5 reasons why you should consider a global opportunity

Students who gain international experience can benefit from better degree outcomes, increased employability skills and more. Read on to find out how some of our students have benefited from taking part.

1. Gain new skills and experience

“Going abroad has been one of the most fulfilling and hardest things I have ever done at university. It’s been a tough learning process that has rewarded me with the ability to overcome culture shock with self-awareness, deal with difficult situations, realise my interest in research and world travel, and live life in the shoes of a continental European. I have gained an array of skills and a renewed feeling of confidence that I’m sure will help improve my future employability opportunities. Since returning, my study abroad experience has also led to me receiving a promotion at work and becoming the elected President for the Goldsmiths MUN!” – Daniel Deefholts, studied politics in Copenhagen

 2. Improve your self-confidence and independence

“My top challenges included self-managing my time effectively in the weeks I was there as I had to decide my own structure. It was also a challenge to negotiate between the expectations of the residency directors and my own ideas about how I wanted my work to turn out – sometimes these didn’t match up so there was an element of compromise!” – Laura Plant, took a curatorial residency in Mexico

3. Explore new places

“I was delighted to see a black bear on the side of the highway during a spontaneous drive up to The Chief, a daunting rock face that teased the surreal beauty of the British Columbia province. Forty miles north of Vancouver, it was a view I wouldn’t have otherwise seen, and a tremendous gift.” – Dominic Trevor, volunteered with Saint James Music Academy in Canada

4. Gain greater intercultural awareness

“There were countless highlights to my experience abroad but being able to meet people who you would normally not meet in your daily life at home, and connecting with them through a common shared experience, was invaluable. It also encouraged me to talk to locals and immerse myself in a culture that was perhaps unfamiliar to my own, making me more culturally aware and conscious of certain cultural practices and norms.” – Jennifer Hoang, studied Arabic in Lebanon

5. Learn from experts

“Professionally, I benefited a lot from being able to share experiences (positive and negative) with teachers and educators from all over the world. Although we were used to quite different education systems, it was interesting to me how we were all facing similar challenges within our professions, as well as being driven by a lot of the same motivations. I definitely returned to the UK with a renewed passion for my work with children and young people!” – Jasmine Simms, taught in Finland

Find out more about what students had to say about going abroad.

Worried about the costs or whether or not you’ll be able to take part given the current situation with Covid-19? We’ve put together some mythbusters, which include information on funding, virtual opportunities and more.

To apply or to find out more, visit the Go Abroad website. If you have any questions you can get in touch with the Global Opportunities team by emailing goabroad (@gold.ac.uk).