Studying in a different country gives you a broader perspective on the world. It helps students discover different cultures and the diversity of people’s lives.

They learn to create a better life for themselves and the environment while making the best out of any situation. They can obtain a deeper understanding of global issues with more tolerance and access solutions to problems that can be integrated from one part of the world to the other.

For those who would like to learn a new language, it is a great opportunity because you not only talk with native speakers and hear their accents, but you also study in their language. It’s difficult to begin with but as time passes, you will become more fluent and even start to think in that language.

As an international student who has gone to schools in three different countries – Russia (in my hometown of Saint-Petersburg), Sri Lanka and Australia – I can affirm that it gets easier when you begin to understand the language, which in my case was English.

Learning to adapt to new situations can improve confidence which is helpful for the future.

It is always hard to face difficulties in a place where everything seems new and confusing but people can ask each other for help – all it takes is to fight the shyness inside. For example, my grandmother doesn’t speak any English, but when she visits us overseas she finds her way by simply asking questions in her native tongue (Russian).

It can be a challenge at first to interact with classmates as they are complete strangers and you may not know what to talk with them about. And, when making friends, international students often leave because they move to another country.

Studying internationally is also useful for resumes. After facing the challenge to adapt to a foreign culture, students become more independent and grow in confidence, which will help them during work in the future.

Employers usually value skills such as resilience, global awareness and flexibility. This enhances students’ chances of getting their dream job.

If you finish school abroad, it will also help with your college application and getting into a more prestigious university no matter where: in your hometown or in a different country.

Universities usually like it when students have studied abroad and acquired many skills as a result.

Travelling is also a nice reason to study abroad (though it can be difficult to overcome challenges with visas and other requirements) as to travel is to experience something new and discover more about yourself.

When students have free time they can participate in local festivals or traditional events and see how beautiful nature can be in different environments. Take for example my experience of sipping coconuts on the beach almost all year round in Sri Lanka or enjoying the gentle winter in Australia while in my hometown, Saint-Petersburg, the winter is always so harsh.

Being an international student, attending different schools, seeing other countries and experiencing new environments gives you a lot of opportunities.

You are able to find what you like and what you are good at, improve yourself and be prepared for the future. You will probably mature a lot quicker because you will develop a sense of responsibility and independence.