The History & Future of Study Abroad: This is How Study Abroad is Changing

Every year, more and more students are choosing to study abroad. In fact, the number of American students studying abroad has doubled in the last two decades. With such a huge increase in popularity, it's no surprise that studying abroad is changing and evolving. So Educatly is going to guide you through some of the ways studying abroad evolved and explore the future of study abroad.

The History of Study Abroad

Studying abroad has been around for centuries. It began with the ancient Greeks and Romans, who traveled to other countries to learn about different cultures. The first universities were also established in foreign countries, such as Italy and England.

During the Middle Ages, travel for education purposes was largely restricted to the wealthy elite. However, this began to change in the Renaissance period, when more people had access to travel. This was also a time when many great thinkers and scholars traveled to different countries to share their ideas.

Studying abroad became more popular in the modern era after World War II. This was partly due to the fact that many universities were established in different parts of the world. It also became easier for people to travel due to advances in transportation.

While in the past, studying abroad was seen as a privilege for the wealthy and was not accessible to the average student, this is no longer the case. Today, studying abroad is more popular than ever before. There are many opportunities for students to study abroad, and the number of programs available constantly increases.

The Different Types of Study Abroad Programs

There are many different types of study abroad programs, each with its own unique benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of programs:

Semester/year-long programs: These programs last for an entire semester or academic year. They provide a more in-depth experience of another culture and usually include coursework that counts towards your degree.

Work and study programs: These programs combine work and study and could be up to 4 years, giving you the opportunity to gain work experience in another country while also earning credit for your degree.

There are also exchange programs, on-campus programs, hybrid programs, and much more! No matter what type of program you choose, studying abroad is an amazing experience that will help you grow both personally and academically.

The Pros and Cons of Study Abroad

Some students study abroad to experience a new culture, others want to learn a new language, and others just want independence. You can study abroad to build a network, travel, develop your career prospects, have a high-quality education, or get a global perspective. Whatever the reason, studying abroad is a great experience.

However, there are also some drawbacks to studying abroad. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. Studying abroad can be expensive, especially if you choose to study in a country with a high cost of living. You can experience homesickness and cultural shock. You may experience sadness while being completely on your own, and you might feel like an outsider. The language barrier can sometimes hinder making friends and moving around smoothly.

The most important thing for you to know is that you’re not alone, even when you feel like you’re alone. Thousands of international students are going through the same thing, and you can meet and contact them through Educatly. You can also keep our blog nearby for guidance and help with anything you need.

What is the Future of Study Abroad?

So, what does the future hold for studying abroad? It's hard to say for sure, but it seems likely that studying abroad will continue to grow in popularity. With the rise of technology, it's easier than ever for students to connect with each other and share their experiences. As the world becomes more globalized, students are increasingly interested in learning about different cultures. So, whatever the reasons for studying abroad may be, it's clear that it's an experience that is here to stay.

This trend is only expected to grow in the coming years as the benefits of studying abroad become more widely known. There are actually a number of factors driving this growth.

First, students can access more information about different programs and what they can expect from them. Second, the cost of studying abroad has come down significantly in recent years. With the rise of budget airlines and other affordable travel options, it is now easier and more affordable than ever to travel to another country for your studies.

Finally, more and more universities are starting to offer study abroad programs. This means that there are now more opportunities and diverse options all over the world to go and study in another country.

It is safe to say that studying abroad is only going to continue to grow in popularity. With the world becoming ever more connected and the benefits of studying abroad becoming more widely known, there is no doubt that more students will choose the global experience. 

You can get started right now and look for the best opportunity abroad for you. Just sign up to Educatly, and update your profile to get a personalized browsing experience through our programs.

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