It is time
for Africans, most especially Nigerians to stop doing the same thing and expect
a different result, especially in education where there is a need to adopt and adapt innovative
ways to aid the educational sector’s competition with developing counterparts.
The Global Student Exchange Program is designed by
Globe Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Partnership with Trade Nigeria to
give ample opportunity to students who want to ply their studies abroad.
Below are some ways the students’ exchange program will
enrich the personal' as well as the academic life of participating students.
1. The Student Will 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.
2 .
Studying Abroad Will
Expand Student’s Employment Opportunities
Not only is studying
abroad a great way to expand your perspective, but it can also boost your
employability. In an increasingly globalized 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.
3.
The Student Will 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.
4.
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.
5.
You Will Make New Friends From Around The World
One of the main
benefits of taking part in a student
exchange program 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.
6.
It Will Make
Subsequent Travelling 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.
