Why Study Abroad in Europe? 7 Good Reasons

Europe is the most popular continent for Americans to study abroad. The ability to speak English in most places and the ease of traveling to multiple countries are some of the top reasons why study abroad in Europe is favored over the other continents.

The chance to get up close and personal with history is just one of the many reasons to study in Europe.

Studying abroad will expose you to new cultures and customs to engage in and experience—no matter where you end up. So, why study in Europe? Is studying in Europe really worth it?

The reasons to study in Europe seem endless, but there are some disadvantages of studying in Europe. Dealing with the money conversion rates, American stereotypes, and rampant pick pocketing may make you rethink if studying in Europe is worth it. Additionally, the massive hordes of tourists may turn you off to the idea of studying in a cultural hotspot.

On the other hand, the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to reasons to study in Europe. The language learning opportunities and the career boosting benefits make studying abroad in Europe an amazing experience.

Is studying abroad in Europe worth it?

Yes, studying in Europe is worth it! Living on your own abroad and learning to navigate a foreign city is extremely challenging, but it’s very rewarding in the end. Going to Europe as a student is a great time to experience other ideals and cultures.

Another reason why studying abroad in Europe is a great idea is because of the student discounts. Museum tickets, concert tickets, tours, and other places usually offer discounts to students to see historical sites and culturally significant spots.

Studying abroad in Europe allows for great professional networking opportunities. Also, it is a chance to meet new friends from all over the world. Furthermore, learning from locals and establishing a relationship with them provides insight into the culture you are in. You get to learn different perspectives and ways of life while making new friends at the same time.

Push yourself to travel, see the world, and work on your degree all at once because studying abroad in Europe is definitely worth it.

READ: 13 Powerhouse Cities for Study Abroad in Europe

7 good reasons to study abroad in Europe

Study breaks at cool cafes? Count us in.

A list of reasons to study abroad in Europe could be endless. Taking advantage of the time you have in college to study abroad will be something you will not regret.

For many study abroad students, studying abroad is their first time out of the country, so take the leap and go! You’ll quickly see firsthand why studying in Europe is one of the best decisions you can make.

1. Learn in English while living in a foreign country.

Some students may think if they study abroad in Germany that they will need to speak German. However, that is not always the case. You can take classes in English in Germany (and countless other European countries!) for an amazing experience abroad.

In fact, many universities in Europe are globally focused. This means they offer courses in English and other languages as well.

2. Enhance your language learning by traveling and living in foreign cities!

Speaking of languages, Europe is home to so many different languages. It’s the ultimate place to test your language skills while traveling around the continent. Learn French in France, Spanish in Spain, or Italian in Italy!

3. Learn to network and develop more interpersonal communication skills.

Meeting new people on your travels and on your study abroad program is a huge benefit. Networking is great for your personal life and your professional life. It can be intimidating at first, but the more you practice, the easier it will get.

4. Studying abroad looks great on your resume.

Showing that you pushed yourself and adapted to new challenges will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates who stayed stateside. When you put your study abroad experience on your resume, your job applications get an instant boost.

5. It’s easier and cheaper to travel to other countries and cities.

Hop on a train and you’re well on your way to exploring even more of the continent.

The public transportation system throughout Europe is efficient and usually inexpensive. This makes it easy to travel to new and exciting cultures within a few short hours. So basically, no matter which country you end up studying abroad in, you’ll easily be able to visit all the others that made your shortlist as well.

6. College tuition could be cheaper.

The United States is known for having exorbitant tuition costs for college. In Europe, this is not the case. Many European countries have colleges with affordable tuition costs that do not leave you in tremendous amounts of debt for the majority of your life. You’ll find plenty of scholarships to fund study abroad in Europe, too.

7. Expect personal development while living in Europe.

Studying abroad forces you out of your comfort zone. Living on your own and navigating a foreign city and country can push you to your limits. Your idea of normal may look completely different than your life back home, but that’s what makes studying abroad exciting! You’ll strengthen and improve your personal development skills living abroad.

Are there disadvantages of studying in Europe?

As with anything, there are cons and disadvantages to studying in Europe. You may experience culture shock or homesickness which may make your time abroad frustrating. However, it’s important to know that this is all part of the study abroad transformation process.

1. You may have difficulty adjusting to the European style of learning.

Studying in another country usually means adapting to a new way of learning. For example, some European universities do not have assignments or projects due at all for the entire semester. Instead, they may just have one large intense exam at the end of the semester. Some American students may find this intimidating to adjust to, especially if they do not test well.

2. Language learning skills are not challenged as much as you might think.

Even if you’re tempted to speak English, push yourself out of your comfort zone and practice your target language abroad.

Yes, there are many opportunities to practice learning a foreign language while studying abroad in Europe. On the other hand, because English is spoken so widely in Europe, you may revert back to speaking in English because of how easy it is to speak your native language.

3. Heightened daily costs of living in a European city are part of the package.

Depending on where you are from and where you are going, living in Europe could be very expensive. Besides the conversion and exchange rates, large cities in western Europe can be pricey. That means you’ll need to babysit your finances, especially if you’re sticking to a tight study abroad budget.

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You’ll never regret studying abroad in Europe!

Studying abroad in Europe is SO worth it!

Europe is the most popular destination for American students to study abroad. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to studying abroad in Europe. Yes, you will be a continent away from your familiar and routine life, but that is what makes studying abroad exciting!

With its long history, rich culture, and gorgeous sites it is no wonder that Europe is a favorite continent for American students to study abroad. Whether you end up in England or Austria, Sweden or Italy, or anywhere in between, you’ll understand why studying in Europe gets listed as so many students’ top college experience.