BENEFITS OF STUDENT EXCHANGE

Student exchange offers broad based benefits and outcomes for students keen to embark on this international adventure. Most of these are intertwined and come together to constitute the overarching exchange experience.

Educational

  • International learning and knowledge propels students towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives.
  • Language acquisition is achieved through practical immersion.
  •  Awareness and adoption of alternative, multi-faceted approaches to learning.
  • Analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Enhanced interest in global issues as well as a broader general knowledge.

Personal

  • Self-development and awareness leading to enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem. This is often the most noticeable change in returned exchange students.
  • Maturity and social poise, fuelled by the necessity to confront challenges outside a familiar support network and comfort zone.
  • Integration into another family as well as the development of life-long friendships, fostering an appreciation of home and family.
  • A tremendous sense of accomplishment upon completion encourages students to develop independent opinions, make informed decisions and strive to attain fresh goals.

Long-term 

  • Students who go on to tertiary studies find themselves more comfortable in ‘foreign’ environments.
  • Increased pressure to communicate and relate to others develops an awareness of group dynamics and personal sensitivity towards others.
  • Successful program completion represents an excellent measure of personal flexibility, encompassing an ability to reach compromise, focus and succeed through challenging times.

Professional

When you finish your study abroad program and return home, you will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Many students find that they love their host country so much that they decide to seek work there. If you can relate, you will find that a local education will be very valuable when searching for a potential job in that country. Prospective employers in almost every field look favorably upon experience gained while living overseas and knowledge obtained of another language and culture.