kind of academic environment lets you best flourish is useful.
8. Access to international internships
Studying business in another country means that you’ll have access to their internships and programs. This is an opportunity that you won’t get while studying in your own country. The ceaseless opportunities that come with moving abroad is why prospective business students should study abroad.
9. Enhanced problem-solving skills
Living abroad requires a lot of thinking and problem-solving. You’ll find yourself in situations that you’ve never encountered, which means you’re forced to use those parts of the brain that usually gather dust.
Training the problem-solving side of your brain is a handy warm-up for when you take the plunge into your career. Think of it like stretching before you go for a run.
10. Global business credentials
It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and no industry shows this more clearly than business. It’s all about finding your place in the market and being the company to deliver. So why not give yourself a head start and study abroad?
In a job interview, you’ll be able to demonstrate to a future employer that you’ve been exposed to a global perspective. If this doesn’t spur you when asking, “why study business abroad?” then we don’t know what will.
11. Seeing the foreign market up close
Why study business abroad? Because you can’t beat living in a place if you want to really learn about it!
Studying business abroad will give you an insight to international markets—a huge plus given that so many are on the rise. This insight is a reason why business students should study abroad.
Just take a look at Huawei in China, Samsung in South Korea, or Nestle in Switzerland. Whichever country you choose to study in, you’re guaranteed to get exposure to a new foreign market.
12. Travel opportunities
With all that hard work, you’ll need to make time to unwind, and what’s more perfect than traveling on your days off from studying? Explore all there is that your surrogate country has to offer.
If you’re based in a major city in Europe, then you’ll also be a convenient flight or bus ride away from other neighboring countries. The same goes for many other places around the world. What better reason to study business abroad?
13. A memorable adventure
Studying abroad isn’t just about studying. Deciding to go to college is an adventure in itself. Packing your bags, moving away from home for the first time, and meeting people from every pocket of the world—it’s a memorable experience.
Studying abroad brings a whole new definition to “adventure.” When your time is up, you’ll find yourself returning home with dozens of stories to share.
14. Exposure to other opinions
Living abroad doesn’t just mean exposing yourself to a new culture. Intercultural learning exposes you to a new way of thinking, a different set of values.
If you’re receptive enough, then you could end up with a blend of the very best that different cultures have to offer. That’s great for anyone but particularly useful for business students who are thinking about why they should study business abroad.
15. Exposure to different social norms
Studying abroad as a business student will launch your career.
Similar to cross-cultural communication, your time abroad will give you culture awareness and teach you about the different social nuances between countries.
Take these examples: In Hong Kong, it’s rude to start eating at a meeting before the host does; in India, business cards should be taken with two hands and never put in your trouser pocket; and when dining in Taiwan, it’s polite to leave some rice in your bowl. The ability to understand and navigate social norms is a vital skill if you’re working with clients and partners from different nations.
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3 business study abroad programs to get you started
You’ve got so many reasons to study business abroad, but where to start with finding somewhere to make this daydream a reality? We’ve got you covered and narrowed down a long list of business study options:
1. IES Abroad Amsterdam – Business & Economics
- Why? Studying business in Amsterdam has dozens of benefits. The city is a hub, and that handy EU membership will expose you to the trading dynamics of other countries like Germany, France, and Belgium. Plus, you’ll connect with other IES students and have the chance to take day trips to other Dutch cities.
- Where? Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Read IES Abroad reviews
2. Barcelona SAE: Intl. Business & Humanities Semester at UAB
- Why? Studying business at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is the perfect option for anyone looking for a vibrant international scene. It’s a place for expanding your global perspective and exposure to business frameworks of other countries. While you’re here, take a Spanish language class and learn a handy skill for your career ventures.
- Where? Barcelona, Spain
- Read Barcelona SAE reviews
3. CIEE Business + Culture in Toulouse, France
- Why? This program offers the opportunity to study at two esteemed institutions, the Toulouse Business School and the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, along with classes at CIEE Toulouse. The program includes co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE. You’ll also have the chance to brush up on your French.
- Where? Toulouse, France
- Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews
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Why should business students study abroad? It’s obvious!
Broadening business knowledge, making personal and professional connections with people all over the world, the adventure of living in a foreign country, and a huge resume flex—you’ve really got everything to gain and nothing to lose by studying business abroad. Consider this as your sign to take the next step and start with your applications.
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