essay to study abroad

Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay

Follow these tips to make your study abroad essay stand out.

Applying to Study Abroad

Whether you just want to do a semester or an entire program abroad, it’s likely a study abroad essay will be required. Students are beginning to realize what a great opportunity it is to take their studies abroad. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, practice your language skills, and travel while studying, it’s also great to put on a resume . So, it’s no wonder students are lining up to pick their top destinations and programs to study abroad.

To make sure they pick students who are ready and serious about studying abroad , most schools will, therefore, require a study abroad essay. The essay is a chance to make a great first impression and show the university administration that you’re ready to make the commitment to take your education even further by going abroad.

Consider some of the following tips to really make your study abroad essay stand out!

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1) Explain Why Study Abroad Will Make a Difference for Your Studies

A lot of students want to study abroad just for the experience and the excitement of living and learning abroad. These are important aspects, of course; however, school administration wants to know why going to your top study abroad destination will make a difference to your education.

Be specific! Explain the impact studying abroad will have on your personal and professional growth. Don’t just highlight how you think you will learn a lot. What do you expect to get from the program specifically? Is there a reason you picked one country over another to study in?

The more specific you are the better. It shows the university that you have given serious thought to your studies and that you are ready for the commitment!

2) Let Them Know Why You Picked Where You Want to Study

Instead of just saying you will study anywhere, as long as it’s abroad, tell the university why you picked your top study abroad destination. Write with enthusiasm and let admissions know what you are excited to see and do in your new home.

Make sure you do the research in advance! Name some museums you would be interested in exploring or some monument you would be interested in seeing. It’s in your favor if you can also tie these back to your study program!

This will show your school that you will not take your study abroad experience for granted, and that you already have things to do to integrate into your new home easier.

3) Describe Why You’re Qualified

Whether you've recently entered college or are ready to graduate, your experience says a lot about what you will accomplish on your study abroad. If you want to make your study abroad essay stand out, make sure to make mention of your previous experience.

Mention major academic accomplishments, work experience, or skills that you might find useful abroad, such as knowledge of a second language.

The university knows you will learn a lot during your time abroad, but the more you can bring to the program, the better!

4) Show Your Personality

The best study abroad essays are the ones with a little bit of personality! Your essay should still sound professional, but don’t be afraid to let yourself shine through as well. Studying abroad comes with challenges, and if the university gets a sense you are ready for them, you will move to the top of the list.

Add a personal story about something relevant to living and studying abroad. Describe a time you traveled somewhere new or met a friend from a different country. A well-rounded individual with some experience is the perfect candidate for studying abroad.

Showing some enthusiasm while also keeping your expectations realistic is the right way to show the admissions team that you have thought long and hard about your decision to study abroad, and that you are ready to pack up and move abroad.

5) Follow Instructions

It might sound simple, but if you don’t want your study abroad essay to be immediately tossed aside, make sure to read and follow all the instructions given. Some universities will ask specific questions or ask students to format their essays in a particular way.

Don’t ignore these instructions! It’s the first step to making a great impression.

If the essay is open-ended — great! Follow our tips to get inspired. But, if there are specific questions, make sure you answer them clearly and concisely. There might not be any right or wrong answers, but your school will still be looking for students who are able to express themselves and get their point across.

The Perfect Study Abroad Essay

If you followed our advice so far, you’ll be looking at the study abroad essay that’s going to get you into the program of your choice at the study abroad destination of your dreams!

Don't forget to proofread before handing in your essay. If possible, it's great to have someone take a look over it as well, especially if it's a professor or someone who has written a study abroad essay before.

Unsure of where to study abroad?

Check out our handy country guides!

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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100 Study Abroad Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain a global perspective, and develop valuable skills that will benefit them both academically and professionally. One of the key components of the study abroad application process is the essay, where students are required to articulate their reasons for wanting to study abroad and how they believe the experience will benefit them.

To help students brainstorm ideas for their study abroad essays, we have compiled a list of 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples that cover a wide range of themes and experiences. Whether you are looking to explore a specific aspect of a particular destination or reflect on your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay topics are sure to inspire you to craft a compelling and memorable essay.

Why do you want to study abroad?
How will studying abroad help you achieve your academic and career goals?
What specific academic or professional skills do you hope to gain from studying abroad?
How do you plan to immerse yourself in the local culture while studying abroad?
What challenges do you anticipate facing while studying abroad, and how do you plan to overcome them?
How will studying abroad help you develop a global perspective?
How do you plan to stay connected with your home country while studying abroad?
What do you hope to learn about yourself while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad impact your personal growth and development?
What impact do you hope to have on the local community while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more independent and self-reliant individual?
What cultural differences do you expect to encounter while studying abroad, and how do you plan to navigate them?
How will studying abroad help you become a more empathetic and understanding individual?
What specific experiences or activities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more confident and self-assured individual?
How do you plan to document and reflect on your study abroad experience?
What advice would you give to future students who are considering studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more open-minded and tolerant individual?
What impact do you hope to have on your host institution while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your communication and interpersonal skills?
How do you plan to balance your academic responsibilities with your personal interests while studying abroad?
What specific cultural traditions or customs do you hope to learn about while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more adaptable and flexible individual?
What specific challenges do you anticipate facing while studying abroad, and how do you plan to overcome them?
How will studying abroad help you develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills?
What specific courses or subjects do you hope to study while abroad, and why?
How will studying abroad help you become a more resilient and determined individual?
What specific extracurricular activities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to make the most of your study abroad experience?
What specific cultural landmarks or attractions do you hope to visit while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more creative and innovative individual?
What specific cultural events or festivals do you hope to attend while studying abroad?
How do you plan to make friends and build relationships with your classmates while studying abroad?
What specific cultural practices or customs do you hope to engage in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you become a more socially responsible and ethical individual?
What specific volunteer or service opportunities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local community and make a positive impact while studying abroad?
What specific internships or research opportunities do you hope to pursue while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your leadership and teamwork skills?
What specific career opportunities or networking events do you hope to take advantage of while studying abroad?
How do you plan to maintain a healthy work-life balance while studying abroad?
What specific language immersion programs or courses do you hope to enroll in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your language proficiency and fluency?
What specific cultural excursions or field trips do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to document and share your study abroad experience with others?
What specific cultural artifacts or artworks do you hope to study or analyze while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your critical and analytical thinking skills?
What specific cultural cuisines or dishes do you hope to sample or try while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local arts and entertainment scene while studying abroad?
What specific cultural performances or exhibitions do you hope to attend while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your creativity and artistic talents?
What specific cultural museums or galleries do you hope to visit while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local music and dance scene while studying abroad?
What specific cultural traditions or rituals do you hope to experience or participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your cultural awareness and sensitivity?
What specific cultural literature or poetry do you hope to read or study while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local history and heritage while studying abroad?
What specific cultural myths or legends do you hope to learn about while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your historical knowledge and understanding?
What specific cultural landmarks or monuments do you hope to explore or visit while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local politics and government while studying abroad?
What specific cultural festivals or holidays do you hope to celebrate or observe while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your political awareness and activism?
What specific cultural customs or traditions do you hope to learn about or partake in while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local religion and spirituality while studying abroad?
What specific cultural rituals or ceremonies do you hope to witness or participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your religious and spiritual beliefs?
What specific cultural beliefs or values do you hope to explore or understand while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local philosophy and ethics while studying abroad?
What specific cultural philosophies or ideologies do you hope to study or analyze while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your philosophical and ethical perspectives?
What specific cultural debates or controversies do you hope to engage in or discuss while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local sociology and anthropology while studying abroad?
What specific cultural practices or norms do you hope to learn about or question while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your sociological and anthropological insights?
What specific cultural identities or communities do you hope to explore or interact with while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local gender and sexuality while studying abroad?
What specific cultural gender roles or sexual norms do you hope to challenge or understand while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your gender and sexuality awareness?
What specific cultural diversity or inclusion initiatives do you hope to support or promote while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local race and ethnicity while studying abroad?
What specific cultural racial or ethnic issues do you hope to address or confront while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your racial and ethnic consciousness?
What specific cultural migration or diaspora experiences do you hope to explore or learn about while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local immigration and citizenship while studying abroad?
What specific cultural immigration or citizenship policies do you hope to investigate or analyze while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your immigration and citizenship knowledge?
What specific cultural globalization or localization trends do you hope to study or critique while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local economy and business while studying abroad?
What specific cultural economic or business practices do you hope to observe or participate in while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your economic and business acumen?
What specific cultural sustainability or environmentalism initiatives do you hope to engage in or support while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local environment and ecology while studying abroad?
What specific cultural environmental or ecological issues do you hope to address or investigate while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your environmental and ecological awareness?
What specific cultural health or wellness practices do you hope to learn about or adopt while studying abroad?
How do you plan to engage with the local healthcare and wellness while studying abroad?
What specific cultural healthcare or wellness challenges do you hope to address or overcome while studying abroad?
How will studying abroad help you develop your healthcare and wellness knowledge?
What specific cultural technology or innovation trends do you hope to study or experiment with while studying abroad?

These 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of themes and experiences that students can explore and reflect on in their study abroad essays. Whether you are looking to focus on a specific aspect of a particular destination or delve into your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay

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College Study Abroad
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How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

September 26, 2023

how to write study abroad personal statement

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Writing a personal statement is an important aspect of the study abroad application process. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the practice, it can seem overwhelming. Have no fear – CIEE is here! Let’s review how to write a personal statement for study abroad.

What is a Study Abroad Personal Statement?

First things first. What even is a study abroad personal statement? Knowing the definition of what it is will help you write one.

Simply put, a study abroad personal statement is a component of your CIEE application, specifically in the CIEE scholarships and grants portion (which every student should fill out, by the way). It is a brief essay (300 words) in which you explain how a CIEE study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or your future career plans.

Read More: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps

What Are Study Abroad Personal Statement Examples?

To give you a better idea of how this content should develop, take a look at a few short study abroad personal statement examples:

“Partaking in the Arts + Sciences program in Cape Town , South Africa will further my passion and dream career in public health by volunteering with local health and medical organizations and learning how to better support people in historically complex socioeconomic situations and aid them in finding the resources they need equitably.”
“The Sustainability + the Environment study abroad program in Monteverde , Costa Rica will provide me with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of different environments, like the Lowland Rainforest, and conduct research alongside professionals in the field. Eventually, I want to be a researcher that helps bring sustainability and conservation issues to the forefront of each and every country.”
“I want to be a Spanish teacher. I have always loved the language and learning more about diverse Spanish traditions, and there’s no better way to do both than by living and breathing the language and local culture during a study abroad program in Seville .”

While your own study abroad personal statement will be a bit longer than these quick topic sentences, these examples directly explain how a CIEE Study Abroad experience will enhance a student’s passions and general career aspirations.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

We have a few quick tips that will help you write your personal statement for studying abroad.

How do you start a personal statement?

Step #1: identify your “why”.

The best way to start a study abroad personal statement is by identifying what you’re truly passionate about. This should be an easy start – if you’ve always been enthusiastic about history, explain why. If you love Japanese manga, explain how you got into it. If you’re an avid hiker, describe when you first fell in love with a trek. Be yourself when writing about topics or activities that are important to you – we want to hear about it!

Read More: What are Your Goals for Studying Abroad?

Step #2: Explore How Your Passions Translate into a Career

Next, think deeply about how you can turn your passions into a career, or at the very least, how you plan on practicing your interests in the future, whether in college or in a professional capacity.

Referencing our former examples, if you’re fascinated by history, you might have plans to go to graduate school and study archaeology. As a manga lover, you might start a youth club on the topic in your local community. As an avid hiker, you might want to become a professional conservationist to not only keep your beloved trails intact, but also to protect wildlife and natural sanctuaries.

Read More: How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps

Step #3: Align Your Goals with a CIEE Program

The last step is putting it all together and aligning with CIEE study abroad programs. Once you’ve detailed your passions and how you want to incorporate them into your future plans, pinpoint which CIEE study abroad program will help you fulfill your goals.

As a history and archaeology lover, studying abroad in Greater China , with ancient battlefields and some of the most impressive structures ever built, might be the best opportunity to kickstart your career. As a Japanese manga fan, heading to Kyoto , home to the world’s first manga museum, will help you dive deep into the subject matter. To continue your hikes, traveling to the iconic Blue Mountains in Sydney will be your best bet.

Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad

How long should a personal statement be?

Word counts for your study abroad personal statement will vary by CIEE program and by host institution (the university you’ll be studying at overseas). Prepare to write at least 300 words, which is a little more than half a page, single-spaced.

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Does CIEE Require a Personal Statement?

CIEE’s study abroad personal statement requirements vary by program and not all guidelines are the same. Generally speaking, you should expect to be required to complete a personal statement if you decide to apply for CIEE funding (which, you totally should, as CIEE awards thousands each year to students like YOU!). Outside of any CIEE personal statements you may be required to complete, you should also check with your school’s study abroad office to see what their requirements may be.

Make the World Your Classroom

While writing a personal statement for studying abroad may not be required based on your program of choice, it’s still incredibly valuable, at the very least, to think about how a study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or future plans. Establishing this will provide a lot of meaning to your adventure and will really help you become the best version of yourself.

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Student Guide

The Study Abroad Application

While not every school will use the same study abroad application, I am willing to bet that most applications will have pretty similar components. Based on my own experience with the study abroad application process, I’ve compiled a few helpful hints to get you thinking on the right track, as well as provide guidance in case you run into some difficulties.

The study abroad application will look almost like a regular college application. Remember how much work you put into those? Put the same amount of effort into your study abroad application. Unlike the college selection process, there’s no back up or safety net… you only get one shot at this so you need to do it right.

More than likely, it will consist of the following: A personal statement, letters of recommendation, possible course selections, health clearance forms and a general information form.

API programs offer students the opportunity to earn college credit toward their degree programs in the U.S. by completing coursework in a wide variety of disciplines, including such fields as business, the social sciences, medical studies and the arts.

General Information Forms

This will probably be just a generic form requiring the basics like personal information, emergency contacts, degree information, etc. Nothing complicated. Just fill in the blanks.

Study Abroad Health Clearance Forms

You’re going to need to get a complete physical, and the doctor will have to confirm that you’re fit enough to go abroad and that you’re up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Understandably, no country wants a foreigner bringing in diseases. Your doctor will have to fill-out the forms after your physical and send them to the school study abroad office or wherever instructed, so don’t procrastinate on these! Doctors are always busy, and it could be a while before they get yours done.

Possible Study Abroad Course Selections

This may be called either a home approval form, or course approval form. Make sure you’ve looked at your progress toward graduation. Compare classes from your host school’s course catalogue with those classes you’ll need to complete your major/ minor and fulfill general requirements, and also identify classes that just generally seem interesting.

Letters of Recommendation for Study Abroad Applicants

Depending on how many are required, ask your favorite professors and mentors if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. If you don’t have a close relationship with any professors, it’s ok to choose a few that may have liked you, or in whose class you did particularly well. If they don’t really know you, don’t worry. Professors are used to writing recommendation letters, and will probably have a generic letter that they can use. In this case, if your personal statement is already done, give them a copy along with anything else you think might help them get a better picture of who you are and why you want to go abroad.

Forum-Nexus

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad has a track record of 29 years of successful intensive summer programs around the world. Since 1990, over 3,400 students have participated in Forum-Nexus international multi-country summer programs in 15 countries.The courses are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to alumni seeking professional development.

Personal Statement - Study Abroad Essay 101

This is the part of the study abroad application that some people dread, and some people love. Don’t worry; I’ll break it down step by step. You already know the reasons you want to go abroad, now you just have to put them on paper to try and convince your school that you should go. Here’s writing your study abroad essay 101:

First, in a nice intro paragraph, explain your reasons for studying abroad. If you're still deciding your best course of action, review some of our deciding to study abroad resources . Just give a general overview since you’ll be getting into the specifics later in the essay. Include why you want to go abroad, what originally interested you in going abroad, what school you plan on attending, along with anything else that seems relevant.

Academics are always going to be number one in the minds of your deans, advisors and faculty, so it’s not a bad idea to go there next. Explain how going to class in a different culture will expand your capacity to learn and interpret new information. Let them know if by going abroad, you’ll be able to complete certain requirements for your major or just make progress toward your degree in general. Be sure to mention if there are classes offered abroad that aren’t available at your home school.

Next, go into depth about why you chose the location and the school that you did. Does the school have a great reputation internationally? Do you have family roots in a particular country? Really get into the fact that you want to explore the specific culture of that country or region. The more sincere and direct you are about why you want to go where you’re going, the more likely the study abroad admissions staff will approve your application.

Don’t forget to include personal reasons and interests as well. You still need to be selective in what you write – the study abroad admissions office will need to see that you’re mature enough to live in another country, but don’t be afraid to go beyond academics. One of the biggest reasons I went to Scotland was because of golf, and I wrote that in my essay. I didn’t say I wanted to wake up and be lazy on the golf course every day. I explained that golf is a huge aspect of Scottish culture; it holds a different place over there than it does in the States, and it would greatly help me integrate into the local culture.

Studying abroad is more than just an academic experience — it’s a life experience. A CEA education abroad expands the boundaries of your education and transforms the world into your classroom. With destinations in 21 cities across 12 countries, CEA offers a balance of academics and adventure to thousands of students each year. Where will your learning take you?

Writing Tips for Your Study Abroad Application Essay

Sentences like, “I am excited to learn about the culture of Scotland through golf,” are a good start, but something even better might be, “It would be the pinnacle of my golfing career to experience the game of golf in its finest form in its birthplace of Scotland. There, golf is not just considered a sport, but also a vital element of Scottish culture.” Make the effort to write with quality in mind and of course honesty.

End the essay with a strong closing paragraph. Express interest in learning about local culture, such as in Japan where you’ll enjoy both the historic artistry of the culture and the modern amenities of the country. Talk about getting an education, not only in terms of academics, but in life as well. Be specific and explain your desire to pursue those interests and hobbies that you’ve picked up in college, and earlier, in a foreign country.

This is just as important as any other admissions letter you’ve ever written. Use correct grammar and avoid spelling mistakes. Write multiple drafts and have someone competent edit it for you. Better yet, have two. And of course, get it in on time!

Be sincere, be honest, and be smart.

There you have it. Those are my suggested ins and outs of the study abroad application… not as scary as you may have thought.

Why Do You Want to Study Abroad? 6 Tips to Inspire Your Essay

APPLYING to study abroad is a tricky thing, especially when it comes to answering that all-important essay question: why do you want to study abroad?

It sounds like a simple enough query, but try to write an answer and you’ll quickly realise how difficult it is. You may want to study abroad so you can ‘broaden your horizons’ and ‘see the world’, but with so many millennials yearning to travel, these have become clichés. In this article, we’re going to give you some tips on how to write your personal statement, and cogently explain exactly why you want to study abroad to your new university.

1. Jot down ideas – and be honest

Write down every genuine reason you can think of as to why you are studying abroad – no matter how silly or generic they sound. Is it because you want to travel and have fun, to work in a city connected with your industry, or simply because you want to escape? Maybe you want to re-discover a culture or family roots, or study with a world-renowned academic. The reasons can be professional or personal, big or small. It’s important to know your motivations before you begin, even if you end up dressing them up a bit in the actual essay. If you really don’t know your reasons, it might be worth re-thinking things before you apply – studying abroad is serious business.

2. Root out the most important

Have you ever read something that seemed to be trying to make too many points, or discuss too many topics, at once? It can be confusing to read, and by the end, it doesn’t really feel like you’ve gotten very far. For this reason, it’s a good idea to open your answer with one main reason you have for studying abroad – the thing that really gets you feeling excited and driven – and let this be the thread that ties your whole answer together. If no one reason jumps out at you, try looking at your notes and see if any of them have similar themes: professional success, personal growth, academic discovery, feeling ‘at home’ in a particular culture, wanting to make a difference.

3. Get specific

By now, you’re hopefully feeling passionate about your answer – now it’s time to flesh it out.

Admissions officers already know students like to travel, experience new things and further their careers; they hear this all the time. What they really want to know is what makes this relevant to them. What’s the connection between your desires and their university? Answering this question well will help you stand out from the rest, which is important for popular courses.

For example, many fashion students would love to study in Paris, for obvious reasons. But if your ambition is to become a knitwear designer, and the Parisian university you’re applying for is renowned for its expertise in this area, you can make a specific connection between your ambitions and this unique opportunity. It highlights that you’ll be a good match for the university, and furthermore, that you’ve done your research.

Where you come from can be just as important as where you're going when making these links. For example, our contributor Monserrat draws a comparison between the chaotic cities of her home country, Mexico, and the well-designed cities of the Netherlands, both of which inspired her to study Urban Management & Development in Rotterdam. Again, this demonstrates a specific connection between her ambitions, the course she chose, and the location.

4. Show off

Admissions teams like details – they also like evidence. A student might say they are a knitwear enthusiast, but it’s even more impressive if they have work experience or achievements to back this up. If you have some of these, great! Make a list of any relevant accomplishments so you can weave them in (no pun intended) for added impact. This could include competitions, academic scores, grades, participation in events or exhibitions, work experience, volunteering, special training or even personal milestones. You don’t need to mention every achievement you’ve ever had, but if it reinforces a point you’re making, it makes sense to use it.

5. Put it into paragraphs

Writing your answer in clear, coherent and not-too-long paragraphs is very important. Nobody likes reading dense walls of text, or long-winded essays that take too long to get to the point. Start your essay strongly with a compelling 1-2 sentence introduction that goes straight for the topic in hand: the main reason why you want to study abroad . Then, explain and build your case in the following paragraphs using the notes and ideas you’ve gathered so far.

There is no one way of doing this, but one good piece of advice I’ve learned is this: you don’t have to write things in the right order. If you can’t think of an original opening line straight away, or are having trouble with a paragraph, just come back to it later. By then, you may have a better idea of what you want to say.

6. Draft, re-draft, and proofread!

Hopefully you know by now that it is usually a bad idea to submit a first draft of anything ; this definitely applies to your study abroad application. Unless you are a literary prodigy, you will most likely need to re-draft your essay at least once. Get as many people to read it as you can – parents, teachers, friends you trust – and heed their advice. If you’re writing it in a language other than your own, try getting a native speaker to look it over too. And, whatever you do, make 100% sure there are no mistakes at all in your writing. In the age of spellcheck, there really is no excuse.

Get more tips on studying abroad at our Student Life section!

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Studying Abroad — Reasons Why I Want to Study Abroad

Reasons Why I Want to Study Abroad

Categories: Studying Abroad

About this sample

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Published: Aug 1, 2024

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The benefits of studying abroad, cultural experiences, personal growth.

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How to Write Your Study Abroad Essay?

A study abroad essay portrays your intent and expectations from your trip to a foreign country, either for a semester or a couple of years. To write a really impressive study abroad essay, you need to be absolutely clear about your reasons for studying abroad. This is one of the most crucial points and it will reflect in your essay.

Studying abroad is the beginning of a new and potentially life-changing journey. By delivering a good and impactful essay, you get an edge over your contemporaries and ensure that you get selected for the study abroad program of your university. Here are few tips for you to follow to write a captivating study abroad essay:

Start by writing down all of your expectations for studying abroad.

This is just to get an idea of what you want your essay to be about primarily. Imagine yourself in the country you want to visit. What would you do there? How do you plan to adapt to their culture?

Write about how you plan to make the most of your experience while staying there and what you wish to gain from your experience of studying abroad.

Write a good introduction

A good introduction sets the direction of the essay. If it is engaging, then the reader will proceed to read the rest of the essay in a good mood.

Start with the reasons behind your decision of going abroad for studying. Write about what inspired you to opt for a study abroad program and what drove you to reach this decision. Describe how you can benefit from studying in a place that is completely different from your current learning atmosphere.

Expand your expectations in the body of the essay

Now use the rough notes you created in the beginning as a guide to write the body of your essay. Elaborate on each point. Present all of your intentions in an organized manner.

This is where you would state your reason for choosing the particular country and university to study abroad. Mention your reasons for choosing them.

Highlight the defining characteristics of the country and the university and how you wish to benefit from it. Being really specific with your intentions will give an impression to the reader that you know exactly what you want and that you deserve to be selected for the program.

Expand on how you will benefit from interacting with students from different backgrounds.

You can even add your personal reasons for choosing that location as well. It will enable the reader to connect with you in a better way.

Show how you can be an asset to the study abroad program

Your program wants to be represented by the best candidate. Make them believe that it is you. Write about your strengths and how you will harness them during the course of your stay abroad.

If you can make it absolutely clear about what is it that you seek to derive from this opportunity and how you can deliver a good performance, you have a higher chance of being selected.

Conclude your essay on a good note

In the end, correlate and summarize all the main points. And make sure you write the essay in a way that captures the real you. You are a unique individual with a unique personality and you have something worthwhile to share with the world. Stay true to yourself and your ideas. Be sincere and honest with all of your points and the essay will definitely reflect your true personality.

When you are done writing the essay, leave it for a couple of hours or even overnight. Come back and proofread with a fresh mind.

Finally, you can you get someone else to read your complete essay. Get other people’s opinion and make suitable changes but stick to your original ideas.

The process of writing the essay itself marks the beginning of a new and special journey of your life. Remember to relax and enjoy the process of writing the essay. Staying calm will allow you to put forward your ideas in a more accurate and efficient way.

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Tips for crafting the perfect study abroad essay.

Herilalao Study abroad tips 1 Comment

Studying abroad offers an incredible opportunity for students to explore new cultures, gain valuable international experience, and broaden their horizons. One crucial element of the study abroad application process is the essay or personal statement.

A well-crafted study abroad essay can make a significant impact on the selection committee and increase your chances of being accepted at your dream university. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to create the perfect personal statement. One that will hold the reader’s attention and highlights your unique qualities. So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

So, what is a study abroad essay, and what’s its purpose?

In the context of a college application, a study abroad essay is a written document that presents an applicant’s motivations, aspirations, and qualifications for participation in an international academic program.

It is a carefully crafted piece of writing that provides a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s academic and personal goals. It also highlights their reasons for choosing a particular study abroad program and destination .

In addition, the essay provides an opportunity for students to highlight how study abroad aligns with their future career aspirations, academic pursuits, and overall personal growth. It may also address the applicant’s cultural curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to embrace new experiences.

Finally, a study abroad essay for a college application serves as a persuasive tool. It should convince the admissions committee of the applicant’s aptitude, passion, and potential for success in their chosen program.

Admissions committees review these essays to assess an applicant’s commitment, preparedness, and potential contributions to the university and the global community.

Purposes of a study abroad essay / personal statement

This application document, called personal statement in the US , serves multiple purposes. The essay is an opportunity for the applicant to articulate their motivations, goals, and readiness for studying abroad.

Here are the reasons why writing a study abroad essay is necessary:

Display your motivation

A study abroad essay allows you to explain why you are interested in studying abroad and what motivates you to pursue this opportunity. It helps the admissions committee understand your personal and academic reasons for wanting to study in a different country.

Highlight academic goals

The essay provides an opportunity to display how studying abroad aligns with your academic goals. Therefore, you can explain how the program or university you’re applying to will enhance your studies, offer unique academic opportunities, or complement your major or field of interest.

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity

Studying abroad generally involves immersing oneself in a different culture. Through your essay, you can demonstrate your cultural awareness, openness, and ability to adapt to new environments. This, therefore, can assure the admissions committee that you will be respectful and embrace the diversity of the host country.

Reflect on personal growth

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that can foster personal growth and development. Your essay allows you to reflect on how you expect to grow personally, develop new perspectives, and gain valuable skills that will benefit you both during your time abroad and in your future endeavors.

How do you write an essay about studying abroad?

Here are our tips on how to craft the best essay for your university application.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect study abroad essay that increases your chances of being accepted into your desired program.

Understand the Purpose of the Essay

The essay or personal statement serves as a medium for you to express your motivations, aspirations, and goals for studying abroad. It is an opportunity for the selection committee to get to know you beyond your academic achievements.

So, before you start writing, take some time to reflect on why you want to study abroad, at this particular university. Also, ask yourself: what do you hope to gain from the experience?

Research Your Chosen Program

To create a standout study abroad essay, it’s essential to research the program you’re applying to. Understand the core values, specific requirements, and the overall culture of the institution you’re applying to.

Tailoring your essay to align with the program’s objectives can only be for the best, as it demonstrates your genuine interest and dedication.

Begin with a Compelling Introduction

Your essay should captivate the reader right from the start. Consider starting with an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking quote , or a personal experience related to your interest in studying abroad. This will grab the reader’s attention and make them eager to continue reading.

Highlight your Motivations

A good personal statement should articulate your motivations for wanting to study at this particular university. Whether it’s a desire to immerse yourself in a different culture, develop language skills, or pursue specific academic opportunities. Moreover, make sure to express your genuine passion and curiosity. This will show the selection committee that you have a clear purpose for your study abroad journey.

Emphasize your Unique Qualities

Every student is unique, and your study abroad essay is an excellent opportunity to display what sets you apart. Highlight the skills, experiences, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate. Develop on how these attributes will contribute to the study abroad program and how you will positively impact the campus community.

Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity

Studying abroad inevitably involves interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Showcasing your cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness in your essay is crucial. Mention any experiences you’ve had that have exposed you to different cultures. Also explain how these experiences have shaped your worldview and ability to adapt to new environments.

Connect your Academic and Career Goals

Another way to make your essay stand out is to write it in a way that demonstrates the connection between your academic and career goals and the program you’re applying for. Explain how studying abroad will help you gain skills, knowledge, or experiences that align with your long-term aspirations. This will show the selection committee that you have a clear vision for your future and that you are serious about maximizing your study opportunity.

Be Authentic and Honest

It’s important to be true to yourself when writing your study abroad essay. Avoid exaggerating or inventing stories just to impress the selection committee. Instead, focus on sharing genuine experiences that reflect who you are as an individual. This authenticity will resonate with the readers and make your essay more memorable.

Aim for a Well-structured and Succinct Essay

If no word count limit is given, avoid unnecessary repetition or tangents. Also, make sure to prioritize the most relevant information to showcase your motivation, preparedness, and alignment with the university program. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and keeping the reader engaged. Exceeding the word limit is risking the essay becoming overly lengthy or losing the reader’s attention.

Be Careful about Structure and Grammar

A well-structured essay is easier to read and comprehend. Use headings to organize your thoughts and guide the reader through your essay. Moreover, ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are impeccable. And last, proofread your essay multiple times and consider seeking feedback from teachers or peers to ensure its quality.

A few challenges you may encounter when writing your study abroad essay

While the personal statement can be very beneficial for your university application, be ready to face some challenges when crafting your essay.

Length and Time commitment

Writing a well-crafted study abroad essay can be time-consuming and require considerable effort. It absolutely needs additional research about the host country and program, as well as careful planning and organization to put your ideas effectively on paper.

Competitive Application

Study abroad programs often receive numerous applications, and the admissions process can be highly competitive. So, your essay needs to stand out among others to increase your chances of acceptance. This requires creativity, thoughtful writing, and a unique perspective.

Pressure to Meet Expectations

Applicants may feel pressure to present themselves in the most favorable light. This sometimes leads to a tendency to exaggerate or be less authentic in their writing. As stated in the tips above, it is important to maintain honesty and integrity while presenting directly your motivations and goals.

Limited Word Count

Many personal statement essays have a word limit. It typically ranges from around 500 to 1,000 words, depending on the institution. Therefore, it can be challenging for applicants to condense their thoughts and their ideas. The solution is to prioritize the most relevant information and make every word count.

Read also our tips on how to succeed at your IELTS exam .

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Study Abroad

How to Write Impactful Admission Essays for Study Abroad?

Updated on 12 october, 2023.

upGrad Abroad Team

Upgrad abroad editorial team.

Applying abroad for education requires the fulfillment of certain criteria that make a candidate eligible for foreign universities. One such document that needs to be submitted is the admission essay. An admission essay can be of many types and usually depends on the university or course you are applying for. Let’s begin with a little introduction about admission essays for study abroad .

Admission essays or commonly known as application essays are a mandatory part of your application process and are required by universities to get a clear understanding of your personality and interests. The application essay can be based on various topics that will be provided by the university. Admission essays are usually a part of the application process for those universities that do not require a statement of purpose. It is just another way of evaluating candidates for admissions. Universities that seek admission essays usually design their requirements depending on the program. A variety of essay topics are set across for UG and PG courses.

From a student’s point of view, admission essays create opportunities for the students to set themselves apart from the rest of the candidates by exhibiting their writing skills and intellectual ability. This article provides an insightful understanding of Admission Essays for study abroad.

Importance of Admission Essays:

An admission essay is one of the most important documents in your application. It will provide the university with all they need to know about your (personal) background, abilities, experiences, and personality. Admission essays have the potential to make or break the deal when it comes to admissions and hence must be given high priority. To write an impactful essay, the applicant must have his/her thoughts well aligned and maintain a high standard of the English language . A good essay can ensure your admission into the college of your preference.

Different Kinds of Admission Essays:

Universities usually seek to understand the applicant’s profile, personality, and purpose through an admission essay. The impression it creates will determine your admission. When it comes to essays for study abroad , there are various types of essays to assess and understand the applicants’ capabilities.

Mentioned below are the various types of admission essays for study abroad :

Admission essays for undergraduate programs.
Admission essays for MS programs in different universities.
Admission essays for MBA or master’s programs in Management and Business .
Admission essays for financial aid or also known as Scholarship essays.
In case you have taken a gap year, many universities ask for an essay explaining your gap year.
Backlog admission essays are required in case you failed in an exam. The essay will require you to state your reason for failure and your learning experience from the backlog.
Admission essays that are situation-specific require you to elucidate on incidents in your life.

Each essay may have a different word count. The word count requirement is usually provided by the university you are applying to. Make sure you stick to the instructions provided and do not write more than the word limit. Mentioned below are some ideal situations of word limits provided by foreign universities for admission essays:

An admission essay is usually around 350 to 500 words long.
The minimum word requirement is usually around 250 to 300 words.
The maximum word limit for most admission essays is around 600 to 650 words.

The three most important details you must keep in mind while writing an admission essay are:

The essay under no circumstances can be vague. A vague essay will reflect poorly on your admission application.
Avoid making grammatical mistakes as it is an integral part of the criteria on which your essay will be judged. Punctuations are equally important.
Make sure that the essay is of a professional standard as it will aid in making your essay stand out.

Before we dive into the tips and guidelines for writing the admission essays for study abroad, let’s talk about some of the basic points that are worth mentioning in your essay:

Undergraduate program admission essay:

Start by describing yourself and maybe delve a little into your (personal) background.
Candidly elucidate your interests in academia and talk a little about your academic achievements.
Mention your extracurricular achievements and interests.
You must discuss in brief your reason for selecting the college and the country for your education program.
You must include your prospects and how the course will help you attain your goals and ambitions.
Conclude on an inspirational note.

Admission Essays for MBA programs:

Start by providing a short introduction about yourself. Try to make your introduction as interesting as possible to grab the attention of the reader. You can probably include some inspiring quotes or anecdotes to help your cause.
It is important to talk about your academic background and professional experiences.
You must talk about your prospect concerning the MBA program.
You must talk about your goals and ambitions. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
You must briefly discuss the topic of why you have selected the university and country for your further education.
It is important to leave an impact as you conclude your essay. This will help in creating a suitable impression.

Remember that the word count might be less than required to jot down so many points. Hence it is very important to be brief and informative at the same time.

Some essays are based on the applicant’s academic circumstances like scholarship essays and gap year essays. These essays are usually not required by the college unless you mention them in your application.

Scholarship essay:

These essays are usually written by students looking to get financial aid for their education programs. Usually, only tier 1 students tend to get scholarships based on their academic records. Your scholarship essay plays an integral part in determining your position in getting financial aid. Even students who do not have an excellent academic record can get scholarships depending on their standardized exam scores, extracurricular involvement, and social work .

You need to create an impactful title for your essay. This itself should grab the attention of the reader.
You must talk about your personal and family background.
Mention your academic performance and achievements
Your involvement in extracurricular activities and social work. Remember that social work is kept in very high regard by foreign universities.
You must elucidate on how the scholarship will help your cause and push you towards your career goals.
It is important to mention your reasons for selecting a particular university.
You should express yourself on why you deserve the scholarship.
Try and write an inspirational conclusion

Gap Year Essay:

Most universities don’t ask for a gap year essay. But in some cases, they might ask depending on how the university wants to assess you. Even though the basic structure of the gap year essay is the same as the above-mentioned essays it is important to mention why you took the gap year and how it has helped you in finding yourself.

General Tips and Guidelines for Writing an Impressive Admission Essay:

Plan your essay – Before you start writing your essay, plan. Consider the essay question/topic and the response you wish to provide. Also, think about what the admissions committee could be looking for in your application essay. Before you start writing your essay try to make a detailed strategy, preferably with the aid of a flow chart. This will help you align your thoughts and avoid confusion. Building a logical argument by going over each aspect will help maintain coherence and fluidity. Prepare a response that will highlight your abilities.
Establish your essay objectives – Establishing your essay objectives will help you create the right impression of yourself in the eyes of the admission committee. The opinion created about you through your essay will be in your hands by highlighting your achievements, skills and portraying a confident tone.
Defining your X-factor – If your goal is to get admission into a top university you will have to set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates. The admission essay is a good opportunity to display your uniqueness and secure admission.
A clear understanding of the essay topic – This point is essential for creating the right impact. A clear understanding of the essay topic will allow you to streamline your thoughts and pen down only relevant points. Being vague may diverge the attention of the reader and will reflect poorly on your application.
Be Specific – This is an equally important point as the previous one. Admission essays require you to provide more with fewer words. You have a word limit of a maximum of 600 words and a lot to talk about. It is important that you remain concise and to the point. Beating around the bush will disinterest the reader and get you nowhere.
How will you contribute to the University – An application essay allows you to tell the admissions committee all you want them to know about yourself. One aspect you don’t want them to overlook is how you can contribute to the university. As an international student, you bring a variety of cultures to campus, as well as stories of fresh experiences and potential opportunities. Emphasize how your experience and knowledge may benefit the university and its culture.
Focus on Grammar and Language – You need to check and re-check for grammatical errors and punctuations. The university will be judging your language skills and grammar through this essay. Any mistake may hamper your chances of getting admission.
Re-writing and Proofreading – The best way to ensure no mistakes is to write the essay and then re-write it again. This way you can weed out all the problems and ensure an impactful essay. While re-writing you will realize where to edit and omit. This way you can be concise, informative, and confident at the same time. After writing your final draft it is important to proofread the essay to ensure no errors. You can ask others to do this for you. In this way, you can take some constructive feedback as well as ensure no mistakes in grammar or language.
Essay guideline provided by the university – The student must adhere to the guidelines provided by the university concerning the word limit, formatting, and font.
Deadlines – Admission essays take time and effort. You will have to write, re-write, edit, omit and proofread your essay before you send it. You may tend to lose track of time while focusing on other aspects. You need to maintain deadlines. Any form of default may lead to disqualification. So make sure you have all the aspects planned out to maintain efficiency and punctuality.

In short, an admission essay for study abroad can be your ticket to a top-class educational institution abroad. As an international student, you must prove your excellence to get into a prestigious university. Avoid procrastinating over thoughts and take the initiative to formulate a plan of action that will help you create an inspiring essay.

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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10 Benefits to Studying Abroad

Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for a college student. By studying abroad, students have the opportunity to study in a foreign nation and take in the allure and culture of a new land. Here is a list of the top 10 reasons to study abroad!

1. See the World

The biggest reason you should consider a study abroad program is the opportunity to see the world . By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your host nation.

In addition, when you’re abroad, you won’t be limited to traveling in just the nation in which you are studying – you can see neighboring countries as well! For example, if you study in France, you’ll have the option to travel through various parts of Europe including London , Barcelona , and Rome.

2. Education

Another reason you might consider studying abroad is for the chance to experience different styles of education . By enrolling in a study abroad program, you’ll have the chance to see a side of your major that you may not have been exposed to at home.

You’ll find that completely immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way to really experience and understand the people, its traditions, and its culture. Education is the centerpiece of any study abroad trip—it is, after all, a study abroad program—and choosing the right school is a very important factor.

3. Take in a New Culture

Many students who choose to study abroad are leaving their home for the first time. When they arrive in their new host country, they are fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives. When you study abroad you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and social atmospheres.

You will find that you have a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history. You will have the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life.

4. Hone Your Language Skills

Chances are if you’re planning on studying abroad, one of the major draws is the opportunity to study a foreign language. Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right in.

In addition to the considerable language practice you will get just in day to day life, your host university will likely offer language courses to provide you with a more formal education. Immerse yourself in a new culture and go beyond a purely academic experience

5. Career Opportunities

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. Needless to say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.

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.

6. Find New Interests

If you are still questioning why to study abroad, you should know that studying in a different country offers many new activities and interests that you may never have discovered if you’d stayed at home. You might find that you have an as-yet undiscovered talent for hiking, water sports, snow skiing, golf, or various other new sports you may never have tried back home.

You’ll also have the chance to discover other new and exciting forms of entertainment. Plays, movies, dancing, nightclubs, and concerts are just a few activities that you can enjoy.

7. Make Lifelong Friends

One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with students from your host country. This gives you the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.

After the study abroad program ends, make an effort stay in contact with your international friends. In addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be important networking tools later down the road.

8. Personal Development

There is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. You might find that studying abroad really brings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad become explorers of their new nation and really discover the curiosity and excitement that they harbor.

A benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse situations while being able to problem solve.

9. Graduate School Admissions

Like future employers, graduate school admissions boards look very highly on study abroad experiences. Students that study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations.

Most importantly, students who have studied abroad show just how committed they are to their education. Graduate schools regularly look for candidates who will bring a unique aspect to their university. Students who have studied abroad have shown that they have the curiosity and educational acumen to be a leader in graduate school.

10. Life Experience

Why study abroad? For most students, this time may be the only opportunity they ever get to travel abroad for a long period of time. Eventually you will find a job and career, and the opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be a once in a life time opportunity.

Take this opportunity to travel the world with no commitments but to study and learn about new cultures. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other.

These are just some of the advantages of studying abroad. The benefits of this experience really can’t be explained in such a short article. Boost your language skills as you live in another country, get out of your comfort zone and meet people from different places of the world and at the same time get the best education.

Living in another country exposes you to things you cannot experience in your home country and in the future it will help you stand out from the competition as you apply for jobs and your experience of studying abroad is somethig you can share on your resume.

What's Next?

Explore more of our great resources for international students:.

You may also be interested in essay writing tips .

Learn about studying medicine in the US .

Learn about the questions you should expect during your F1 Visa interview .

Studying Abroad - IELTS Essay

Many students now have the opportunity to study in other countries. Studying abroad may bring some benefits to some students, but it also has a significant number of disadvantages. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion. Studying abroad has become an extremely popular study option amongst university students. While studying abroad is extremely expensive, it exposes students to a wide range of people, cultures and experiences that will reward them later on in their careers. In my opinion, students are far better off studying abroad even though it might be a bit costly. One of the greatest advantages of studying in a foreign country is that it exposes students to essential life experiences that will develop them professionally, impossible if they have studied only in their own country. Being in another country forces people to pop and come out of their bubble of comfort, opening them to a plethora of opportunities, which can help them advance in their careers. For example, when I went to study in the UK as an eighteen-year-old, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone and become self-reliant, making me much more mentally and emotionally mature. These ultra-challenging experiences are what develops a person. A negative aspect of studying overseas is that it is extremely expensive. It is not just high university fees that drive up the expenses; it includes stationery and study material expenses, travelling costs, rent, money spent on food, and other miscellaneous expenses. For example, I had to take an education loan of 30000 pounds to fund my tuition fees. Moreover, during my stay in the UK, I had to take up a job as a part-time waiter to earn enough to pay my monthly rent and meet a part of my monthly expenses. An increasing number of students are opting to study overseas. Although studying abroad can make a hole in your pocket, it will test and challenge you mentally and emotionally, helping your overall personal and professional development. In my opinion, long-term professional and personal gains from overseas studies justify every penny spent on it.

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IELTS Essay: Study Abroad

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 2 Comments

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of studying abroad from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

Some claim that studying abroad has great benefits for a student’s home country.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many believe that studying in another country is largely beneficial for the home country of the students in question. In my opinion, the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating are outweighed by the expertise they often bring back.

Critics of this contention argue that many of the best and brightest students never return to their country of origin. This is especially the case as it regards developing countries, including both ordinary and famous examples. The average student from a developing nation that studies abroad in the United States or Europe, will likely have the opportunity to pursue a career there. Once hired by a company, there is a clear pathway to residency and even citizenship in the future. Since these students must meet higher admission requirements, it logically follows that a significant percentage will never return and share their newly acquired expertise with their fellow citizens.

Nonetheless, the instances above are rare and there are tangible effects from knowledgeable graduates returning to their home. Such students are capable of contributing novel outlooks and perspectives in society generally the workplace more specifically. One illustrative example of this in Vietnam is Ngo Bao Chau who studied mathematics at Oxford. After his studies abroad, he was awarded the most prestigious mathematics award, the Fields Medal, in 2007. Upon his return to Vietnam, he established a mathematics academy in Hanoi that distinguishes itself from other institutions with an innovative approach borrowed from Western schools. None of this would likely have come to pass if he had simply remained in Vietnam to study like most other students.

In conclusion, despite the risks that talented individuals may choose to reside permanently in a new country, there are more concrete benefits for the home country. Governments should therefore encourage such students with state scholarships.

1. Many believe that studying in another country is largely beneficial for the home country of the students in question. 2. In my opinion, the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating are outweighed by the expertise they often bring back.

Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here .

1. Critics of this contention argue that many of the best and brightest students never return to their country of origin. 2. This is especially the case as it regards developing countries, including both ordinary and famous examples. 3. The average student from a developing nation that studies abroad in the United States or 4. Europe, will likely have the opportunity to pursue a career there. 5. Once hired by a company, there is a clear pathway to residency and even citizenship in the future. 6. Since these students must meet higher admission requirements, it logically follows that a significant percentage will never return and share their newly acquired expertise with their fellow citizens.

Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Stay focused on the same main idea.
Finish by adding extra detail.

1. Nonetheless, the instances above are rare and there are tangible effects from knowledgeable graduates returning to their home. 2. Such students are capable of contributing novel outlooks and perspectives in society generally the workplace more specifically. 3. One illustrative example of this in Vietnam is Ngo Bao Chau who studied mathematics at Oxford. 4. After his studies abroad, he was awarded the most prestigious mathematics award, the Fields Medal, in 2007. 5. Upon his return to Vietnam, he established a mathematics academy in Hanoi that distinguishes itself from other institutions with an innovative approach borrowed from Western schools. 6. None of this would likely have come to pass if he had simply remained in Vietnam to study like most other students.

Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
Conclude by relating it back to the overall topic.

1. In conclusion, despite the risks that talented individuals may choose to reside permanently in a new country, there are more concrete benefits for the home country. 2. Governments should therefore encourage such students with state scholarships.

Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here .

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Many believe that studying in another country is largely beneficial for the home country of the students in question . In my opinion, the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating are outweighed by the expertise they often bring back .

Critics of this contention argue that many of the best and brightest students never return to their country of origin . This is especially the case as it regards developing countries, including both ordinary and famous examples. The average student from a developing nation that studies abroad in the United States or Europe, will likely have the opportunity to pursue a career there. Once hired by a company, there is a clear pathway to residency and even citizenship in the future. Since these students must meet higher admission requirements , it logically follows that a significant percentage will never return and share their newly acquired expertise with their fellow citizens .

Nonetheless , the instances above are rare and there are tangible effects from knowledgeable graduates returning to their home. Such students are capable of contributing novel outlooks and perspectives in society generally the workplace more specifically. One illustrative example of this in Vietnam is Ngo Bao Chau who studied mathematics at Oxford. After his studies abroad, he was awarded the most prestigious mathematics award, the Fields Medal, in 2007. Upon his return to Vietnam, he established a mathematics academy in Hanoi that distinguishes itself from other institutions with an innovative approach borrowed from Western schools. None of this would likely have come to pass if he had simply remained in Vietnam to study like most other students.

largely beneficial mostly good

home country nation you are from

in question relevant here

losses entailed what has been taken away

potentially emigrating possible moving

outweighed stronger than

expertise knowledgeable

bring back return

critics detractors

contention opinion

best and brightest smartest

country of origin nation you are from

especially the case as it regards in particular when it has to do with

average normal

studies abroad studying in another country

likely have the opportunity probably have the chance

pursue a career follow a job

hired employed

clear pathway good route

residency living in a country

citizenship becoming a citizen of a country

since because

meet higher admission requirements hard to get into schools

logically follows makes sense that

significant percentage sizeable proportion

return go back

share give information about

newly acquired expertise learned new information

fellow citizens other residents

nonetheless regardless

rare uncommon

tangible concrete

knowledgeable graduates smart people who have finished school

capable competent

contributing novel outlooks giving new opinions, perspectives

perspectives ways of seeing the world

generally overall

more specifically especially

illustrative shows this point

awarded given

prestigious well-regarded

established founded

mathematics academy math school

distinguishes differentiates

institutions schools, buildings, etc.

innovative approach new method

borrowed from taken from

come to pass happened

remained stayed

despite regardless of

risks threats

reside permanently stay forever

concrete real

encourage foster

state scholarships government grants

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search :

ˈlɑːʤli ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl həʊm ˈkʌntri ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən ˈlɒsɪz ɪnˈteɪld pəʊˈtɛnʃəli ˈɛmɪgreɪtɪŋ aʊtˈweɪd ˌɛkspɜːˈtiːz brɪŋ bæk ˈkrɪtɪks kənˈtɛnʃən bɛst ænd ˈbraɪtɪst ˈkʌntri ɒv ˈɒrɪʤɪn ɪsˈpɛʃəli ðə keɪs æz ɪt rɪˈgɑːdz ˈævərɪʤ ˈstʌdiz əˈbrɔːd ˈlaɪkli hæv ði ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti pəˈsjuː ə kəˈrɪə ˈhaɪəd klɪə ˈpɑːθweɪ ˈrɛzɪdənsi ˈsɪtɪznʃɪp sɪns miːt ˈhaɪər ədˈmɪʃ(ə)n rɪˈkwaɪəmənts ˈlɒʤɪkəli ˈfɒləʊz sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt pəˈsɛntɪʤ rɪˈtɜːn ʃeə ˈnjuːli əˈkwaɪəd ˌɛkspɜːˈtiːz ˈfɛləʊ ˈsɪtɪznz ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs reə ˈtænʤəbl ˈnɒlɪʤəbl ˈgrædjʊəts ˈkeɪpəbl kənˈtrɪbju(ː)tɪŋ ˈnɒvəl ˈaʊtlʊks pəˈspɛktɪvz ˈʤɛnərəli mɔː spəˈsɪfɪk(ə)li ˈɪləstreɪtɪv əˈwɔːdɪd prɛˈstɪʤəs ɪsˈtæblɪʃt ˌmæθɪˈmætɪks əˈkædəmi dɪsˈtɪŋgwɪʃɪz ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənz ɪnˈnɒvətɪv əˈprəʊʧ ˈbɒrəʊd frɒm kʌm tuː pɑːs rɪˈmeɪnd dɪsˈpaɪt rɪsks rɪˈzaɪd ˈpɜːmənəntli ˈkɒnkriːt ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ steɪt ˈskɒləʃɪps

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

Many believe that studying in another country is l______________________l for the h________________y of the students i_________________n . In my opinion, the l_________________d by these students p_______________________g are o________________d by they e______________e the often b_____________k .

C__________s of this c_______________n argue that many of the b____________________________t students never return to their c___________________n . This is e_________________________________s developing countries, including both ordinary and famous examples. The a______________e student from a developing nation that s__________________d in the United States or Europe, will l_______________________y to p________________r there. Once h_____d by a company, there is a c______________y to r___________y and even c____________p in the future. S____e these students must m____________________________________s , it l___________________s that a s_____________________e will never r__________n and s_______e their n___________________________________e with their f_________________s .

N_____________s , the instances above are r____e and there are t________e effects from k_________________________s returning to their home. Such students are c__________e of c_________________________s and p_____________s in society g____________y the workplace m_____________________y. One i_______________e example of this in Vietnam is Ngo Bao Chau who studied mathematics at Oxford. After his studies abroad, he was a________________d the most p_____________s mathematics award, the Fields Medal, in 2007. Upon his return to Vietnam, he e______________d a m________________________y in Hanoi that d________________s itself from other i_______________s with an i_____________________h b__________________m Western schools. None of this would likely have c_________________s if he had simply r_____________d in Vietnam to study like most other students.

In conclusion, d_______e the r_____s that talented individuals may choose to r________________________y in a new country, there are more c_________e benefits for the home country. Governments should therefore e___________e such students with s____________________s .

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities :

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice :

https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/10/17/should-more-americans-study-abroad/every-student-should-study-abroad

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam :

What is your major?
Do you like it?
Why did you choose that major?
Which major would you want to change it to?

Writing Practice

Practice with the same basic topic below and then check with my sample answer:

Compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before.

Do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country?

Will this trend change much in the future?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Studying Abroad (Real IELTS Test)

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“Many believe that studying in another country is largely beneficial for the home country of the students in question. In my opinion, the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating is outweighed by the expertise the often bring back.”

I realize two mistakes in the paragraph you wrote: “the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating is outweighed by the expertise the often bring back.” It should be “the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating are outweighed by the expertise they often bring back.”

Thanks for picking up on that Hao – I will change it!

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IMAGES

Study Abroad Essay Template
⚡ Studying abroad essay. Studying Abroad Essay Sample. 2022-10-12
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Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations
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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

10 Study Abroad Essay Tips
How to write a unique study abroad essay. Sometimes, the process of studying abroad can feel almost as difficult as applying for college. You have to choose the country you want to study in, compare and contrast programs (hint: MyGoAbroad), collect your transcripts and references and, inevitably, you will have to write a personal statement and study abroad essay for your application.
≡Essays on Studying Abroad: Top 10 Examples by GradesFixer
Try writing an essay about studying abroad. 🌍🎓 Studying Abroad Essay Topics 📝. Selecting the right essay topic is crucial for a compelling narrative. Here's how to choose one: Studying Abroad Argumentative Essay 🤨. Argumentative essays on studying abroad require you to defend a viewpoint or argument. Here are ten thought-provoking ...
Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay
4) Show Your Personality. The best study abroad essays are the ones with a little bit of personality! Your essay should still sound professional, but don't be afraid to let yourself shine through as well. Studying abroad comes with challenges, and if the university gets a sense you are ready for them, you will move to the top of the list.
63 Study Abroad Essay Examples & Topics
Whether you're planning to write an argumentative, descriptive, or persuasive essay, our article will be helpful. Here we've collected top studying abroad essay samples and research titles ‍‍‍‍for scholarship papers. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts. 186 writers online.
100 Study Abroad Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
These 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of themes and experiences that students can explore and reflect on in their study abroad essays. Whether you are looking to focus on a specific aspect of a particular destination or delve into your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay.
Scholarship Essay Samples and Tips
Scholarship Essay Samples Scholarship Essay Sample A Scholarship Essay Sample B Scholarship Essay Tips Here are some great scholarship essay tips! The Writing Center The Writing Center Email: [email protected] Phone: (608) 263-1992 Location: 6171 Helen C. White Hall / 600 North Park Street
How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?
Simply put, a study abroad personal statement is a component of your CIEE application, ... by the way). It is a brief essay (300 words) in which you explain how a CIEE study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or your future career plans. Read More: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps.
Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay Tips
With these scholarship essay tips in mind, you can surely write an award winning study abroad application essay! Avoid "one size fits all" scholarship essays. It's very likely that you're going to be applying for more than one study abroad scholarship. As this is the case, it's tempting to create a scholarship essay that will suit all of ...
How to Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad
Here's how to write a personal statement for study abroad that wows: 1. Give yourself time to write. Writing takes time—make sure to give it the effort it deserves. Any compelling piece of writing requires a plan and some time, so make note of application deadlines and a lot a timeline that makes sense for you.
The Study Abroad Application
Here's writing your study abroad essay 101: First, in a nice intro paragraph, explain your reasons for studying abroad. If you're still deciding your best course of action, review some of our deciding to study abroad resources. Just give a general overview since you'll be getting into the specifics later in the essay. Include why you want ...
Why Do You Want to Study Abroad? 6 Tips to Inspire Your Essay
Writing your answer in clear, coherent and not-too-long paragraphs is very important. Nobody likes reading dense walls of text, or long-winded essays that take too long to get to the point. Start your essay strongly with a compelling 1-2 sentence introduction that goes straight for the topic in hand: the main reason why you want to study abroad ...
The Benefits of Studying Abroad: [Essay Example], 325 words
In conclusion, studying abroad is an enriching experience that offers numerous benefits for students, including cultural immersion, academic benefits, and personal growth. Although studying abroad presents challenges, there are also solutions available to help students overcome them. Finally, it is crucial to encourage students to consider ...
Reasons Why I Want to Study Abroad
The Benefits of Studying Abroad. One of the main reasons why I want to study abroad is the multitude of benefits it offers. Firstly, studying abroad allows for exposure to different perspectives and ideas. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures provides a unique opportunity to broaden my understanding of the world and ...
How to Write Your Study Abroad Essay?
A study abroad essay portrays your intent and expectations from your trip to a foreign country, either for a semester or a couple of years. To write a really impressive study abroad essay, you need to be absolutely clear about your reasons for studying abroad. This is one of the most crucial points and it will reflect in your essay.
Study abroad essay: 10 tips for writing your essay for university
Purposes of a study abroad essay / personal statement. This application document, called personal statement in the US, serves multiple purposes. The essay is an opportunity for the applicant to articulate their motivations, goals, and readiness for studying abroad. Here are the reasons why writing a study abroad essay is necessary:
How to Write Impactful Admission Essays for Study Abroad?
In short, an admission essay for study abroad can be your ticket to a top-class educational institution abroad. As an international student, you must prove your excellence to get into a prestigious university. Avoid procrastinating over thoughts and take the initiative to formulate a plan of action that will help you create an inspiring essay.
Studying Abroad Essay Examples
Studying Abroad: Exploring My Motivations. Studying abroad has become an increasingly popular choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience. The opportunity to live and study in a foreign country presents a myriad of benefits, both academically and personally. In this essay, I will present arguments in favor of studying...
Why Do I Want to Study Abroad: Free Essay Example, 707 words
7. Personal Challenge. Studying abroad represents a significant personal challenge that I am eager to embrace. It will test my adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Overcoming the challenges associated with living in a foreign country will be a source of personal pride and accomplishment.
Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations Essay
Main body. I want to study abroad due to three main reasons. Firstly, it has always been my dream to travel across the world, and studying in another country will allow me to mix business with pleasure. Secondly, this option is helpful for me to learn a foreign language quickly because I will be inside the native environment, which will ...
Should Students Study Abroad?
Studying abroad refers to the act of pursuing primary, secondary, or post-secondary education in a foreign country. In the United States, foreign students comprise approximately 1 percent of the student population (Byram 34). Many students study aboard especially for their post-secondary education that includes university and postgraduate studies.
10 Benefits to Studying Abroad
1. See the World. The biggest reason you should consider a study abroad program is the opportunity to see the world . By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and ...
Studying Abroad
Studying Abroad - IELTS Essay. by mannan. Many students now have the opportunity to study in other countries. Studying abroad may bring some benefits to some students, but it also has a significant number of disadvantages. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion. Studying abroad has become an extremely popular study option ...
IELTS Essay: Study Abroad
1. Many believe that studying in another country is largely beneficial for the home country of the students in question. 2. In my opinion, the losses entailed by these students potentially emigrating are outweighed by the expertise they often bring back. Paraphrase the overall essay topic. Write a clear opinion.
Wagoner: Studying abroad will change your life like it changed mine
At AFS we promote global citizenship with study-abroad opportunities in 45 different countries across the globe in which students from more than 80 countries can go abroad. On an AFS trip you don ...
Spain Health Care: A Cross~cultural Exploration of Illness and Wellness
Center for Global Engagement - Study Abroad Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall) MSC 5731 100 East Grace Street Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Email Us 540/568-5209 Fax: 540/568-3310