Why go on Exchange?
An exchange semester abroad has many benefits. It is an interesting, fun and enriching experience and it is also a career enhancer. Here is a list of some of the many benefits available to you if you choose to study abroad!
1. Expand your campus and learn a new culture
One of the top reasons for studying abroad is the opportunity to experience a foreign culture and see the world. Being fully immersed in a new environment and culture on a day-to-day basis gives you new perspectives on life. By living and studying in a foreign culture, you not only have the opportunity to learn within your formal education program, but you also learn about how people in other countries think, live, play and work.
2. Learn a new language
One of the best ways to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in the new environment and culture and have fun while you learn – this is so much better than learning a language in a classroom environment!
3. Personal Development
Taking the opportunity to live and study abroad gives you an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, be innovative and independent, take initiatives and make new friends.
A huge benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse situations while being able to problem solve. Studying abroad shows courage and independence; proves that you have a desire to learn and that you are prepared to take challenges in your own development. It is not always easy, but it is most definitely worth the effort!
4. Professional Development
If you study abroad you have the opportunity to expand your global network while connecting with locals and fellow exchange students and sometimes companies. Studying abroad will most likely increase your understanding of other cultures and how to work efficiently with people from various backgrounds. You will also have the chance to learn from and connect to educators and specialists from around the world, thus broadening your contact network!
5. Career Opportunities
When you finish your study abroad program and return home, you will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers. Adding your studies abroad onto your resume/CV will certainly help you stand out to a recruiter amongst other applicants. Experience working with and in different cultures will prove a valuable skill in your professional life.
6. Have Fun
From meeting new people and making new friends to tasting new foods and exploring new places – being part of a student exchange is fun! Living day to day in another country gives you the unique opportunity to not only expand your campus and learning environment but also your playground!
7. Be an ambassador for Sweden and Jönköping University
Study abroad is a great opportunity to tell the world how wonderful Sweden is! Be a proud JU student and share some facts about Sweden and Swedish culture that don’t include Abba and IKEA! While you are overseas, don’t forget to be a good ambassador for Jönköping University. You will have many opportunities to inspire prospective students to come to Jönköping for a part of their own educational journey. Internationalization is important to Jönköping University and gives you and others access to an international learning environment!
Take the chance and study abroad!
