February 5, 2023
By Study Square
A study abroad essay is often required when applying to study abroad programmes, whether for a single semester or for an extended period of time. Students are starting to see studying abroad as an excellent option. It’s a fantastic experience to add to a CV, and it’s also a great chance to meet people, hone your language abilities, and see the world all while you’re still in school. Students are understandably eager to select their preferred study abroad locations and courses.
Since most universities want to ensure they are accepting students who are fully prepared for and committed to studying abroad, they often require applicants to submit a study abroad essay. The essay is an opportunity to demonstrate the university administration that you are committed to furthering your education by studying abroad, and therefore a chance to make a good first impression.
Follow some of these suggestions to make your study abroad essay stand out.
Define how your academic experience will be enhanced by studying in a different country
Many young people dream of studying in a foreign country simply for the adventure of it. Of course, these are critical considerations; but, the administration at your school also wants to know how and why your preferred study abroad location would improve your education.
The details matter! Describe how you expect your experience overseas to contribute to your development as a person and a professional. Avoid focusing on how much you believe you’ll learn and instead focus on what you will learn. Specifically, what do you hope to gain from participating in the programme? Why did you choose to attend school in that specific country as opposed to others?
More specificity is always preferable. It demonstrates to the college that you have given the programme careful consideration and are prepared to make the necessary sacrifices.
1. Be Yourself
Study abroad applications that show some individuality stand out as the finest. A professional tone is necessary for the essay, but don’t be scared to add some personality. If the university gets the impression that you are prepared to take on the obstacles of studying abroad, you will be prioritised.
Include a tale from your own experience that relates to studying or living in another country. Tell us about a time you experienced something completely new, like a trip abroad or making a new international acquaintance. To benefit most from studying in another country, you should be a well-rounded person with some experience.
Demonstrating that you have given careful consideration to your decision to study abroad and are prepared to uproot your life and move abroad requires a balance between showing enthusiasm and keeping your expectations realistic.
2. Elaborate on your qualifications
Whether you are a first-year student or about to graduate, your level of experience is a strong predictor of your success during study abroad. Your study abroad application essay will stand out more if you include relevant details from your past experiences.
Don’t forget to highlight your most impressive academic achievements, relevant professional experience, and any transferable abilities (like a second language) that could be valuable in your overseas endeavours.
The institution understands that you will gain valuable experience and knowledge while overseas, but they would still like to see what you can contribute to the programme.
3. Explain to them the rationale behind your study-abroad destination choice
Don’t just tell the institution that you’ll study anyplace as long as it’s overseas; instead, explain why a certain country or city is your top choice. Express your excitement for your new home by writing about the things you can’t wait to do and see in your application.
Be careful to plan ahead and do your homework. Give some examples of museums or landmarks that you would be interested in visiting. It will work in your advantage if you can additionally relate them to your course of study.
This will demonstrate to your institution that you are prepared to make the most of your study abroad experience and that you are making preparations to settle into your new environment.
4. Backing Arguments
Next, we’ll go over several ways to back up your claim about wanting to study abroad by building on themes you mentioned in the beginning.
Now is the time to use your imagination! Just what is it that has led you here? Why did you decide to study abroad, and why did you decide to study abroad with this specific programme?
Maintain a true and open attitude. Having grown up with books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia can be a valid reason to pursue a degree in English literature in an English university. It’s very normal for your fascination with sea turtles to be the driving force behind your decision to major in marine conservation in Costa Rica.
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of a career in international business and would like to study in Germany to better prepare yourself. All of these traits set you apart as a person and make you an intriguing candidate for studying abroad. Focus on how your study abroad experience will allow you to develop your interests, objectives, and dreams in ways that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
5. Provide Specifics
You should be specific about your intended outcomes while explaining the who, what, when, and why of your study abroad experience.
Study abroad programmes value enthusiasm, but they also care about what you hope to gain from your time abroad. In what ways will spending a summer, semester, or year abroad help you achieve your long-term educational or professional objectives?
6. A Two-Way Street
Instead of thinking on what you can provide your study abroad programme, think about what you can get out of it. Choosing a study abroad programme is only half the battle; proving your worth to the program’s administrators is also crucial.
After all, you will be representing your country and this programme in a foreign land. That way, whether you’re a great scientist or a world-leading politician, they may remark, “See that person? They want to make sure they’re accepting dedicated and deserving students into their programme. In our programme, they went overseas and studied!
In addition to the experiences and connections they provide, the level of the students who participate in study abroad programmes is crucial to their overall reputation. To that end, when writing your personal essay for your study abroad application, make sure to emphasise your unique contributions and how you plan to further the program’s goals.
7. A Powerful Charge to the Finish
Make sure you conclude your study abroad essay by bringing home the point you made. You should conclude with a clean, succinct phrase or two that summarises your original introduction, your motivations for studying abroad, and your future plans.
Don’t rehash yourself, but make your last few phrases count if you want the admissions officers at study abroad programmes to pay for your plane ticket.
8. Edits & Revisions
Never submit an essay without at least two rounds of revision and editing. After a second read-through, you might spot some mistakes or difficult sentences; after a third, you might have a great new idea you want to incorporate. Having another person read over your essay (or perhaps write it for you…) is a great approach to find any mistakes or misunderstandings in your writing.
9. Follow Instructions
Even though it may seem obvious, reading and following all the rules given will greatly reduce the likelihood that your study abroad essay will be rejected outright. For admissions purposes, some schools may have unique essay questions or formatting requirements.
Please follow these directions to the letter. Making a good first impression begins with this.
The best kind of essay is one that allows for free expression. Try some of our suggestions to spark some ideas. You should answer questions directly and briefly if asked. The ability to articulate your thoughts and share them with others is a skill that will be valued by your institution even if there are no definitive answers to any questions.
10. Send it in!
Correct your essay and submit your application on time. But don’t procrastinate; provide the study abroad programme your whole application packet well before the deadline. Spending weeks polishing an essay and application, just to miss the deadline, is one of life’s most frustrating experiences.
Read More: Guidelines for Drafting a Good Letter of Recommendation
This Is It: The Ultimate Essay for Study Abroad
If you’ve been following our guidelines so far, the study abroad essays you’re reviewing will land you a spot in the programme of your choice at the study abroad destination of your dreams!
Before you turn in your essay, be sure it has been thoroughly proofread. A second pair of eyes is always welcome, but having a professor or someone who has written a study abroad essay before look it over is ideal.
