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.

You’ll experience a completely new way of life

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.

Studying abroad will expand your employment opportunities

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.

You’ll experience different styles of education

Studying at another university can be different to the style of teaching you’re used to, particularly if you’re studying abroad for the first time.

Use this as an opportunity to experience different methods of teaching and find out what type of learning works best for you. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in a new academic setting and see a side of your degree that you may not have seen before.

You can take the opportunity to learn a new language

If you’ve ever wanted to learn a language, here’s your chance! Is there a better way to learn a language than by living in the country? Studying abroad gives you the chance to fully engage yourself in learning the language of your host country.

In addition to the considerable language practice you will get in day-to-day life, your host university might offer language courses, giving you a perfect blend of colloquial and formal language skills.

You’ll make new friends from around the world 

One of the main benefits of taking part in a student exchange programme is all of the great friends you’ll make while you’re there. During your studies, you’ll meet a wide range of people from many different backgrounds – some of whom might become lifelong friends.              

It’ll also be beneficial to have friends in different countries after you graduate. Not only will you have an excuse to visit lots of different countries, but these people may also become an important network of business contacts later on in your career.                   

Travelling to nearby countries is easy

When studying abroad, students often choose to travel to nearby countries. It’s a great opportunity to see parts of the world you might not have otherwise visited and the experience can teach you a lot about different cultures.

Visiting other countries can help change your worldview and give you an international outlook – something that is highly-sought after by employers.

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If we’ve got you interested in doing a student exchange programme, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is a research-intensive university ranking in the top 400 universities in the world, according to the latest QS World University Rankings.

L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has hosted students from all around the world, including Europe, Asia and North America and offers an excellent study abroad experience for international students looking to expand their global insight.

The university will be offering distance learning throughout the spring 2021 semester due to the coronavirus pandemic but hopes to recommence in-person lessons once it is safe to do so.