Why to study abroad?
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FACT: Every student who wants to succeed in the global economy should study abroad.
Studying abroad is the most effective and accessible way for students to develop skills needed in globalized society, because it allows them to experience a new culture, language, environment, and education system. Research shows that students who study abroad have better grades, more confidence, and are more likely to graduate from college than students who do not study abroad. Furthermore, by studying abroad, students can learn to appreciate cultural differences and diversity firsthand, thus gaining precious knowledge that will help them when they invariably find themselves in an international setting.
Read the testimonies of the students who dared to take the plunge and experience student life in another country:
Mirko Mugoša, Montenegro
Right now, I'm in my final year of a master’s program in architecture in Maribor, Slovenia. Applying for a scholarship was not an easy task and it required a lot of effort and patience; nonetheless it was worth it. Living and studying in another country (no matter how close or similar to your home country it is) is a new, unusual, and unique experience. Beginning with a new language and environment, everything is changing rapidly making you adapt fast to new living conditions. You meet a lot of new people and that's what makes it most interesting about study abroad.
The study aspect is quite similar to one in Montenegro, but it still allowed me to broaden my knowledge and outlooks. It is in a new environment - in an environment completely different from what you are used to - one realizes how much he knows and does not know, and one becomes aware of himself in a professional sense. By interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures, you learn to be tolerant and respect others, as well as learn a lot about yourself. All in all, studying abroad is something I would recommend to everyone, because it's the best decision I have ever made in my life.
Larisa Gluhić, Bosnia and Herzegovina
I graduated from the Faculty of Law in Zenica. Even during my undergraduate studies, I started researching available scholarships, which would enable me to complete a master's degree abroad. I learned about the Erasmus program and I applied. I got a scholarship for a master's program at the Ljubljana Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security. I am one of the first students that was granted a scholarhsip from my school, and one of the few that studied abroad. I motivated a lot of my friends to study abroad, as well as helped them with the first steps in the process. Every young person should spend at least one period of his/her life outside of their country, in a different environment and culture, in order to better know themselves and their limitations, acquire new experiences and acquaintances, and generally become more open, resourceful, and tolerant. In addition to the new knowledge and experience, you gain unforgettable moments. Studying abroad was one of the best period of my life.
Mate Boban, Croatia
Studying abroad has opened doors for many opportunities that I would not have had if I stayed in Croatia. From internship opportunities in international companies, to the contacts that I have made, studying abroad allowed me to get ahead professionally. In addition, during the study, I met many interesting people – with some of them I developed a friendship for life. All in all, study abroad was the best decision I made, both personally and professionally.
Novak Novaković, Serbia
I started my university education at AUBG (American University in Bulgaria) and then later transferred to the School of Economics at the University of Ljubljana. I consider studying abroad a very important aspect of personal development. The greatest advantage of studying aboard is certainly the opportunity to get to know the world and then yourself. In addition to becoming more independent and responsible, you also have an opportunity to meet new people, gain new knowledge, and gather different perspectives. In today's world, which is becoming smaller, having a higher education degree does not mean much. Becoming enriched by experiences, which make you a better person and allow you to make positive changes after you return to home country, are the most important elements of this experience abroad.
Mirna Mlikota, Bosnia and Herzegovina
I am studying at the Music Academy, flute section in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Last year, as a sophomore, I got a Basileus scholarship and now I live in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It's been eight months since I arrived to this beautiful city. There are so many positive things I experienced. I encountered lots of people, cultures, and languages. I've made many friends from around the world. By conversing with them, I learned the basics of several languages. I had a good fortune to listen to concerts and attend seminars of top musicians. I got a chance to perform and play in numerous ensembles, because in Ljubljana there is a place for classical musicians, like myself. During these eight months I became a new person. Braver, more independent, with new knowledge, and ready for the challenges that await me in the future!
Đorđe Mrdak, Montenegro
I graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in Podgorica, and even during my undergraduate studies I knew that I wanted to continue my education elsewhere. Not because I was unhappy with the city I was living in, but because I felt that, as a student, I need to experience more, travel more, meet new people, start to live alone, and take care of myself. I prepared application documentation and applied for a master degree. I found myself in Slovenia, a country that hosted me and changed me, and who I got to love almost as my own.
Now I am writing my thesis at the University of Maribor, so I can finally start summarizing my impressions. Simply, studying abroad represents two perfect years of my life. New town, language, roommates, classmates, a new favorite cafes and pastries shops…
A little nervousness about applying to a foreign university cannot be compared with the possibilities that studying abroad offers!
Nermin Zubača, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Whether it is a one-year exchange, a full degree program, or additional training, experiences gained by studying abroad are of indescribable importance to each individual. In addition to learning how to rely on yourself and mastering a foreign language, students gain valuable contacts, establish new friendships, expand their horizons, and learn about new cultures and traditions.
Mila Damyanoska, Macedonia
My name is Mila, I'm 23 years old and come from Macedonia. I had an opportunity, which many young people from my country crave for, to study and live abroad. Nearly two years I am living and studying in Denmark, in one of the countries with the highest standard of living in the world, where I am currently writing a master's thesis in the field of immigration and social policy. Also, to sustain myself I found a part-time job and as a result I receive student aid from the state.
An experience of being a student in a country, which is quite different from the one you come from, had indeed transformed as a person in every sense of the word. I have become more responsible, more independent, more careful, I have improved my social and communication skills, and most of all - I have learned to accept and understand the differences in opinion, as much as I agree with them or not. Danish way of studying and living has allowed me to develop my creativity and analytical skills, as well as criticism. Yes, studying abroad is a big challenge, but I would strongly recommend it everyone ☺
Dunja Jalimam, Bosnia and Herzegovina
After a four-year study program in law at the University of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, I decided to enroll in a master’s program abroad. I was torn between Germany and Austria, but in the end, I decided to enroll in 'Business Law' program at the University of Economics in Vienna. Scholarship for study in Austria was difficult to find, but that was the only drawback. In Austria, every student, regardless of the degree, has the right to work a certain number of hours per week, hence, is able to finance him/herself. In case you do not know the language, you are entitled to a German language course in duration of 4 semesters. Recently, Austria has become a very attractive destination for the Western Balkan students; therefore, you are able to find a lot of practical information online. Vienna is a beautiful city, offers excellent opportunities, and almost every student is able to work or volunteer along his/her studies. Studying in a foreign language and in a foreign country requires a lot of work and effort and a lot of sacrifice, but it is certainly wonderful life experience.
Rike Brand, Germany
The only 'downside' about studying abroad is that you might get addicted to the intensity of the experience! I went twice during my studies - first to an English-speaking country, and several years later to another one, where I did not speak the language at all. I was scared both times, but challenging myself to jump right into the unknown was totally worth it. I gained self-confidence and a stronger trust in myself from mastering each everyday task - from finding an apartment in a strange city to talking to professors in a language other than my own. I met wonderful people at the university who soon became my friends, and before I knew it, I felt very much at home. I can only encourage everybody who considers studying abroad: Go for it and take this opportunity to experience an entirely new perspective - both on the world and on yourself.
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