Studying abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?

What is studying abroad?

Studying abroad means pursuing an educational program in a country other than the one where you normally study or live.
This can be for a single course, for a few months, or for an entire bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
You can participate in an exchange program or independently arrange your admission to the educational institution of your choice.

You gain experience living abroad for an extended period.
You get the chance to discover yourself away from your friends and familiar surroundings.
Your personality grows in areas that might not be addressed, or addressed as fully, in your home country.
You get to know another country and its culture.
You gain a more international perspective on your field of study.
You improve your language skills and comprehension.
You build an international network.
You add a significant asset to your CV.
Sometimes, a specific subject or field of study can only be pursued, or pursued more effectively, abroad.

Communication: you learn to navigate conversations, presentations, and group work in another language.
Creativity: you find your own way of dealing with new systems, assignments, and situations.
Daring: you participate, ask questions, and try things out without knowing how they will turn out.
Flexibility: you adapt to different classes, rules, and expectations.
Empathy: you try to understand why others approach things differently than what you are used to. Situational awareness: you sense the atmosphere and social dynamics of a new environment and adapt accordingly.
Planning: you manage your time between studying, traveling, and daily life, often with less fixed structure than back home.
Collaboration: you learn to navigate different habits and mindsets during group assignments.
Self-confidence: you discover that you can handle yourself well in another country and rely on your own abilities, even when things don't go quite as expected.

There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when studying abroad, or why you should at least carefully check your insurance coverage. Some of these reasons include:
- You might work and receive payment during your stay abroad; in that case, coverage under your national health insurance might lapse. You then need special insurance to remain covered for illness and accidents.
- Local educational institutions and employers abroad generally offer no, or only limited, supplementary insurance.
- There is a risk of accidents while abroad, for instance because you may be engaging in activities with which you have little experience.
Specialized insurance policies offer the best options for ensuring you are well-insured while abroad. Read more under "Insuring your study abroad."

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