Benefits of studying abroad

Introduction

Studying abroad is more than just a change of scenery—while it’s a chance to earn a degree, it’s also a great opportunity to figure things out on your own, experience a different way of life, and pick up skills that will come in handy. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing, so before you pack your bags, it’s essential to consider both the benefits and disadvantages. After all, you’ll have moments where you miss home, get frustrated, or wonder why things are done differently. But overall, it’s one of those experiences that can really shape you. So, let’s break it down because knowing both the highs and lows is the key to figuring out what it is that might be holding you back.

The advantages

Here's a more detailed look at some of the benefits.

Learning to be independent

Let’s be real—living and studying in a different country makes you more independent. You’ll learn how to deal with things yourself, whether that’s handling paperwork, managing deadlines, or simply getting by in an unfamiliar place. Employers love this kind of experience because it shows you can adapt and problem-solve. It’s also a great way to pick up soft skills such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving or critical thinking, without even realising it.

Building language skills

If you’re studying in an English-speaking country, you won’t just get better at the language—you’ll probably start thinking in it . This makes daily problem-solving easier and helps you pick up a more structured way of approaching tasks. It’s not just about speaking fluently; it’s about understanding how things work, from handling official documents to dealing with everyday challenges like budgeting or scheduling your week. These are skills that will stick with you long after your time abroad.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

Moving abroad means you’ll be in situations that are unfamiliar, and that’s actually a good thing. Figuring things out on your own makes you more adaptable, whether that’s learning how public transport works, finding your way around a new city, or just dealing with different ways of doing things. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

The disadvantages

Also knowing about the lows is the key to figuring out what it is that might be holding you back.

Culture shock

You’ll notice differences in how people live, but ‘shock’ might be a bit of an exaggeration. It’s more like adjusting to things you’re not used to. It’s very interesting to see how everyday life works somewhere else—what people eat, how they socialise, even how they queue for things (yes, the UK takes this very seriously). It’s all part of broadening your perspective.

Homesickness

At some point, you’ll miss home, and that’s completely normal. It’s easy to romanticise what you left behind when you’re struggling to cook a proper meal or figuring out how your bank account works. But the good part is, when you do go back, you’ll appreciate things you never even thought about before. It’s a weird but valuable shift in perspective.

The challenge of re-integration

Coming back home after studying abroad can be just as tricky as leaving in the first place. You’ve changed, but everything back home might feel exactly the same. This can be a great opportunity to think about who you are and what kind of person you want to be. Studying abroad gives you the space to reset habits, routines, and even how you approach life—no one knows you here, so you can grow into the person you want to be without any baggage.

Financial considerations

Yes, studying abroad can be expensive, but managing your own money is a skill you’ll have to learn at some point anyway. Part-time jobs are a great way to earn extra cash, and at Coventry University there are many options to work either on campus or somewhere locally if you need to. Learning how to budget and make ends meet while studying is a skill that will serve you well long after graduation.

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out. You can chat to real Coventry University students to find out their experiences. Or, our success coaches, like Martyn, are here to help. Want to know how they can support you? Check out the video below to hear Martyn’s story.