Seven unexpected benefits of studying abroad
You’ll wish you knew earlier
Nicolò Branchi – CMO at wearefreemovers | February 5, 2025
Sure, studying abroad boosts your career and personal growth: blah, blah, blah, we’ve all heard it.
But what about the surprises?
The hidden gems?
The perks you didn’t even think of while packing your bags? Those are the moments that turn a “nice experience” into an unforgettable chapter of your life.
Here are 7 unexpected benefits of studying abroad that will sneak up on you—and, trust me, you’re going to love them:
Table of contents
- You’ll become the Sherlock Holmes of everyday life
- Studying abroad makes you more independent (and fun!)
- Surprising ways studying abroad expands your comfort zone
- Creating a worldwide family
- Seeing your home country from a new perspective
- Becoming a budgeting genius
- Collecting memories you’ll cherish forever
You’ll become the Sherlock Holmes of everyday life
You’ll become the Sherlock Holmes of everyday life—decoding foreign signs, navigating unknown streets, and solving problems on the fly.
How do you use a washing machine when the instructions are in German? How do you get home when Google Maps fails you, and no one speaks your language?
Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. And once you do, you’ll feel like a genius. Studying abroad forces you to think on your feet, and before long, you’ll be solving problems like it’s second nature. These survival skills don’t just help abroad; they make you adaptable and resourceful for any situation in life.
Studying abroad makes you more independent (and fun!)
Back home, maybe your hobbies were Netflix and… more Netflix.
But abroad? Suddenly you’re hiking up mountains, salsa dancing, or picking up street photography because, honestly, everything around you looks like it belongs on Instagram. And who knows? You might end up loving something so much it becomes your thing.
Surprising ways studying abroad expands your comfort zone
Every minor setback (missing a train, getting lost, or mispronouncing a word) teaches you to stay calm under pressure and find solutions. Before you know it, you’ll feel unshakable.
These “oh no” moments will turn you into a problem-solving machine. You’ll realize that mistakes are just part of the journey—and often lead to the best stories. Learning to embrace discomfort is the fastest way to grow, and studying abroad throws you into it headfirst.
Creating a worldwide family
Your new crew won’t just be classmates—they’ll be your global family. You’ll laugh, cry, and make memories that last a lifetime. Plus, having friends all over the world means free couches to crash on when you start traveling again. Win-win.
One day you’re just classmates. The next, you’re planning reunions across the globe and texting your best friend in Tokyo at 3 AM because time zones don’t mean anything anymore.
Seeing your home country from a new perspective
Living abroad gives you a deeper appreciation for where you come from. You might find yourself defending your culture or realizing how much you love certain aspects of home you took for granted. Living abroad will make you appreciate what makes your home unique. And yeah, you’ll probably start defending it too—because that’s how you know you’ve grown.
Becoming a budgeting genius
Living on a student budget means learning how to stretch every penny. Whether it’s finding €1 meals, splitting costs with friends, or scoring cheap flights, you’ll become an expert at saving money. By the time you’re back home, you’ll wonder why you ever paid €4 for a coffee.
Collecting memories you’ll cherish forever
It’s the small things: a sunset on the roof of your hostel, getting lost in a charming neighborhood, or dancing to music you just discovered with people you just met. These moments aren’t planned—they just happen. And they’re the ones you’ll cherish forever. Years later, you won’t remember what you bought, but you’ll remember that one wild night.
More than an academic adventure!
Let’s be real: it’s not just about padding your CV (though that’s nice too). It’s about living. About discovering, surprising yourself, and coming home thinking, “Wow, I really did that.” At wearefreemovers, we’re here to make sure you embrace every second of this journey.
So, what are YOU waiting for? Pack your bags, book that flight, and get ready for the most unforgettable ride of your life. 🤙
