Did you know most people regret things they didn’t do versus what they did do? As for college students, they regret not studying abroad—in fact, it’s on top of the list of the biggest regrets for them.
Studying abroad offers a plethora of opportunities both big and small, from practicing your r’s in Spanish to taste-testing tiramisu gelato to making a new bestie for life. You could be doing wonders both for your personal and professional future too!
So maybe you’re on the fence and asking yourself, “Will I regret not studying abroad?” You’ve come to the right place to see a list of the top reasons many people regret not studying abroad to help you answer that question. If you have some fears or doubts holding you back, this article aims to help debunk some myths about studying abroad too (just call us the new mythbusters).
12 reasons you may regret not studying abroad
So, why might you regret not studying abroad? We’ve got a dozen reasons for you!
1. Missing out on more affordable packaged programs
Trust us, views like this are better in person.
The United States has the highest cost of education in the world! In many countries, you’ll be able to spend less money on tuition, and possibly living expenses, by studying abroad.
Most programs also bundle together excursions, classes, and room and board, so you’ll more likely get a quality abroad experience at a better price. Plenty of international student scholarships are available and FundMyTravel.com also offers a helpful financial resource.
2. Becoming envious of others who studied abroad
There’s a good chance you’ll know someone who will study abroad, and when you see photos of them in castles, you may come down with a serious case of the #fomo. If you’re worried about missing out on experiences back home (where life will continue as usual), you could choose to do a short-term study abroad program or a summer study abroad program. But your experience abroad will go like that *snaps* and will be worth it!
3. “Aging out” of a special experience
You’re only young once! Many study abroad programs only allow participants who are under a certain age, and some countries offer special visas for students under a certain age too.
You also risk missing out on experiencing a unique fun experience with lots of other young students once you’ve gone beyond the prime college age (18 to 24), and unfortunately, you can’t click “rewind” on your life.
4. Never having the freedom again to be abroad for several months
Here’s another big reason why you may regret not studying abroad. When else will you be able to be abroad for a long period of time?
Once you’re out of school with a full-time job and paying living expenses, it’s tricky to take up to even two weeks off from work! While you’re in school, you basically have a hall pass to study abroad for several months at a time, which would give you more time to fully immerse yourself in another culture!
5. Shedding special language learning opportunities
You can’t beat the real-world language learning opportunities you get when you study abroad.
You can try to learn another language with online tools, but why not actually practice it with native speakers?
Whether you want to learn Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or some other language, you’ll have a much better chance of secondary language acquisition when you study abroad in the country where it’s a national language! Plus, you may be able to live with a host family who speaks your target language.
6. Foregoing special kinds of study abroad classes
Have you seen some of the classes that universities offer in other countries? You could learn Celtic religion and mythology in Ireland, take a ramen course in Japan, or study climate change among volcanoes in Patagonia.
Many study abroad courses allow you to get fieldwork experience with excursions! You may be even able to do independent coursework that’s specific to what you’re studying too.
7. Never having that additional study abroad experience on your resume
When hundreds of other people are applying for the same job you want, a study abroad experience on a resume will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants. It tells employers that you’ve gone outside of your comfort zone, traveled to another country, and gained new skills. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for interviews.
8. Giving up potential internship or work abroad opportunities
College is a critical time to gain more experience in your field with a job or internship. Many study abroad programs offer additional support to tie in those kinds of opportunities, which will allow you to get hands-on international experience. You may even be able to build an impressive portfolio from your time abroad. Your resume will outshine others even more!
9. Not developing special types of skills you get from studying abroad
You’ll grow in ways you never thought possible from studying abroad. You’ll learn how to solve problems more creatively, adapt to new situations, and develop intercultural communication skills. Most of all, you’ll learn how to be more independent and gain more confidence. Many of these skills will help better set you up for success in life!
10. Casting aside opportunities to make international friends for life
If you skip studying abroad, you might just miss out on meeting a lifelong best friend.
Many study abroad programs will often introduce participants with opportunities to network with excellent professors, special guest speakers, and world-renowned employers. You’ll likely meet people from around the world and all walks of life too.
From roommates to classmates, you could even end up with a new best friend (and maybe travel buddy). Additionally, once you’ve studied abroad, you’ll become an alum, which may offer benefits for future jobs down the road.
11. Not getting the type of support you get from study abroad programs
Almost all study abroad programs build international student support right into their programs with orientations, 24/7 assistance, accommodation assistance, course credit transferrals, and so much more. Also, if you’re ever in a situation where you need a translator or medical or mental health assistance, they’re often a great go-to resource. All in all, they have you covered before, during, AND after the program to ensure a smooth experience.
12. Passing on a once-in-a-lifetime experience
If you’re still asking yourself, “Will I regret not studying abroad?” then consider this: You may never get the opportunity again to explore certain places when you pass up a study abroad program.
You could even choose to study abroad in multiple countries or do a semester at sea. No matter where you choose to study abroad, you’re sure to fill pages of your life with amazing memories!
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 study abroad programs—it’s free!
3 study abroad providers to consider
Not sure where to start? Check out these top-notch study abroad providers!
1. World Endeavors
- Why? Featuring high ratings and raving reviews, World Endeavors offers study abroad destinations in countries all over the world! Every program includes plenty of support, vetted campus accommodation, academic credit, and flexible durations, to name a few perks. Whether you’re looking to dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or pet an alpaca in the Andes of Ecuador, rest assured that you’ll get a quality experience with World Endeavors.
- Where? Australia, Ecuador, England, France, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, and more!
- Read World Endeavors reviews
2. AIFS Abroad
- Why? The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS Abroad) is another top-rated provider with over 60 years of international experience under their belt. You’ll find a range of study abroad programs available across the globe, with plenty of amazing opportunities with cultural and social activities to boot! How does exploring the ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands or taking a sleigh ride to an Alpine lodge in Austria sound?
- Where? Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hungary, South Africa, and more!
- Read AIFS Abroad reviews
3. African Impact
- Why? If you’ve been searching for more of a non-traditional study abroad program to gain wildlife and veterinary experience, then definitely check out African Impact. They offer a 3-week hands-on wildlife veterinary assistance course in South Africa. Plus, the program includes accommodation, all meals, transportation, and even a survival course.
- Where? South Africa
- Read African Impact reviews
Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs side-by-side
Don’t miss out! Start planning for study abroad ASAP
If you skip studying abroad, you might just miss out on meeting a lifelong best friend.
Now you know all the reasons why you don’t want to say “I regret not studying abroad.” Don’t let this quote apply to you:
For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been.’ – John Greenleaf Whittier.
From trekking the Himalayas in Nepal to visiting the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand, one thing’s for sure—you’re sure to meet new people, develop new skills, and have an adventure to remember when you study abroad!
Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com!
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
