Independence and personal development

International study or work abroad creates benefits that can last a lifetime. For anyone, the life skills and personal achievements that living abroad can bring are a great way to gain independence.

Personal development is one of the main factors that students mention when they talk about the reasons they went to study or work abroad. At the very start of your move it can seem daunting to find yourself in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, but when you stick to it, the life lessons you learn are invaluable.

Living on your own or with new people, and immersing yourself in a different culture, it can take a while to click and start to enjoy it. But when you are settled in, it can feel very liberating! For many that choose to study or work abroad, the worry of how to cope quickly changes into confidence. Erasmus has a video on personal development that shows the independence that overseas courses can bring.

Transferable skills

Many employers say that they look for potential employees who can demonstrate a strong sense of personal development - living abroad can help you achieve this. Transferable skills (such as confidence, organisation and the ability to work in a team) are excellent attributes to take into a workplace.

Living abroad can also help you develop as a motivated self-starter: you’ll be responsible for your own budget, organising your time and staying safe. You’ll find you are resourceful, too, as you interact with new people and adjust to new cultures. And it’s a great chance to travel widely.

The benefits of studying abroad aren’t simply academic or educational, they are personal too. Living and working or studying in another country, even if for a short while, can be a real boost for your confidence.

You can find out more about personal development abroad on Guardian Education where you can read UK student case studies.