Benefits of Studying Abroad In High School

The term study abroad usually brings to mind college students and undergraduates taking a year away from their home school to explore the world. But why wait until college? There are plenty of study abroad programs, like the Model G20^®. These programs allow high school students to experience the benefits of travel while making international connections that may advance them in the future.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to studying abroad, but we believe the benefits far outweigh the rest. There’s no need to wait until college (or later)! Here are just a few benefits of studying abroad in high school:

5 Benefits of Studying Abroad In High School

Regardless of the program that you choose, spending time in a foreign country has tremendous benefits. Here is a sampling of the perks high school students can enjoy by studying abroad:

No. 1: You’ll Gain a Global Perspective

The phrase “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes” may be cliché, but its importance is paramount in building global perspective at a young age. Spending time in another country during a study abroad program not only allows you to see how people from other cultures live, but how they see you as well. In today’s international economy, gaining that perspective at an early age delivers a significant advantage over your peers, both in college applications and beyond.

No. 2: You Can Build an International Network

Global perspective comes from building relationships with people from other places. Online learning can be a great way to build your world view, but studying abroad will expand your viewpoint and broaden your horizons even further.

Studying abroad in high school can be difficult for an individual student. But when a group of young people come together in new and challenging situations, they share powerful moments of accomplishment and connection. These moments can endure over time and distance, creating a powerful network of friendships all over the world.

These compelling friendships can serve you well in the future, both in your personal and business life.

No. 3: You Can Learn a New Language

Whether you choose to study abroad for a year in a fully immersive program or simply spend a week in a foreign country, you will walk away as a student of a new language. The first scenario, of course, lends itself more to fluency, but even a short time in a new place can inspire the love and study of a second (or third!) language.

Why does this matter? Learning a second language has shown to improve student performance in many other areas (not just in their language classes), and colleges – and future employers – may look more favourably upon students who are able to speak multiple languages.

No. 4: You’ll Get a Confidence Boost

For many high school students, a study abroad program is their first time away from family and friends for an extended period. It may also be their first time traveling alone. It can be a challenge, but one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad in high school is that it will instill a sense of confidence, maturity, and independence you may not have known you had. These newfound traits may serve you well in future situations too.

For example, it can ease any fears you may have about moving away for college because you know you can handle being on your own for an extended period of time. The confidence boost you get from a study abroad program may also help you when you’re talking to others, like when discussing your skills during a college interview.

No. 5: You Will Stand Out on College Applications

We touched on this a bit above, but studying abroad in high school can also help you attract attention when applying to colleges.

It can be tricky to find creative ways to stand out to your dream school; it may seem like everyone around you has better grades and more extracurriculars. But a study abroad program shows initiative, adventure, and independence. It can also demonstrate your passion for a particular place or topic. For example, many Model G20^® alums have shared that admissions teams were impressed with their dedication to international relations, leadership, and diplomacy.

Model G20^®: A High School Study Abroad Program

Model G20^® is a global youth leadership program hosted through our EdTech company, Knovva Academy. It allows students around the world to connect on policy development and build essential skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

Students who attend the Model G20^® can expand their knowledge of our global community, and build their skills in communication, strategic thinking, and leadership. They will represent member states of the G20, international organizations, engagement groups, and invited countries to discuss the most pressing global challenges.

Students take on these simulated roles throughout the week and work together to explore joint solutions for pressing issues, such as global warming. In addition to travel, seeing a new country and meeting new people, students can also gain additional skills from the MG20^® summit, including:

• Negotiation
• Debate
• Networking
• Communication
• Public Speaking
• Policy Development
• Presentation

Whether you choose to study abroad for a week, a month, or a year, it can be a transformational experience that will impact your life in countless ways. If you have the travel itch, don’t wait until college because the benefits of studying abroad in high school are plentiful. Explore study abroad programs like the Model G20 now.