Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

A comfort zone is defined as a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested.

We all have to leave our comfort zones not once but many times in our lives. This is the only time we can tell ourselves that we have lived, and we lived to tell about it.

Studying abroad is the perfect example of being able to step outside your comfort zone.

Here are some reasons why you should consider studying abroad.

It helps us to be creative.

Without creativity there would be no innovation. It would be very difficult for us to imagine things when we are not creative. When you truly live your life, you are doing what you really like to do. This is what makes it so exciting and it challenges your mind into every possibility.

As Leo Burnett would say: “Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people” .

 

Travel opportunities.

This is I think, the best reason for you to study abroad. You get to go to a different country for crying out loud! Isn’t that just wonderful?

There are just too many places for you to visit and explore. From the urban areas to the hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Studying is a great chance for us to see another part of the world in our very own perspective.

Experience a new culture.

Once you are in a different country, you should try to understand the culture that they have. You will find impressive new foods, customs, traditions, and different social atmospheres. If you get in a difficult situation, “A smile is the same in every language.” It is a very important stress reliever when you are facing a predicament.Culture awareness is important.

You can then have a better understanding and respect for the nation’s history and people.

Becoming independent.

Living and studying in a different country will never be easy. You will always find yourself facing some challenges. You don’t need to worry because I am sure that you will be able to conquer these challenges. You will need to figure out things on your own and you will only have yourself to rely on. This might sound a little scary but hey, it gets better in the next few days. So, hang in there! You can definitely do it!

Connecting with other people.

This is the best time for you to meet other people. It doesn’t matter if they are from the same country that you are from or they live on the other side of the world. You have that chance of talking to other people, in English. It’s the right timing for you to practice your English skills and your people skills.

I have met so many students who were very shy at first, but as soon as you get to know them, they are not that shy after all! Hahaha! They can be a little crazy sometimes. We need to be a little crazy.

Making yourself stand out in a crowd.

Having some experiences of traveling to a foreign country for either business, pleasure or studying will always look good in your résumé. Your future employers and other people will want to hear of your adventures in a foreign land. This will make it easier for you to climb the corporate ladder. So, go on! Travel now.

Expanding your knowledge.

Studying abroad allows you to have different experiences in your life. You will be able to practice more on your English skills especially when you engage in a meaningful conversation with a local. When you are in a foreign country, you will be into new situations it might seem intimidating but these help you become a better individual.

One of the greatest ways to learn is “by doing.” 

Lifelong friends.

Studying abroad can open the opportunities in meeting lifelong friends. This gives you the chance of  getting to know your classmates and have lasting relationships with them.

When all is said and done and you have to go back to your home country, don’t forget to keep in touch. This does not only mean you have to send messages in your native language but also in English. Still, you’re learning.

 

As with any decision we make, there will always be some consequences we have to face. When there advantages, there will always be disadvantages. Here’s a few:

The never ending culture shock.

This is the first thing we always have when we are in a different country. People do things very differently from what we are used to. We might immediately feel homesick. Don’t worry!

Immerse yourself in the culture as quickly as possible. Go out. You can easily learn to adjust when you explore your new surroundings. 

Stop hiding and just go out! You are in a foreign country, you have to LIVE!

Language.

Yes, it’s always the language barrier.

But hey, in Cebu most people can understand and speak English so another thing that you shouldn’t really worry about. This is the best time for you to practice your English skills.

Living situations.

Most of my students have their pet peeves about living here in Cebu. The unpleasant smells on the streets, not enough traffic signals, traffic itself, noise pollution, weather conditions, cockroaches, ants, the air conditioning not being too cold enough, the beaches being so far away and a whole lot more. They are mostly vexed about a lot of things.

Yet, amidst all of these, they are still happy about living here in Cebu even if it’s just for a short time.

The Filipinos in general, are very kind-hearted, hospitable, patient and very warm. It’s one of the main reasons why they chose to study in the Philippines, in Cebu in particular.

A sweet ending.

Every country in the world has a very diverse culture. You can choose any country you want to go to and be happy with it.

Just enjoy your time out there.

Studying abroad opens more possibilities for you than you can ever imagine.

So why not give it a try?

Make the world your playground.

It’s yours to enjoy!