NỘI DUNG
As a generation of digital natives, Gen Zers are constantly seeking new and exciting opportunities to grow and explore the world around them. One of the most transformative experiences for young people today is studying abroad.
If you’re interested in studying abroad, here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Research different study abroad programs and universities to find the best fit for you
- Consider factors such as academic program or career outcome, location, and cultural immersion opportunities
- Talk to study abroad alumni or current students to get an insider’s perspective
- Look for scholarships or financial aid opportunities that can help make studying abroad more accessible
- Take advantage of language classes and immersion programs to improve your language skills
The benefits of studying abroad
Studying abroad is the key to unlocking your dreams, and it’s an opportunity that should not be missed. Whether you’re looking to gain new perspectives on the world, learn a new language, or immerse yourself in a different culture, studying abroad is the perfect way to open new doors and set yourself up for a successful future.
To make the most of your study abroad experience, consider the following:
- Take advantage of language classes and immersion programs to improve your language skills
- Join clubs and organizations to meet people from different backgrounds and gain a diverse perspective
- Take advantage of opportunities to travel and explore the country or region you’re studying in. This will give you an opportunity to learn about the culture and gain a deeper understanding of the people and place you are living in.
Spotting the next wave of opportunity
But, how to spot the next wave of opportunity? Just like Joff Redfern, Atlassian’s Chief Product Officer, you have to think about your career in terms of ‘waves’ of innovation. Joff has built a highly impactful career by riding the internet and mobile waves. He advises joining a business that is making an uncommon and opinionated bet on a wave, a business that represents a fundamental shift in how society operates.
So how do we build the confidence to bet on a new wave?
Research the latest trends in technology, artificial intelligence, and automation
- Look for opportunities to work on projects or internships that are on the cutting edge of innovation
- Consider studying fields that are likely to be in high demand in the future, such as data analysis or software development
- Network with people in the industry and seek out mentors who have experience spotting and riding waves of innovation.
It’s important to note that these are suggestions for building the confidence to bet on a new wave, but it’s also important to keep in mind that the most important thing is to not be afraid of making a bet, being wrong and learning from it.
The Future of Work and Studying Abroad
As we look to the future of work, it’s becoming increasingly clear that many jobs that don’t exist yet will be in high demand. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2022, the top 10 in-demand jobs will include roles such as data analysts, sales and marketing specialists, and software developers. One of the key ways to position yourself for success in the future of work is by studying abroad.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your study abroad experience and prepare yourself for the future of work:
- Seek out study abroad programs that offer courses or projects that align with your career goals or fields that are likely to be in high demand in the future.
- Use your time abroad to develop new skills such as language proficiency, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication.
- Network with professionals and alumni in your field of interest to learn about new and emerging job opportunities.
- Embrace opportunities to work on projects or internships that allow you to apply your skills and knowledge in real-world settings.
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that opens doors to new opportunities and provides you with the skills and experiences you need to succeed in the future of work.
The Entertainment of Traveling and Immersing in Culture
Studying abroad is not just about gaining academic knowledge and preparing for the future of work, it’s also about entertainment and experiencing the world. In today’s digital age, where everything is online, Gen Zers crave human interaction and real-life experiences that can’t be replicated online. That’s why immersing yourself in the local culture and traveling while studying abroad is an essential part of the experience.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your study abroad experience and immerse yourself in the local culture:
- Take advantage of opportunities to travel and explore the country or region you’re studying in
- Join clubs and organizations that focus on cultural activities or events
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying new foods, participating in festivals, and learning about local customs.
- Try to engage with the local community and make local friends, it will give you an opportunity to learn about the culture and the society from a different perspective.
Studying abroad offers the perfect opportunity to gain new experiences, learn about different cultures, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Make sure to take advantage of every opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and travel while you’re abroad.
The Consequence of Missing Waves for Underserved Students
While studying abroad and identifying the next wave of opportunity is important, it’s also important to consider the consequences of missing a wave for underserved students.
In many developing countries, the opportunity to study abroad is limited to the top 5% of the population, who have the resources and connections to access international education. For these students, studying abroad can be a stepping stone to a successful career and a better life. However, for the majority of students who do not have access to international education, the opportunity to catch the next wave of innovation and progress is much harder.
This is evident in countries like Vietnam, where 94% of students who have studied abroad return home and have an advantage to secure and be employed due to their international education. This can create a gap in the labor force, where underserved students are at a disadvantage when competing for jobs with those who have a first-world education.
It’s important to consider the consequences of missing a wave for underserved students, and work towards creating more opportunities for education and skill development for these students to ensure they have the same opportunities to succeed in the future.
Create Opportunities for Yourself
One of the most important lessons from Joff Redfern’s journey is that sometimes, the best opportunities come from creating them yourself. If you see a wave of innovation or progress that no company is currently working on, don’t be afraid to take action and create it yourself.
For underserved students, this can be especially important. Studying abroad can be expensive and out of reach, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the next wave of innovation and progress. You have the potential to create change and improve opportunities for yourself and others by taking action and creating opportunities within your community.
Here are some steps you can take to make studying abroad a reality:
- Research different study abroad programs and universities to find the best fit for your goals and interests.
- Look for funding and scholarship opportunities to help finance your studies.
- Network with alumni or current students to get an insider’s perspective on the program and the country.
- Create a plan and set specific goals for what you want to achieve during your time abroad.
- Take advantage of language classes and immersion programs to improve your language skills.
- Consider your career goals and look for study abroad programs that align with your career interests.
- Take advantage of opportunities to work on projects or internships that align with your field of study.
- Network with professionals in your field to learn about new and emerging job opportunities.
Remember that progress and innovation can happen anywhere! Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that can open doors to new opportunities and provide you with the skills and experiences you need to succeed in the future. With the right planning and preparation, you can make your study abroad dreams a reality.
However, studying abroad can be expensive and out of reach for many, especially for underserved students. But don’t let the cost discourage you from pursuing your dreams. There are ways to make studying abroad more affordable and accessible.
Study Stake is here to help you navigate the complex and confusing world of international education. As a SaaS platform, we provide personalized guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your future. Our expert team will work with you to understand your goals and interests, and connect you with the resources and financing options you need to make your study abroad dreams a reality. We are committed to helping you make studying abroad an affordable and achievable goal.
