10 Benefits of Studying Abroad That No One Talks About!

Let’s be real: you have probably heard the same old pitch about studying abroad a million times: “It will broaden your horizons!” “You will meet new people!” “You will become independent!” Blah blah blah. But what if we told you that there’s a whole buffet of lesser-known, mind-blowingly cool perks that can make studying abroad a total game-changer for you?

We are not going to simply hype up the concept of ‘studying abroad’; we are here to spill the real tea. The kind of stuff that doesn’t always show up on glossy brochures or fancy websites! For Indian students wondering why ‘Study Abroad’ is becoming such a hot topic lately, let’s just say this: the advantages of studying abroad go WAY beyond academics.

And trust us, once you have read this, you might just start packing your bags already (don’t forget the Maggi)! If you do decide on it, MetaApply IE will be there to help you at every stage: from shortlisting colleges to post-landing support. But more on that later. Let’s jump right in!

1. You Low-Key Become a Global Citizen

One of the most underrated, and yet possibly among the biggest advantages of studying abroad is how effortlessly you evolve into a global citizen. You stop seeing the world in black and white. Whether you are in the USA or somewhere in Europe; every conversation, every cultural quirk, every group project with students from five different countries will help rewire your brain in the best way possible.

Living and learning alongside people from different countries exposes you to diverse cultures, beliefs, and communication styles, pushing you to think beyond borders – both literally and figuratively. Be it classroom debates or casual coffee chats; you start seeing things through multiple lenses, gaining empathy and cultural intelligence along the way.

And guess what: this isn’t great only for your personal growth; it’s also a major flex in the job market! In fact, according to a QS Global Employer Survey, over 60% of employers worldwide value international exposure and experience while hiring.

2. That Language Flex Is Real

Let’s be honest: nothing screams ‘main character energy’ like casually slipping foreign phrases into your daily conversation. Even if you are not learning a new language from scratch, just living abroad gives you some linguistic superpowers. You will start picking up local phrases, expressions, slang, mannerisms, and even accents just by living and interacting in a new environment. And before you know it, you will find yourself saying “Merci!” instead of “Thank you” as you order like a native at a local cafe!

Bonus: Studies show that bilinguals and multilinguals have sharper memory, better focus, a knack for multitasking, and superior problem-solving skills. So yes, that might actually be helping you ace life out there while being a real flex for you back home.

3. Your Resume Becomes a Head-Turner

Your resume needs to do more than just list qualifications; it needs to spark curiosity. And one of the top Benefits of Studying Abroad is that your CV instantly levels up! When an HR or a hiring manager spots ‘international education’ in a resume, their attention piques. It’s not even in the university name at times – it’s everything that comes with it: cross-cultural teamwork, independence, adaptability, and real-world exposure through internships, part-time gigs, or research projects abroad.

For instance, let’s say you are an HR manager scrolling through hundreds of CVs. Which one would stand out more to you: “MBA, XYZ Business College in India” or “MBA, University of Amsterdam, Marketing Internship at Heineken, Fluent in Dutch”? Exactly. That’s the magic of the top benefits of studying abroad: your resume starts telling stories, not just listing degrees. Employers don’t just see the degree; they see initiative, grit, and a global mindset. These qualities aren’t just considered an ‘impressive’ add-on – they are in demand as a prerequisite now.

So yeah, studying abroad? It’s like giving your resume a passport stamp to success.

4. You Get Soft Skills That Hit Hard

Here’s the plot twist nobody talks about: you won’t even realise it, but while you are out there chasing degrees and grades, your study abroad journey is secretly giving your life skills the glow-up they deserve. Be it figuring out foreign public transport, surviving on a student budget, effectively communicating with the diverse crowds, or even learning how not to burn your pasta – you become more independent, self-aware, and hella resourceful. These soft skills? They hit differently when you study abroad.

Time management, adaptability, resilience, budgeting, even cooking (hello, adulting!): you develop skills that scream life-ready. You don’t just learn to adapt, you begin to thrive in unfamiliar environments. You don’t just talk, you communicate across cultures. Employers love these traits – and why won’t they!?

Just a quick peek at how those underrated perks compare:

5. Say Hello to Higher ROI

We get it: studying abroad isn’t exactly cheap and can, in fact, be a major financial commitment. But here’s the kicker: the return on investment (ROI) can be pretty high and often outweighs the upfront cost, big time. For instance, countries like Canada, Ireland, Germany, and Australia not only offer world-class education but also generous post-study work permits, giving you the opportunity to gain global work experience, earn in stronger currencies, and repay student loans faster than you’d imagine.

And no, studying abroad doesn’t always have to burn a hole in your pocket – there are many programs, universities, and destinations out there that can get you a globally-recognised, future-ready degree at lesser costs than in India itself! Here’s where we come in. At MetaApply IE, we help you explore and find smarter options: think Scholarship Opportunities, Education Loan Facilities, Top University to Study Abroad, budget-friendly destinations that offer premium education, and more. Because of course, your dreams shouldn’t come with lifelong debt. So yes, studying abroad is an investment: but one that pays dividends in career growth, earning potential, and unforgettable life experiences.

High risk? Maybe. High reward? Definitely!

6. You Build a Network That’s Literally Worldwide

One of the most overlooked advantages of studying abroad? It’s the insane network you build, without even trying! Think about it: your classmates come from all over the world, your professors bring global perspectives, your internship co-workers might be future CEOs, startup founders, or global recruiters. Suddenly, your professional circle isn’t just local – it’s global.

Remember: in today’s world, your network often matters as much as your degree. And when you study abroad, the people you come across don’t just stop at being casual LinkedIn connections; they are potential collaborators, mentors, and friends who can open doors for you across industries and borders. Whether you are looking for job referrals, startup partnerships, or simply some advice; these relationships can become career-defining.

And hey, when you build a network this diverse, it goes beyond just professional opportunities: you gain a support system that spans time zones and cultures. So yes, your degree is valuable; but in today’s hyper-connected world, your global network might just become your ultimate superpower!

7. You Discover Careers You Didn’t Know Existed

Did you know you could study wine business in France?

Or AI ethics in Sweden?

Or video game design in Germany?

One of the most exciting advantages of studying abroad is stumbling upon careers you literally didn’t know were a thing – fields that are thriving globally but still considered niche, underdeveloped, or even frowned upon back home. When you study abroad, your career options aren’t boxed into the usual engineering-medicine-MBA trifecta. You get exposed to emerging industries, interdisciplinary courses, and innovative career paths that align with your actual interests (yes, even if that’s something as niche as Gaming Tech or Forensic Psychology).

At MetaApply IE, we help you dig deep and explore these unique programs from across the world – programs that blend your passion with real-world demand. Because the future belongs to those who dare to do something different! Who knows? You might end up becoming a coffee scientist in Italy or a sustainability consultant in New Zealand. Dream big. Study bigger!

8. Your Mental Health Might Actually Improve

Sounds contradictory, right? Moving to a new country, adjusting to unfamiliar cultures, making new connections, and managing things solo away from home – shouldn’t that spike anxiety?

But studies suggest otherwise. Here’s the surprising truth: your mental health might actually thrive when you study abroad. According to a 2022 IES Abroad survey, 67% of students reported better mental health after studying abroad. Why? Because stepping out of your comfort zone builds confidence and a stronger sense of self. The combination of independence, travel, and new experiences often results in boosted self-esteem and emotional resilience. You explore new places, meet like-minded people, and find a version of yourself you didn’t even know existed. That kind of growth? It’s hard to replicate back home.

Of course, your mental wellness depends on the environment you choose – which is why we always recommend choosing destinations and universities that align with your lifestyle, personality, and vibe. (And yes, we at MetaApply IE can help with that too!)

9. The Adventure = Core Memory Material

Just FYI: Some moments from your study abroad experience are going to live rent-free in your head forever. Weekend getaways to Paris? Midnight ramen runs in Tokyo? Hiking in the Alps with your dorm friends? Friendships with people from six time zones? Getting lost in a local market but you somehow end up discovering your new favorite snack?

These aren’t just fleeting memories – they are the kind of core memories that will shape who you are, they are stories you will tell forever. You will grow, laugh, maybe even cry (happy tears mostly!), and come back with tales that no group chat will ever get tired of hearing. Because studying abroad isn’t just a one-off academic decision; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you go beyond just learning subjects to actually learning life. And honestly, no classroom back home can really level with that kind of character development, and no Netflix show can have as epic a live-action adventure series!

10. You Realise You Are Capable of So Much More

Somewhere between figuring out public transport in a new country, setting up your own bank account, and whipping up your first actually-edible meal (sans the help of maa or maggi), it will hit you: you are really doing this. On your own. In a new world. And you are not just surviving… you are thriving!

That moment? Game-changing.

This is one of the most underrated advantages of studying abroad: the transformation that you will see within you. You gain confidence, grit, and an entirely new version of yourself. You end up not just earning a degree but also building resilience, self-trust, and confidence that no textbook could ever teach you. You start realising you are capable of things you once thought were way out of your league. Living alone, managing finances, navigating new cultures – it’s like getting a crash course in adulting, and you come out the other side stronger, wiser, and way more self-aware. And so, by the time you return, you are not just a student anymore: you become a truly global citizen with all that main-character energy!

Why Study Abroad in 2025?

Because the world is more connected than ever, and your future deserves truly global opportunities. Be it the skills, the exposure, the career growth, or simply the thrill of it all – studying abroad isn’t just a fancy option to fall back on; it’s a strategic choice that you can make to become more independent, aware, confident, and future-ready.

And if you are wondering how to make it happen without losing your sanity, MetaApply IE is here to help you every step of the way! Our expert team provides end-to-end assistance through the whole study abroad experience: from shortlisting the program, university, and destination to helping you navigate the application and VISA process, helping you secure scholarships and funds, ensuring the best flight and accommodation options, and so much more.

So go ahead, explore the various perks of studying abroad, weigh your options, and whenever you are ready: just reach out to us! Don’t sleep on these benefits of studying abroad. The world’s waiting: and with MetaApply IE, you won’t be going in blind. Let’s make that dream happen!