Are you a science geek with a longing for adventure? If so, consider satisfying the desires of your left brain and right brain at the same time by earning a chemistry degree abroad. Gaining a chemistry education abroad will equip you to pursue a career anywhere in the world; you’ll learn to work effectively in global settings with other science geeks like yourself, while at the same time making your little wanderlust heart happy. With possibilities across the globe, the biggest question is: where will your chemistry degree take you?
Why Earn a Chemistry Degree Abroad
Weighing the pros and cons of getting your chemistry degree abroad can be overwhelming, but well worth the effort. The idea of going away to college in general can be challenging, so of course moving to another country might make you think long and hard, but if you have an adventurous spirit and a YOLO attitude, it just makes sense. When else will you have an opportunity to live in another country so freely?
Some students find international degree programs appealing simply because you can graduate in three years. By graduating early, you can not only jumpstart your career in chemistry, but also save money in the long run on tuition fees. Many chemistry degree programs abroad can end up being more affordable than U.S. institutions, for example, too.
Once you overcome the challenge of possibly learning a new language and acclimating to your new surroundings, you can step out of your comfort zone and seek an international network of friends. You will undoubtedly become exposed to new hobbies and interests you wouldn’t have had by studying at home. Plus, when you take a break from your studies, you can plan sightseeing adventures that you wouldn’t have had at a local university. By obtaining a chemistry degree abroad, potential employers will also take notice of your willingness to remain flexible and become more culturally aware.
Locations
International students pursuing a degree in chemistry abroad have plenty of location options to choose from. To narrow down your options, consider the whole picture. You already know you’re a chemistry geek and the periodic table is your life handbook, but when your nose isn’t in the books, how do you want to spend your free time? Obtaining a degree abroad is not only great for your resume, but also great for your soul, which makes it is equally important to go where you will be stimulated academically as well as soulfully by your surroundings and experiences.
Asia is a great place to start for students who are interested in earning a chemistry degree abroad. China, in particular, is a well known location for chemistry studies, as well as its beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, and pagodas.
Europe. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in chemistry and are considering seeking higher education may benefit from narrowing their degree search to Europe, especially the Netherlands or Sweden. Additionally, chemistry students interested in building a global network might want to consider earning a degree in Estonia, where universities emphasize partnerships with other universities abroad. Not to mention, Tartu is a historic gem of a city.
Australia. You can live in some of the most liveable cities in the world by earning your chemistry degree in Australia, including Perth and Melbourne. Outside the classroom, you’ll experience the mediterranean-like climate, indigenous flora and fauna, and breathtaking beaches, where you can relax and escape your studies.
Chemistry Degree Programs
Regardless if you are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemistry, there are many routes you can take to accomplish your academic goals. You should also consider looking into overall course structure, required courses, and facilities available at each university you are considering, in order to choose the chemistry degree that fits your learning style and career aspirations. For example, students who are interested in advanced chemistry topics and hands on experience might consider a chemistry degree that is structured in a way where the final year of study consists mainly of research in applied chemistry.
Undergraduate Degrees. As mentioned above, in some countries, you can earn your chemistry degree in less time, which means you’ll be able to begin your career a full year before your peers at home. This alone makes earning your undergraduate degree in chemistry abroad an attractive option!
Master’s Degree. If you already have an undergraduate degree in chemistry or another scientific field, and have the desire to further your education abroad, you can take your skills to a whole new level through a master’s degree in chemistry. Each location and university will likely present very different types of master’s degree opportunities, so hone in on your focus areas of interest and start browsing through unique options
Benefits & Challenges
One potential benefit of earning a chemistry degree abroad is the ideal classroom structure you simply can’t get at home. For example, there may be chemistry programs abroad that offer a lower student-teacher ratio, which will give you the chance to deepen your learning experience tremendously.
On the other hand, you may face the challenge of earning your degree not only in a new place, but also learning in a new language. Studying chemistry can be challenging enough without a language barrier. However, learning to communicate effectively in a new language will not only expand your studies, it will also help you immerse in your new home, help you make new friends, and grow as a person.
Determining if the overall benefits outweigh the challenges is totally up to you. If your quest for knowledge and a new chemistry degree is equal to your desire for adventure and opening your mind to new experiences, then a chemistry degree abroad will be worth all your efforts and time away from home. And at the end of the day, you can wow all your friends back home with your worldly knowledge (and maybe even your new accent). Who know, you might even surprise them with some international job offers and decide to stay a while longer!
