6 reasons to go on a student exchange programme

Sponsored by L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

Student exchange programmes enable students to study abroad at one of their university’s partner institutions. For many students, the prospect of studying abroad is both exciting and terrifying. You will, however, be sure to experience a brand new culture, meet new people and grow as a person.

Every student’s study abroad experience is different, but the one thing they have in common is that the experience is a memorable one.

This is why Kazakhstan’s L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) has recently opened a new academic mobility programme, Welcome to ENU, through which they provide international students with tuition-free education and free accommodation, amongst other benefits.

Need more convincing? Here are six ways going on a student exchange programme will enrich your life – both academically and personally.

Studying abroad will allow you to experience different cultures and perspectives, including new traditions and customs and meeting new people. Fully embracing this new culture is a chance to step out of your comfort zone and experience unfamiliar situations.

Fully throwing yourself into this experience, for example taking part in local activities, trying the local food and making friends with a variety of people, will give you a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s history and its people.

And as fun as studying in a new country is, it can feel overwhelming at times.

Studying in a new country means changing your habits and facing unfamiliar situations – which can be scary! This is especially true if you don’t know many people and are struggling with the language.

Use these challenges as a way to discover your strengths and your weaknesses. Stepping out of your comfort zone is one of the things that makes the studying abroad experience so valuable.

It means in the future, when unexpected problems and difficulties arise, it’ll be easier for you to cope with them as you’ll have had some experience adapting to diverse situations.

Not only is studying abroad a great way to expand your perspective, but it can also boost your employability. In an increasingly globalised world, more and more employers are looking for students with international experience.

Why is this? Studying abroad shows employers that you can adapt quickly to changing situations and that you are a good problem solver. It also gives you a better understanding of different cultures, which is highly valued in the workplace – particularly in international companies.

Many students decide to stay in their host country once they’ve finished studying abroad. If you decide to do this, you’ll be sure to benefit from studying there and knowing the local customs.